Circe Chapters 11-13 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why does King Minos name himself after the Minotaur?

To associate himself with the glory the monster inspires.

Where does Daedalus wish he could go?

Egypt.

How is the Minotaur a victory for Pasiphaë? (Select all that apply)

Daedalus's guilt and his obligation to help (correct)

Minos's humiliation (correct)

Circe's obedience (correct)

Subjugating terror of the Cretans (correct)

Why does Pasiphaë criticize Circe's obedience?

Because the gods only listen to power. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pasiphaë say is the source of their power?

Spiteful resilience. Signup and view all the answers

What two parting gifts does Daedalus give to Circe?

Cloth and a beautiful loom. Signup and view all the answers

What makes Circe feel the significance of her exile?

If the rare herbs from Mount Dicte die, she will never see them again. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the King of Athens agree to sacrifice youths to the Minotaur, including his own son?

The alternative was going to war. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Adriane fall in love with?

Theseus, the King of Athens' son and one of the sacrifices. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Adriane cry for the Minotaur's death?

She had love for it as her brother. Signup and view all the answers

How does Adriane die?

She is killed by Artemis. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Circe deeply saddened by Adriane's death and Hermes' unsavory retelling of it?

All mortals, no matter their vivaciousness, will eventually die, but 'every petty and useless god' exists forever. Signup and view all the answers

What repulsive and disgusting story does Hermes tell of Circe's sister, Pasiphaë?

That after Minos raped several serving girls in front of her, Pasiphaë cast a spell that turned his semen into poisonous reptiles, so that each girl was stung to death from within. Signup and view all the answers

What is Circe's response to the story?

She is so sickened that she locks herself in her house and declares that she will shut out the other gods and their vengeful, wicked world forever. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the hooded strangers that visit Circe's island and what do they ask?

Jason, Prince of Iolcos, and Medea, witch demigod daughter of Aeetes. They ask for katharsis. Signup and view all the answers

What is Katharsis?

The cleansing of evil. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jason accept Aeetes' challenge?

He wants the golden fleece. Signup and view all the answers

What sin does Medea commit in order to out-sail her father?

She kills and cuts up her little brother and dumps him into the ocean, knowing her father will give his favorite son a proper burial. Signup and view all the answers

How does Medea justify her sins?

Aeetes would have tortured them all to death. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Aeetes despise his daughter for her power?

He worries he will take his secrets to another man. Signup and view all the answers

What is Circe shocked to hear about her brothers?

That they are now friends, plotting war against the Olympian. Signup and view all the answers

What does Circe see that makes her abandon her idea of reconciling with her brother, Aeetes?

His blank-faced boat crew, whose bodies show signs of torture. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Minos and the Minotaur

King Minos claims the name connected to the Minotaur to evoke the glory associated with the legendary creature.
Minos's reign is marked by humiliation due to the creature's existence.

Daedalus's Aspirations

Daedalus wishes to escape to Egypt, symbolizing a longing for freedom and knowledge.

Pasiphaë's Victory

The Minotaur represents Pasiphaë’s triumph over Minos, instilling fear among the Cretans.
Daedalus feels guilt and an obligation to assist Pasiphaë because of his role in the monster's creation.
Circe's compliance is portrayed as part of Pasiphaë's power dynamics.

Critique of Obedience

Pasiphaë disapproves of Circe's submissiveness, arguing that power, rather than obedience, garners the attention of the gods.
Power is regarded as stemming from a "spiteful resilience," demonstrating a harsh view on survival.

Daedalus's Gifts to Circe

Daedalus presents Circe with a loom and cloth, symbolizing craftsmanship and connection before parting.

Significance of Exile

Circe feels the sting of her exile acutely, especially as she may lose rare herbs from Mount Dicte, never to see them again.

King of Athens's Sacrifice

The King sacrifices youths, including his son, to the Minotaur to prevent a catastrophic war.

Adriane and Theseus

Adriane falls in love with Theseus, a tragic hero and one of the chosen sacrifices to the Minotaur.

Adriane's Loss

Adriane mourns the Minotaur's death due to her affection for it as her sibling.
She meets her end at the hands of Artemis, underscoring the tragedy of her situation.

Circe's Reflection on Mortality

Circe is sorrowful over Adriane's death and Hermes's grim retelling, pondering the transient nature of mortal life compared to the eternal existence of gods.

Pasiphaë's Tragic Tale

Hermes recounts a gruesome tale of Pasiphaë casting a fatal curse upon Minos's violated serving girls, leading to their horrific deaths.

Circe's Reaction to the Tale

Circe is overwhelmed with disgust by the story, choosing to isolate herself from the divine world filled with cruelty.

Arrival of Hooded Strangers

Jason, the Prince of Iolcos, and Medea, the witch demigod daughter of Aeetes, visit Circe seeking "katharsis," or cleansing of evil.

Aeetes's Challenge

Jason accepts the challenge posed by Aeetes in pursuit of the golden fleece, highlighting his ambition and bravery.

Medea's Sinful Act

To escape from her father, Medea murders her own brother and disposes of his body in the sea, ensuring that her father is distracted.

Justification for Medea's Actions

Medea rationalizes her heinous act by claiming that Aeetes would have condemned them all to death.

Aeetes's Distrust

Aeetes resents Medea's power, fearing she may share his secrets with another man, indicating familial tension.

Circe's Shock

Circe is alarmed to learn of her brothers’ alliance against the Olympians, revealing unexpected loyalties.

Change of Heart

Circe dismisses the notion of reconciling with Aeetes upon seeing the tortured crew, realizing the depth of their conflict.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts and events from chapters 11 to 13 of 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. Test your understanding of character motivations, symbolism, and significant themes presented in these chapters. Perfect for students wanting to enhance their comprehension of the text.