Greek Fables: Misery and Death

Questions and Answers

How does the theme of greed manifest in the story of Rumpelstiltskin?

The theme of greed is evident through the king's demand for more gold and his willingness to marry the miller's daughter purely for her ability to spin straw into gold.

In what way does the character of the miller's daughter evolve throughout the story?

The miller's daughter transforms from a helpless girl into a resourceful queen, ultimately defying Rumpelstiltskin by discovering his name.

What lesson about the power of names can be inferred from Rumpelstiltskin's story?

The story suggests that knowing someone's true name gives one power over them, as shown when the queen reveals Rumpelstiltskin's name to save her child.

What does Rumpelstiltskin symbolize in the context of the fable, particularly concerning wisdom and deals?

Rumpelstiltskin symbolizes the dangers of making deals without understanding the consequences, serving as a cautionary figure regarding wisdom in decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

How does despair play a role in the decisions made by the miller's daughter?

Despair drives the miller's daughter to accept risky deals with Rumpelstiltskin, showing how desperation can lead individuals to make unwise choices. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson does 'The Ant and the Grasshopper' convey about preparation and hard work?

The story teaches that hard work and preparation are essential, as the Ant's efforts ensure survival during winter while the Grasshopper suffers due to its lack of foresight. Signup and view all the answers

How does the character of the Fox illustrate the theme of trust in 'The Fox and the Crow'?

The Fox illustrates that flattery can be deceptive; he manipulates the Crow into dropping its cheese by praising it insincerely. Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Lion and the Statue,' what does the Lion's response reveal about the nature of perspective?

The Lion's response highlights that different perspectives can lead to varying interpretations, as he points out that the statue represents a man's biased view. Signup and view all the answers

What common theme about human behavior is conveyed through the characters in these fables?

These fables collectively convey themes about the consequences of one's actions, whether through preparation, trust, or perspective. Signup and view all the answers

How do the themes of wisdom and character development overlap in the fables mentioned?

Wisdom in these fables is gained through the actions of the characters, such as the Ant's hard work, which leads to character development and the understanding of life's lessons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aunty Misery and Death

Aunty Misery feels guilty and proposes a deal to Death, promising to free him if he does not come for her.
Death accepts the deal, leading to their coexistence in the world.

The Ant and the Grasshopper

The ant works tirelessly during summer to gather food, while the grasshopper indulges in singing and dancing.
In winter, the grasshopper, lacking food, asks the ant for help but receives none.
Theme: Emphasizes the importance of preparation and hard work.

The Fox and the Crow

A crow finds cheese and perches on a branch to eat.
A cunning fox flatters the crow to distract it, leading to the crow dropping the cheese.
Theme: Warns against trusting those who use flattery for personal gain.

The Lion and the Statue

A discussion occurs between a man and a lion about strength, with the man arguing that humans are superior due to intelligence.
The man presents a statue depicting Hercules defeating a lion, believing it supports his claim.
The lion points out that the statue is made by a man, highlighting potential bias in perspectives.
Theme: Different interpretations can arise from varying perspectives.

Rumpelstiltskin

A miller boasts about his daughter’s ability to spin straw into gold, leading the king to test her skills.
She struggles to complete the task and is helped by a little man who demands her necklace in exchange for spinning.
The king continues to test her, leading to increasingly difficult challenges and the promise of marriage upon success.
The little man ultimately demands her firstborn child, which she agrees to under duress.
After the child is born, she must guess the little man's name to save her child, ultimately discovering it is Rumpelstiltskin.
He becomes enraged upon being named, leading to his demise.
Themes: Greed, the significance of names, and the consequences of despair.

The Old Grandfather and His Little Grandson

An elderly grandfather lives with his son, daughter-in-law, and young grandson but is mistreated due to his frailty.
After breaking his bowl, the grandparents are forced to eat from a wooden bowl.
The grandson's act of making a wooden dish for his parents sparks a realization in them about their treatment of the grandfather.
Theme: Illustrates the need for respect towards the elderly.

The Wise Old Woman

In a village in Japan, a young lord decrees that anyone over seventy-one must be abandoned in the mountains.
A kind farmer struggles with the decree regarding his elderly mother but faces punishment for disobedience.
The mother accepts her fate, marking the path to find her way back.
The farmer decides to protect his mother, building a hidden room for her safety for nearly two years.
Theme: Highlights the value of compassion and respect for the elderly.

Description

Explore the intriguing tale of Aunty Misery who strikes a deal with Death, ensuring their coexistence in the world. This quiz also covers the moral lessons from 'The Ant and the Grasshopper,' highlighting themes of hard work and preparation versus carelessness. Test your understanding of these classic fables.