Part A

Question

Multiple Choice Question
The following question has two parts. Be sure to answer both parts.

In the text "The Myth of Achilles," what is ironic about Achilles’s reaction to Odysseus’s gift of the swords?
A.
Thetis’s plan to keep Achilles safe is undone by Achilles himself.
B.
The soldiers in the Greek army do not realize Achilles is the son of a goddess.
C.
Achilles is aware that Odysseus knows he is disguised as a girl.
D.
The females in the royal palace do not realize Achilles is a boy.
Part B
Multiple Select Question
Which excerpt from the text BEST supports your answer in Part A?
A.
"Thetis naturally hoped to prolong the life of Achilles, and made the decision to send him away to the island of Scyros, where he was raised as a girl to conceal his true identity." (Paragraph 3)
B.
"Achilles could not remain in hiding forever, though. When it was predicted that it would be impossible to capture Troy without the assistance of Achilles, the hero Odysseus was sent to Scyros to find Achilles." (Paragraph 4)
C.
"Achilles could not conceal his excitement when he saw the weapons. He seized them and revealed his identity, after which he joined the Greeks in their fight against the Trojans." (Paragraph 4)
D.
"Achilles donned a magnificent suit of armor and led the Greeks in their struggle against the enemy, himself defeating numerous powerful foes." (Paragraph 5)

Answer 1

Part A: The most fitting answer to the question about the irony of Achilles's reaction to Odysseus’s gift of the swords is:

A. Thetis’s plan to keep Achilles safe is undone by Achilles himself.

Part B: The excerpt that BEST supports the answer in Part A is:

C. "Achilles could not conceal his excitement when he saw the weapons. He seized them and revealed his identity, after which he joined the Greeks in their fight against the Trojans." (Paragraph 4)

This excerpt highlights how Achilles's desire to embrace his heroic identity leads him to reveal himself, which ultimately undermines Thetis's plan to keep him hidden for his safety.