Athena and Arachne

• English
• Secondary Education
• Age 12,13

Why is it important to be humble? 

Expected Learning Outcomes

I WILL BE ABLE TO:

 * Share my thoughts and views on why it is important to be humble.

* Read the short read ‘Athena and Arachne’ and relate with its central idea.

* Answer the questions based on the short read.

What do you learn right away
about Arachne?

What do you learn right away about Arachne?

Suggested answer

Arachne is a superb weaver. She works in the fields by day and weaves at night. She is very proud of her hard work and skill.

Who do you think is shown in the painting?
How do you think the picture reminds
people of the significance of the story?

Who do you think is shown in the painting? How do you think the picture reminds people of the significance of the story?

Suggested answer

It is probably Arachne in the painting, because it is a girl holding a spiderweb, and Arachne is a girl who becomes a spider. It teaches people the lesson that pride is self-destructive.

The author avoids contractions and
uses archaic words and phrasing.
Find some examples of these on page 1.

The author avoids contractions and uses archaic words and phrasing. Find some examples of these on page 1.

Suggested answer

contractions for: did not, do not, I have

archaic: maiden, 'I fear not Athena.'

Do you think Athena punished or rewarded Arachne? Share evidence from the story
to support your answer.

Home Fun

Read the short read ‘Athena and Arachne’.

SUCCESS CRITERIA
Now, I CAN:
* share my thoughts and views on why it is important to be humble.
* relate with the central idea of the short read ‘Athena and Arachne’.
* answer the questions based on the short read.

1. Strongly agree
2. Agree
3. I need some help.

Expected Learning Outcomes

I WILL BE ABLE TO:

* share their thoughts and views on how anger sometimes stops us being able to work things out.

* read extracts from the short read ‘Athena and Arachne', and answer the questions based on the short read.

Let's share...

How can anger sometimes stop us being able to work things out?

Match the pairs.

nevertheless

nimble

deities

toiled

nymphs

struggled

immortals

however

active

sprites

'Even she would be impressed by your skill.'
Which skill is being referred to here?

Which of the following best describes Arachne?

1. arrogant
2. humble
3. haughty
4. (A) and (C)

What does 'Be more heedful...' mean?

However, the woman did not depart. Instead, to rebuke Arachne's arrogance, she transformed herself...'
Who was the woman?

1. Athena
2. Arachne
3. One of the sprites

'I fear not Athena; no, nor anyone else!'
List Arachne's character traits as conveyed in the above lines.

What was the challenge?

Why did the onlookers shrink back?

Which pair of the following words used in the third group of paragraphs are synonymous?

1. foolish - glorious
2. vain - boast
3. onlookers - bystanders
4. scudding - weaving

What does 'to be spellbound' mean?

Why was Arachne so sad and angry?

Did Goddess Athena punish or reward Arachne? What makes you think so?

Home Fun

Create a mind map highlighting the traits of Athena and Arachne. Include at least four adjectives for both the characters.

SUCCESS CRITERIA
Now, I CAN:
* Share their thoughts and views on how anger sometimes stops us being able to work things out.
* Answer the questions based on the short read ‘Athena and Arachne'.

1. Strongly agree
2. Agree
3. I need some help.