Week of 8/23

Phaeton study Guide
1. Who is Phaethon’s mother?

2. What request does Phaethon make of the Sun? Why does he make this request?

3. Give three reasons why the Sun’s daily journey is difficult.

4. Why does Apollo have to keep his promise to Phaethon?

5. Why do the horses run wild?

6. What happens to Phaethon?

7. How were the deserts made, according to this myth?

8. Explain the words written on Phaethon’s tomb.

9. Describe Phaethon’s character.

10. What is the underlying theme of this myth?

11. Is Phaethon’s fearlessness heroic or foolish?

12. What qualities of a hero does Phaethon have? What heroic qualities does he lack?

II. Literary Elements

Personification- giving non-living things the characteristics of life. Explain the following examples
1. “It is said that it was then the Nile fled and hid his head, which is still hidden
2. “You will have to pass beasts, fierce beasts of prey….The Bull, the Lion, the Scorpion, the great Crab, will each try to harm you.”

Conflict- opposing forces; there are 2 basic types of conflict – internal and external.
What is the main conflict that drives this story? Explain.
What is the internal conflict Apollo faces?