Literature – Greek Mythology/Ancient Drama – I Can Statements for Fluent Readers 1. I can identify the common characteristics of a Greek myth: I know that Greek mythology is only considered nonfiction genre if the text is informing the reader about the Greek culture or is providing accurate historical information. I know that Greek myths are fictional tales that were created to explain natural events and to entertain readers. I know that Greek myths often had heroes who were mortals with great skills or strengths and had to overcome great difficulties. (Hercules) I know that many Greek myths contained lessons or had moral teachings. I know what a metamorphosis is and that many myths used a metamorphosis in the story.

2. I can summarize the key events of the Creation myth (Hesiod’s version): I know that the Greek civilization began about 1200 BCE, and Hesiod’s tale was written about 750 BCE I know who Gaea, Uranus, and Pontus were in the Creation tale. I know the names Gaea and Uranus’ three sets of children. I know 2 or 3 interesting facts about the Cyclopes and the Hecatoncheires. I know the purpose of Tartarus. I know why Cronus struck his father with a scythe (sickle). I know why Zeus was hidden on the island of Crete until he was older. I know why Cronus was forced to vomit. I know how the Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades received their powers and kingdoms.

3. I can identify key gods/goddesses I know who were the Primordial deities or the first 5 gods/goddesses from the Creation tale I know who were the 12 Titans/Titanesses (or at least most of the 12) I know the 12 Olympian gods/goddesses. I know what caused the Titanomachy War. I know who were the primary forces at war in the Titanomachy conflict. I know the interesting factors surrounding the creation of the Eryines (The Furies) and why they are referred to as “The Furious Ones.” I know the interesting factors related to the creation of Aphrodite. I know who the giants were and how they could be killed. I know who the Fates are and what their purpose was for all Greeks. I know who Charon (the ferryman) was and his purpose in the Underworld. I know who Nike was and her purpose. I know who Themis was and what she carries. I know who Prometheus was and why he was important; I even know his power.

4. I can identify the key literary elements of a Greek myth: I know where to look to find the setting information in a myth. I know that Greek myths generally do not have authors but “re-tellers.” I know that Greek myths were created in ancient times. (Setting information) I know that Greek myths will usually contain the 5 steps of a plot line.

5. I can identify some important Greek terms: I know what the term “theo” means I know what a scythe is I know what “Cronus” or “chronos” means I know what “parthenogenic” birth means I know what an “elixir” is I know what “machy” means I know what a “trident” is I know what a Greek “girdle” is I know what a “pomegranate” is I know what ambrosia and nectar are I know what a nymph is I know what a satyr is I know what a minotaur is I know what the Cerberus was in the Underworld I know what a “lyre” is and who made the first one I know what a “labyrinth” is and who had one built I know what a “caduceus” was and who had one I know what a “demi-god” is I know what an immortal is I know what an oracle was I know what “hubris” means

6. I can identify the following key characters from the myths we read: I know who Echo was and why she was important I know who Narcissus was and why he was important I know who Persephone was and why she was important I know who Arachne was and why she was important I know who Daedalus was and why he was important I know who Icarus was and why he was important I know who King Minos was and why he was important I know who King Midas was and why he was important

7. I can identify the characteristics of Greek drama: I know Greek theaters were semi-circular, open-air structures built into the side of a hill I know a theatron was the “watching” area where the audience sat on stone seats for up to 18,000 I know an orchestra was the flat, circular section for the chorus to perform; the “dancing” area I know the parados was a walkway for the chorus to enter and leave the orchestra I know the skene was the “acting” area for the 3 actors and the back became the backdrop I know all Greek actors were male and did not wear costumes but large masks I know that a Greek comedy was a play with a happy ending I know that a Greek tragedy was a play in which the protagonist suffered a downfall or death I know early Greek plays were held as a religious event especially for the god Dionysus I know that drama is a genre; literature which is meant to be performed