Persephone the Daring
by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
Grades 3-7; Genre - Mythology/Folklore; GRL S-T; AR pts. 5.0
Though it means breaking some very serious Underworld rules, Persephone pushes Hades to return Eurydice to the living world.
Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1
- Define dependable. Trustworthy and reliable
- Why doesn’t Persephone like being labeled dependable? It’s boring; she doesn’t see that it’s a good trait to have p.12
Chapter 2
- Summarize how Hades showed good character in this chapter. He caught the boys spying on the girls and stopped them; he trusted Persephone and her friendship p.29
Chapter 3
- What’s the opposite of dependable? Unreliable; can’t be trusted
- How is Persephone undependable in this chapter? She changed her style p.42
- Is it a problem to change your style? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
Chapter 4
- Summarize this chapter. Persephone and her friends went to the concert, and she was pulled on stage and got Orpheus’ autograph on her arm p.51
Chapter 5
- From whose perspective is the author writing this chapter? Hades p.72
- How does he feel about being popular with the mortal girls? He doesn’t like it; he knows the truth and that he does a lot of boring things; he doesn’t want them to come to the Underworld p.72
Chapter 6
- Describe Eurydice. Orpheus’s backup singer and crush; unpredictable; free spirit; spontaneous; p.97
Chapter 7
- Choose a word to describe Eurydice. Explain. Irresponsible; thoughtless; selfish; inconsiderate; listen to your child’s answer
Chapter 8
- What do Persephone and Hades have in common? They are both rooming with the guests and hanging out with them p.104
Chapter 9
- Why did Hades get angry at Persephone? She told Eurydice sensitive information about him, and Eurydice put it into a song; it embarrassed Hades p.153
Chapter 10
- How is Eurydice a bad influence on Persephone? She encourages her to be more spontaneous and forgetful of her duties; she talks about personal things when she shouldn’t trust her p.159
Chapter 11
- How is Eurydice reckless and careless in this chapter? She went to the Underworld with Adonis and danced in the field with poisonous snakes; she expects to be let out without any consequences; she threw a fit when the Furies captured her and she fell towards the earth p.179
Chapter 12
- Why did Zeus stand by the Furies? It was a fair deal
- Do you agree with Eurydice’s punishment? Why, or why not? Listen to your child’s answer
Chapter 13
- Does Eurydice understand that her recklessness isn’t good? Explain. Listen to your child’s answer; no, she continues to make irresponsible decisions p.226
Chapter 14
- Summarize the trick Eurydice and Orpheus played on everyone. Eurydice pretended to break up the band and took off with Viper; they planned to get back together on stage and sing the song about the Underworld p.233
Chapter 15
- How did Persephone feel about being dependable now? She valued it; she’s grateful she and her friends are dependable p.246