mckaywest11e

Quiz for Primary Source 4.2: Theocritus, Idyll 15, “The Women at the Adonis Festival”

1. Which of these best encapsulates Theocritus’s “The Women at the Adonis Festival”?

A prophesy of Greek social and cultural decline

A celebration of Athenian female virtue

A stern sermon on the danger of allowing women out in public

A humorous look at the flaws and foibles of Greek women

Correct. The answer is d. Theocritus poked fun at the less than devout behavior of female festivalgoers.

Incorrect. The answer is d. Theocritus poked fun at the less than devout behavior of female festival goers.

2. As a piece of historical evidence, Theocritus’s “The Women at the Adonis Festival” is best used to illuminate

poverty in Greek urban communities.

Greek rural life.

the day-to-day reality of Greek religious life.

the economic ties that bound Greek city dwellers together.

Correct. The answer is c. Theocritus allows us to see how religious practice fit into day-to-day urban life.

Incorrect. The answer is c. Theocritus allows us to see how religious practice fit into day-to-day urban life.

3. What motive did Theocritus suggest was behind Gorgo and Praxinoa’s decision to attend the Adonis festival?

A desire for enlightenment

A desire to have something to gossip about

Deep personal piety

A desire to please their husbands

Correct. The answer is b. Gorgo lets slip the women’s true motive when she says, “sightseers make good gossips.”

Incorrect. The answer is b. Gorgo lets slip the women’s true motive when she says, “sightseers make good gossips.”