Lesson plan based on Cycladic Figure

Interpret the myth of Arachne and its depiction of women’s activities and valued traits.

Skills and Focus: Reading, Discussion, Critical Analysis

Subject Area: English Language Arts

Thematic Connection: Myths and Legends

Grade Level: Secondary School

Time Needed: 50 minutes

Objectives

• Understand the myth of Arachne and the concept of metamorphosis.

• Discuss the activities, concerns, and other aspects of women's lives in ancient Greece.

• Understand ancient myths as explanations for curious natural phenomena.

Instructional Materials Needed

Story: Who Is This?

Warner, Rex. "Arachne," in Adventures for Readers Book One. Orlando: Harcourt Brace

Jovanovich, 1989.

Activity

Step 1: Watch the story Who Is This?, which introduces the myth of Arachne as a story that details events in the lives of Greek women (the subject of the Cycladic Figurine) and explains a natural phenomenon. Then have students read the story. Explain that this story presents a myth intended to explain the existence of the spider. When students have finished the story, discuss the place of women in Arachne's society.

Critical Thinking Ask students to

• identify which social class these women seem to belong to.

• assess their level of education.

• explain how Arachne's lifestyle is apparent in her attitude.

Step 2: Discuss the ending of the story.

Critical Thinking Ask students to

• explain why Arachne hangs herself.

• illustrate what this tells the reader about Arachne.

• conclude, in light of the suicide attempt, whether Minerva's spell is a punishment or a blessing.

Step 3: Ask students to write a sequel to the myth of Arachne, from the perspective of Arachne the spider, who is seeking revenge either on Minerva or on all modern women. Remind students that Arachne the spider’s actions and motivation must be consistent with those of Arachne the woman. Encourage students to share their sequels.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 1: Read with understanding and fluency.

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 2: Understand explicit and implicit meaning in literature representing individual, community, national, world, and historical perspectives.

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 4: Write to communicate for a variety of reasons.

© 2000, by The Art Institute of Chicago. All rights reserved. Use of this program is subject to the terms below. No part of this program may be reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any form or by any means, except for personal or classroom use. All Copyright in and to the program, in whole or in part, belongs to the publisher and its licensors and is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office