famous people [reading comprehension] [perseus]

Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa In Ancient Greece there was a cruel king called Polydectus who wanted to marry a woman called Danae. Danae had a brave son called Perseus, who was not fond of Polydectus. The king decided to send Perseus away on a dangerous quest, hoping that he would not return. Perseus' quest was to kill the Gorgon Medusa and bring back her head. Medusa was once a beautiful but vain girl. She made the mistake of boasting that she was the most beautiful girl in the land, better looking than any goddess. The gods heard this and as punishment they turned her in to a Gorgon a monster with snakes for hair. Worst of all, anyone she laid eyes upon immediately turned to stone. Knowing that his quest was impossible, Perseus visited the Temple of Athena to pray for help. The gods heard his prayer and granted him 5 gifts. These were a helmet of invisibility, a sword, a shiny shield and a magic pouch. The final gift was a pair of winged sandals from Hermes, which gave Perseus the ability to fly. Perseus flew to the cave where Medusa lived and bravely walked through the entrance. But how could he defeat a creature he could not look at? Perseus remembered his gifts from the gods and used his shield to look at Medusa's reflection. He shut his eyes, swung his sword and with one swoop cut off Medusa's head. He placed it in the pouch and set off back to King Polydectus. The king grabbed the head and, before Perseus could warn him, looked in to the Gorgon's eyes, instantly turning him to stone. Perseus had succeeded in his challenge and now his mother was safe.

1. Where does the story take place? In Ancient Egypt where a pharaoh wants to marry a woman is disliked by the gods. In Ancient Greece where a king wants to marry a woman who's son dislikes him. In Ancient Greece where the ruler wants to marry a man who is not another god. 2. Who are the main characters? Polydectus the king, Danae the woman, Persius her son, Medusa the Gorgon. Persius the king, Medusa the woman, Polydectus her son, Danae the Gorgon. Polydectus the king, Danae the woman, Hermes her son, Gorgon the Medusa 3. How does the story unfold? [What and When] Perseus sent Polydectus on a quest to kill Gorgon and bring back her head. Perseus sent Polydectus on a quest to kill Danae and bring back her head. Polydectus sent Perseus on a quest to kill Medusa and bring back her head. 4. How does the story continue? [What and When] The gods give Perseus a helmet, sword, shield, magic pouch and winged sandals. The gods give Perseus a sword, a shiny shield, a stone and leather sandals. The gods give Perseus a helmet, sword, shield, magic pouch which contains snakes. 5. What is the conflict? [Why and How] Perseus has to find a way to capture Medusa without looking at her. Perseus has to find a way to kill Medusa using the magic sword and shield.. Perseus has to find a way to cut off the head of Medusa without looking at her. 6. What is the climax of the story? {What and How] Using the reflection in the shield he cuts off the head without looking at her. Using the shield he reflects Medusa's image back at her and she turns to stone. He uses the sword, helmet and shield to cut off her head without looking at her. 7. What is the resolution of the story? [What] Perseus takes the head to Polydectus who looks at it and gives it to Danae. Perseus takes the head to Polydectus who looks at it and forgives Medusa. Perseus takes the head to Polydectus who looks at it and turns to stone.

READ the story CAREFULLY. Down the right hand side there are 7 questions about the story. Choose one of the 3 alternatives which you think is the correct answer for each question. Clicking the "GET SCORE" button will show you how well you have understood the text.