Prometheus Mythology: Critical Thinking Questions
Watch the following video and then answer the following questions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_u91SjrEOE
Multiple Choice Quiz
1. Prometheus's act of stealing fire can be best interpreted as:
A) A simple act of rebellion
B) A metaphorical representation of human technological advancement
C) An attempt to directly challenge Zeus's authority
D) A random act of mischief without deeper meaning
2. The punishment Zeus imposed on Prometheus symbolizes:
A) Divine retribution for disobedience
B) The cyclical nature of suffering
C) The inevitability of individual sacrifice
D) The complexity of power dynamics between gods and mortals
3. When Prometheus shaped humans "in the image of the gods", this suggests:
A) Humans were physically identical to gods
B) Humans possessed inherent potential for growth and complexity
C) Gods were merely larger versions of humans
D) Humans were exact replicas of divine beings
4. Prometheus's trick with the bull sacrifice demonstrates:
A) His culinary skills
B) His ability to manipulate divine judgment through cunning
C) His disrespect for religious rituals
D) His preference for beef over other meats
5. The story suggests that fire represents:
A) Merely a source of warmth
B) A catalyst for human civilization and technological progress
C) A divine punishment mechanism
D) A simple cooking tool
6. Percy Bysshe Shelley's interpretation of Prometheus portrays him as:
A) A villain
B) A romantic hero embodying moral and intellectual perfection
C) A minor mythological character
D) A literal representation of technological innovation
7. The phrase "potential of individual acts to ignite the world" most closely means:
A) Setting physical fires
B) The power of individual actions to create significant change
C) Literal combustion
D) Political revolution
8. Zeus's reaction to Prometheus can best be described as:
A) Calm and measured
B) Driven by wounded pride and a desire to maintain absolute control
C) Supportive of human progress
D) Indifferent to human development
9. Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" subtitle connection suggests:
A) Prometheus was a scientist
B) A warning about technological overreach
C) The similarity between mythological and scientific narratives
D) The dangers of creating life artificially
10. The recurring liver-eating vulture metaphorically represents:
A) Divine nutrition
B) Eternal punishment and resilience
C) Bird migration patterns
D) Mythological dietary habits
11. Prometheus's relationship with his brother Epimetheus suggests:
A) Complete familial harmony
B) Strategic collaboration despite different perspectives
C) Total disagreement
D) Competitive rivalry
12. The narrative implies that human progress is:
A) Entirely controlled by divine forces
B) A result of challenging existing power structures
C) Impossible without external intervention
D) Predetermined and unchangeable
Answer Key:
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. B
6. B
7. B
8. B
9. B
10. B
11. B
12. B
Scoring Guide:
10-12 correct: Exceptional mythological understanding
7-9 correct: Strong critical thinking skills
4-6 correct: Developing analytical abilities
0-3 correct: Needs further exploration of the narrative
