Narrative Reading Test Practice

Round 2-- Mythology

Theme and supporting evidence
1. What is one possible theme from Arachne? What evidence from the text supports
this theme?
2. What is one possible theme from Prometheus and Pandora? What evidence from
the text supports this theme?

1.

Vocabulary or unfamiliar words/phrases in context

In the following passage, what does the word "obscure" mean?
"She lived in an obscure little village..."

2. In the following passage from Prometheus and Pandora, what would be another
word for intrigue?
After hours of waiting, her intrigue got the best of her...
3. In the following passage from Prometheus and Pandora, why is the word planted
an appropriate word choice?
...the curiosity that the gods had planted deep inside her bubbled to the surface.
4. In the following passage from Prometheus and Pandora, what would be another
word for crafty?
...Prometheus the crafty Titan deceived him...
5. In the following passage from Prometheus and Pandora, what would be another
word for fashion?
Put in it the voice and strength or humankind, and fashion a sweet, lovely
maiden-shape, who looks like the stunning immortal goddesses.

Genre and story elements

1. What is the setting of Arachne?
2. What is the main conflict of Prometheus and Pandora? How is that conflict
resolved?
3. Who is the protagonist in Prometheus and Pandora? Who is the antagonist?

Analysis of story elements (how plot, characters,

setting, and theme interact)
1a. In the myth called Arachne, what is the author showing the readers about Arachne
in the following passage:
"Arachne was used to being wondered at, and she was immensely proud of her
skill that had brought so many to look on her. Praise was all she lived for, and it
displeased her greatly that people should think anyone, even a goddess, could
teach her anything."
1b. In Arachne, how does this character trait (from the above passage in #1a)
contribute to the events at the end of the story?
2. In Arachne, how does the setting affect the plot of the story? (In other words, why
does it need to be in this setting to work?)
3. Why would the village being obscure be important to the story of Arachne? In other
words, how does an obscure village help drive home the message or theme of the
story?
4a. In Prometheus and Pandora, based on the following passage, what does the
author want us to know about Zeus:
In one episode, Zeus, in the anger of his heart, hid fire from men, because
Prometheus the crafty Titan deceived him...
4b. In Prometheus and Pandora, based on the following passage, what does the
author want us to know about Zeus:
...Zeus gathered together all the sickness, hatred, and misery and packed a large
jar full of it as a wedding gift to the new couple. As an extra measure, he also
added a hint of hope.
4c. In Prometheus and Pandora, how do these character traits of Zeus (from #4a and
#4b) contribute to the conflict in this story? In other words, how might the conflict be
different if Zeus were not this way?
5a. In Prometheus and Pandora, based on the following passage, what does the
author want us to know about Pandora:
Zeus demanded that Hermes plant within her [Pandora] lies, crafty words,
curiosity and a deceitful nature...

5b. In Prometheus and Pandora, how do these character traits (from #5a) contribute
to the ending of the story? In other words, how would the ending be different if she were
not this way?

Authors craft (why this word/phrase?

foreshadowing?)
1. In Arachne, what hints does the author give that show you something terrible is
going to happen to Arachne? Where is the foreshadowing that she will be turned into a
spider?
2. In Prometheus and Pandora, what clues does the author weave into the text early
to let the reader know that Pandora will open the jar and the contents will not be
pleasant?
3. In the following passage from Prometheus and Pandora, why is the word haunt
an appropriate word choice?
The men gods, on the other hand, had different intentions which would haunt the
mortals forever.