1. Medusa’s Head
Study Guide-Test WEDNESDAY
Comprehension: Write the answer to the question on the line provided in
COMPLETE sentences.
ANSWERS ARE IN RED!
1. The oracle of Apollo tells King Acrisios that the king’s fate is to be
murdered by his grandson.
2. King Acrisios thinks he can avoid this fate by putting his daughter in an
underground prison.
3. What is the main reason that Polydectes asks Perseus to get the Gorgon’s
head? He hopes Perseus will die so he can marry Danae.
4. What happens to people who look at Medusa? They immediately turn to
stone.
5. How does Persues battle the sea monster sent by Poseidon? He shows
Medusa’s head to the sea monster.
2. 6. At the end of the myth, Polydectes is completely surprised that-Perseus
returns alive.
7. List three traits of mythic heroes that Perseus has
a. He can request assistance from other supernatural powers.
b. He struggles against evil.
c. He slays a monster.
8. List three objects that Perseus uses in his quest for Medusa’s head
a. The hat of darkness.
b. Winged sandals.
c. A sword made of hard, adamant rock.
d. A shield.
e. A knapsack.
9. How does King Acrisios die? He dies accidentally when a discus thrown by
Perseus hits him.
10. What is the most central subject of the myth?
The idea of FATE.
3. Literary Focus: Write the answer to the following questions on the lines
provided in COMPLETE sentences.
1. List three characteristics of most Greek Myths, like “Medusa’s Head”
a. The presence of gods and goddesses.
b. Supernatural heroes.
c. One-dimensional characters.
2. Why is Perseus a mythic hero? He has supernatural powers and faces a great
challenge.
3. What do the heroes from myths such as “Medusa’s Head” stand for? Hopes
and fears of the society In which the author lives.
Vocabulary: On the line provided, write the word that best completes each
sentence using the word bank provided.
hovered recesses descended perplexity perpetual
4. 1. When Zeus came down to visit Danae, he descended through a tiny hole in
the chamber where she was locked up.
2. Stories like “Medusa’s Head” center on the perpetual battle between good
and evil.
3. There was no light in the dark, empty recesses of the cavern.
4. Perseus was confused and prayed to Athene to help him out of the
perplexity of his situation.
5. Perseus hovered in the air before he dropped silently toward the Gorgons.
Constructed Response: On the test, you will have to answer the following question
IN PARAGRAPH FORM to support your answer. Paragraph form means at least
FIVE COMPLETE sentences. You may practice your response at home to study!
“Medusa’s Head” is an ancient Greek myth that has a mythic hero. Who is
the mythic hero? Why is this character considered a mythic hero? Support
your answer with examples from the story.
Make sure to answer each part of this question to get full credit.
Points will be taken off for incomplete sentences.
