Consider the below passage and answer the questions.

Question

Shortened Version of: The Fairy Tale: "The Serpent Groom"

Once, a poor woman prayed for a child, even if it were a snake. God granted her wish, and she gave birth to a snake, which slithered away. She mourned its loss but never forgot it.

After twenty years, the snake returned, speaking: "Mother, I need a bride. Ask the tsar for his daughter’s hand." The woman hesitated but obeyed. The tsar laughed and set conditions: the snake must build a bridge of jewels. Miraculously, the bridge appeared. Next, the tsar demanded a grander palace, and the snake delivered. Lastly, he required a treasure-filled castle, which also appeared. Impressed, the tsar gave his daughter in marriage.

The princess soon conceived. She revealed a secret—her husband shed his snake skin each night, becoming the most handsome man. The old woman, eager to keep him that way, burned the skin. The prince despaired, but his wife and mother reassured him. The tsar, amazed by the tale, gave him the kingdom, where he ruled wisely and happily until death.

Question 1
Prompt: Analyze whether the story’s ending aligns with or deviates from traditional fairy tale conclusions. Respond in 3-5 sentences.

(Tip: One way to respond to this prompt is to write about this ending and another fairy tale's ending. Then explain if they are similar or different and how.)

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(2 points)
0 / 10000 Word Limit
Question 2
What did the poor woman wish for? (1 point)
Responses

To become rich
To become rich

To leave her village
To leave her village

To have a child
To have a child

To find a husband
To find a husband
Question 3
How did the tsar's view of the snake change? (1 point)
Responses

From angry to neutral
From angry to neutral

From skeptical to impressed
From skeptical to impressed

From curious to dismissive
From curious to dismissive

From supportive to hostile
From supportive to hostile
Question 4
What does the princess's acceptance reveal about the story? (1 point)
Responses

Inner worth matters more than looks
Inner worth matters more than looks

Social status determines value
Social status determines value

Magical abilities define worth
Magical abilities define worth

Physical beauty is most important
Physical beauty is most important
Question 5
How is the story structured? (1 point)
Responses

In a flashback sequence
In a flashback sequence

In chronological order with challenges and resolutions
In chronological order with challenges and resolutions

Through multiple narrators
Through multiple narrators

As a series of letters
As a series of letters
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Answer 1

Question 1
The story's ending aligns with traditional fairy tale conclusions, where good ultimately triumphs and characters find happiness. Similar to "Cinderella," where the protagonist overcomes adversity and achieves a happy ending, "The Serpent Groom" concludes with the prince gaining a kingdom and ruling wisely alongside his wife. The resolution also emphasizes redemption and acceptance of one's true self, common themes in fairy tales, contrasting with darker stories like "The Little Mermaid," where the ending bears more tragic consequences.

Question 2
To have a child

Question 3
From skeptical to impressed

Question 4
Inner worth matters more than looks

Question 5
In chronological order with challenges and resolutions