This study guide for Helen, by Euripides was prepared by the students
of John Marshall High School’s Gifted, Highly Gifted, High Ability
Magnet during the fall of 2003 and is part of an ongoing effort;
comments, questions, or suggestions are welcome at Online Literature
Study, JMHS Magnet, Silverlake, California, 90027.
*Beginning to Teucer: Aye, and after helping to sack it, myself did I
learn what ruin meant.
Cell #1- At the Nile
“Lo! These are the fair virgin streams of Nile, the river that waters
Egypt’s tilth, fed by pure melting snow instead of rain from heaven.
Proteus during his lifetime was King of this land…”
Summary: This is when Helen is close to the Nile River, and she’s
staring into it.
Reading Q: Who was once the king of that land?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word virgin most closely
means…
a) Unspoiled
b) Dirty
c) Nasty
d) Unnatural
Discussion Q: Why do you think Helen is telling us where she is?
Why isn’t Helen in Troy?
Cell #2- Two Kids in Palace
“Two children she bare in this his palace, a son Theoclymenus, who
hath passed his life in duteous service to the gods, and likewise a
noble daughter, her mother’s pride, called Eido…”
Summary: Helen is talking about Proteus and how he had two
children.
Reading Q: How many kids lived in Proteus’ palace?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word duteous most closely
means…
a) Proper action of one’s position
b) To look at cruelly
c) Action of one’s selfish bologna
d) To yell at a mother
Discussion Q: Do you consider yourself your mother’s pride? Why?
Would you name your son Theoclymenus? If so, would he love you?
Cell #3- She Introduces Herself
“My name is Helen, and I will recount the sorrows I have suffered. To
a hollow vale on Ida came three goddesses…”
Summary: Helen is praying to the gods to help her get rid of her
sorrow.
Reading Q: How many goddesses came to Ida?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word vale most closely means…
a) Veil
b) Ravine
c) Valley
d) Sky
Discussion Q: If you were in such sorrow, would you pray to the
god(s)? Why?
Should Helen be proud that a war was fought for her?
Cell #4- Paris wants Helen
“Now Cypris held out my beauty, -if aught so wretched deserves that
name, -as a bride before eyes of Paris, saying he should marry me;
and so she won the day…”
Summary: Cypris is telling Helen that she is beautiful because Paris
wanted her to be his wife.
Reading Q: Who wanted Helen to be his wife?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word wretched most closely
means…
a) Gleeful
b) Backstabbing
c) Distrustful
d) Grievous
Discussion Q: Do you think Helen was feeling better about herself?
Why?
What does the story of Helen imply about the correlation of physical
beauty and morality?
Cell #5- Set up as a prize
“So I was set up as a prize for all the chivalry of Hellas, to test the
might of Phrygia, yet not I, but my name alone; for Hermes caught me
up in the embracing air, and veiled me in a cloud…”
Summary: Helen was set up as a prize without her consent.
Reading Q: Who was set up as a prize?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word chivalry most closely
means…
a) Fathers of brides
b) Sinners of school
c) Spirits of the ideal knight
d) Imaginary people
Discussion Q: Why do you think they chose Helen to set as a prize,
instead of someone else?
Would a matriarchal society have set up Paris as a prize?
Cell #6- Helen ends prayer
“But I, from regard to my former husband am throwing myself down in
suppliant wise before this tomb of Proteus, praying him to guard my
husband’s honour…”
Summary: Helen is in front of Proteus’ tomb.
Reading Q: What is Helen doing in front of Proteus’ grave?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word suppliant most closely
means…
a) Someone who loves and chafes
b) Someone who prays and begs
c) Someone who hurts and heals
d) Someone who hates and growls
Discussion Q: If you were Proteus’ ghost, would you answer Helen’s
prayer? Why?
If you were the tomb, would you laugh or sneer at Helen?
Cell #7- Teucer is in Helen’s house
“The house is one I may compare to the halls of Plutus, with its royal
bulwarks and towering buildings…”
Summary: Teucer comes into Helen’s house as a stranger; he
compliments the house, and she asks him who he is.
Reading Q: Whose house is Teucer in?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word bulwarks most closely
means…
a) Big bricks
b) Concrete
c) Mud walls
d) Wall-like defense
Discussion Q: Do you think Helen will give Teucer her true identity?
Why has Teucer arrived—boon or bane for Helen?
Cell #8- Who are you?
“One of those hapless Achaens am I, lady…”
Summary: The man says he’s sorry for his anger and tells Helen that
he’s an Achaean.
Reading Q: What did he say he was?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word hapless most closely
means…
a) Unfortunate
b) CRAZY!
c) Fortunate
d) Shaken
Discussion Q: What do you think this Achaean wants?
Will Helen attack Teucer?
Cell #9- Teucer
“My name is Teucer, my sire was Telamon and Salamis is the land that
nurtured me…”
Summary: He tells her that his name is Teucer and he’s from Salamis.
Reading Q: Who was his sire?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word sire most closely means…
a) Mama
b) King
c) Papa
d) Sister
Discussion Q: What do you think he seeks in Helen?
Will this character have an important role in this story or does he only
carry a message?
Cell #10- He wanders…
“A wanderer am I, an exile from my native land…”
Summary: She asks him why he’s visiting the meadows by the Nile
and he says he was kicked out of his native land.
Reading Q: Why is he visiting the meadows?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word exile most closely
means…
a) A person banished
b) A person swimming
c) A person who explores
d) A person that fishes
Discussion Q: Why do you think he was exiled?
Would you guess he was banished by his father, a judge, or a spirit-why? What could have been so terrible such that he was banished?
Cell #11- An exile
“My father Telamon. Couldst find a nearer and dearer…”
Summary: She asks him who made him an exile, and he said his
father Telamon did.
Reading Q: Who made him an exile?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word dearer most closely
means…
a) Less Hated
b) More Loved
c) Slightly Tickled
d) Sneakily Warm
Discussion Q: Why do you think his father drove him out?
Should Teucer return home and confront his father?
Cell #12- Suicide
“The death of Ajax my brother at Troy was my ruin…”
Summary: He says his father threw him out of their land because his
brother, Ajax, committed suicide.
Reading Q: How did Ajax die?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word ruin most closely means…
a) Downfall
b) Fault
c) Up fall
d) Crammed
Discussion Q: If his brothers’ death was caused by suicide, why is his
father banishing Teucer?
What is the metaphor on psychology represented by the character of
Ajax?
Cell #13- The ruin
“When he [Achilles] died, he left his arms for his comrades to
contest…”
Summary: Teucer tells Helen that he suffers because he didn’t join in
his brother’s death. He came to Ilium and helped sack it.
Reading Q: Which town did he sack?
Whose armor did the Greeks want?
Vocabulary Q: In the quote above, the word comrades most closely
means…
a) Amigos falsos
b) Enemies
c) Lovers
d) Companions
Discussion Q: Why do you think he helped sack Ilium?
Cell #1
1. So though camest, sir stranger, to Ilium’s famous town?
Aye, and, after helping to sack it, myself did learn what ruin meant.
2. Helen asks Teucer if he went to Troy, and he answers that he
helped destroy the city, then learned the true meaning of hell on
earth.
3. What is Ilium's famous town?
4. In the quote above the word sack most nearly means...
a. Loot, plunder
b. wash drag
c. bag, pack
d. sing, smile
5. Why is Treucer unhappy, if he helped win the war?
Cell #2
1. Is Troy already fired and utterly by flames consumed?
Yea, so that not so as one vestage of her walls is now to be seen.
2. Helen asked if Troy was already burned to the ground. Treucer said
it had.
3. What city was fired?
4. In the quote above the word fired most nearly means...
a. To be sacked from your job
b. to have quit
c. to have been set fire to
d. to be killed
5. Why did they set fire to Troy?
Cell #3
1. Woe is thee, poor Helen! Thou art the cause of Phrygia's ruin.
2. Helen is blaming herself for Phrygia's ruin.
3. What is Phrygia's ruin?
4. In the quote above the word ruin most likely means...
a. killing of a book
b. death of a parasite
c. destruction of a place
d. the running of a breath
5. Why does Helen blame herself?
Cell #4
1. And did ye capture that Spartan's dame?
2. Helen is asking if they caught Menelaus' wife.
3. Who is the Spartan's dame?
4. In the quote above the word dame most nearly means...
a. wife
b. wastrel
c. man
d. boy
5. Why would they want to catch Menelaus' wife?
Cell # 5
1. Hath Menelaus reached his home by this time with his wife?
2. Helen is asking if Menelaus is home with his wife. Treucer says that
the both of them seemed to vanish.
3. Has Menelaus reached his home?
4. In the quote above the word reached most nearly means...
a. to extend your arm
b. to fall
c. to arrive at
d. to jump
5. Who is Menelaus' wife?
Cell #1: Helen. “Crying next to Proteus’ Tomb.”
“The voice of one crying aloud in her anguish; yea, such a cry of woe
as Naiad nymph might send ringing o’er the hills”
a) The Chorus is saying that Helen is crying because Proteus died and
she is very upset. It is saying that the cry is so loud and annoying that
she might compete with a Naiad nymph screaming at Orpheus.
b) According to the Chorus, why is Helen is crying?
c) “while to her cry the depths of rocky grots re-echo her screams at
the violence of Pan”
In this quote, the word grots most nearly means:
A) houses
B) ditches
C) caves
D) mountains
d) Do you think that Helen should expose her sensitive side?
Is Helen truly crying for Proteus or for selfish reasons?
Cell #2: Helen. “The day that Zeus got Leda pregnant.”
“‘twas a day of sorrow meted out for thee when Zeus came glancing
through the sky on snowy pinions like a swan and won thy mother’s
heart.”
a) The Chorus tells Helen that the day in which Zeus came down and
got Helen’s mother pregnant was sorrowful. They say this because if
Helen’s mother, Leda, had not become pregnant, Helen would not
have been born, and she would not have been suffering.
b) Why was the day that Helen’s mom got pregnant sorrowful?
c) “Thy mother is dead; the two dear sons of Zeus have perished
miserably, and thou art severed from thy country’s sight”
In this quote, the word perished most nearly means:
A) corroded, died
B) constructed, built
C) endured, survived
D) sang, choked
d) Do you think that the Chorus meant to say that Helen was a
mistake?
Cell #3: Helen. “ Quest for Helen’s Love.”
“Hence it was that Priam’s son his cursed barque did build, and sped
by Barbarian oars sailed unto my home, in quest of beauty, woman’s
curse, to win me for his bride”
a) Helen is remembering when Paris built himself a sailing ship and
sailed to Helen’s home. Paris had sailed to her home in hope that
Helen would marry him.
b) Why did Paris sail to Helen’s home?
c) In the quote above, the word quest most nearly means:
A) domination
B) the act of relinquishing
C) thirst for laundry
D) journey, in search of some boon
d) Do you think that Paris was forced to sail for Helen’s home? Why or
why not?
Is beauty “woman’s curse,” as Helen says?
Cell #4: Helen. “Helen’s Physical Features.”
“My life and all I do is one miracle, partly owing to Hera, and partly is
my beauty to blame. Would God I could rub my beauty out like a
picture”
a) Helen is saying that everything she does and her own life as well
are miracles. Part of that miracle she owes to Hera and part to her
beauty, which she wishes to erase like a picture.
b) What does Helen wish to do with her beauty?
c) “to a single phase of fortune, and meets ill-usage at heaven’s
hands”
In this quote, the word ill-usage most nearly means:
A) abuse, not properly used
B) obstacle in climbing course
C) consigning goods to market
D) proper use of hands
d) Do you think that Helen is getting the respect she deserves, or is it
only her beauty that is attractive?
Cell #5: Helen. “Helen’s Reputation.”
“ Although I have never sinned, my good name is gone”
a) Helen is saying that even though she has never sinned before, her
reputation is ruined because people think that she murdered people,
and that she was the cause for many suicides.
b) Why is Helen’s reputation ruined?
c) “if a man incurs blame for sins that are not his”
In the quote, the word incurs most closely means:
A) becomes subject to
B) closes quickly
C) escapes a fine
D) hates style
d) Is it right for the people to see Helen as a murderer before actually
getting to know her?
Cell #6: Helen. “Menelaus’ Fate.”
“And the last anchor that held my fortunes, the hope that my husband
would return one day, and rid me of my woes, is now no more, lost
since the day he died.”
a) Teucer, an Achaean mariner, told Helen that Menelaus is dead.
Now, Helen believes that her husband is dead, and she had been
hoping that all of her trouble would go away once Menelaus came
back. However, since she believes that he is dead, she believes that
her troubles will never go away.
b) Who told Helen that Menelaus is dead?
c) “and those twin brethren, called the sons of Zeus, are now no
more.”
In this quote, the word brethren most nearly means:
A) brothers
B) enemies
C) breaths
D) slaves
d) Would you believe that your husband is dead simply because
someone told you, or would you confirm it? Why?
Cell #7: Helen. “To commit suicide, or not to commit suicide?”
“Why then do I prolong my life? What fortune have I still in store? . . .
Best for her to die; but how shall I die a noble death?”
a) Helen thinks that there is no reason for her to live, since, she
believes, Menelaus is dead. She is asking if there is a noble way to
commit suicide.
b) Why does Helen want to commit suicide?
c) “a barbarian lord, seated at his sumptuous board?”
In the quote, the word sumptuous most nearly means:
A) dilly, confusing
B) magnificent, splendid
C) dirty, rusty
D) dim, dull
d) Would committing suicide actually get rid of Helen’s trouble? Why or
why not? Would her troubles follow her to an afterlife?
Cell #8: Helen. “The Chorus’ opinion about Teucer’s news.”
“Helen, never believe that the stranger, whoe’er he was that came,
has spoken naught but truth.”
a) Helen is being told not to believe everything that Teucer told her
about peoples’ fates.
b) Who is the Chorus telling Helen not to believe?
c) In the quote above, the word naught most nearly means:
A) plentiful
B) knot
C) nothing
D) everything
d) Is it right for the Chorus to tell Helen what to believe, or should
Helen have her own opinion?
What would you do if a chorus followed you around narrating your life,
praising your accomplishments, and accusing you for shortcomings?
Cell #9: Helen. “Theonoe, the Ocean Nereid.”
“Go in and question the daughter of the ocean Nereid, who knoweth all
things”
a) The Chorus tells Helen to see the prophetess, Theonoe, about
Menelaus’ fate.
b) Is the Chorus angry, sad, demanding or apologizing to Helen?
c) “and with thee inquire of the maiden’s oracles”
In the quote, the word oracle most closely means:
A) fighter of heroes
B) predictor of fortune
C) mother of criminals
D) prospector of minerals
d) Would you believe a fortune teller?
Cell #10: Helen. “ Invitation to Theonoe’s Palace.”
“Kind friends, I welcome your advice. Come in, come in, that ye may
learn the result of my struggle within the palace.”
a) Helen is inviting the Chorus to come in with her into Nereid’s
palace. She is inviting them to see her struggle.
b) With whom is Helen expecting to have a struggle?
c) In the quote above, the word struggle most nearly means:
A) resisting, fighting off
B) envious spite
C) greedy hunger
D) recklessly breaking something
d) Predict what will happen to Helen inside the palace.
Cell #11: Helen. “Prophetess of Sorrow.”
“Dear mistress mine, be not a prophetess of sorrow, forestalling
lamentation.”
a) Once again, the Chorus is telling Helen that she should not engage
in sorrow and lamentation. They are telling her to be strong.
b) Is the Chorus saying that lamentation and sorrow are good feelings
to engage in?
c) In the quote above, the word forestalling most closely means:
A) to start a problem before
B) an averting of horse stalls
C) manipulating tears
D) temporary hesitation
d) If you were in Helen’s situation, would crying help you feel better or
would it make you feel worse?
Helen part 5
Cell 1
“What can I think or say? For after my previous troubles, this is a fresh
piece of ill-luck I hear, if, indeed, after recovering my wife from Troy
and bringing her hither, and putting her for safety in the cave, I am
then to find another woman living here with the same name as my
wife. She called her the begotten child of Zeus.”
Menelaus is asking the Portress about the other woman named Helen
that is the daughter of Zeus.
What does the word hither mean?
a) to here
c) to there
b) to go
d) to come
What do you think Zeus will do with the other Helen?
Cell 2
“Can there be a man that hath the name of Zeus by the bank of Nile?
The Zeus of heaven is one, at any rate.”
Menelaus is asking the Portress if there can be any other person
named Zeus because he doesn’t believe that the woman named Helen
is Zeus’ daughter.
What does the word Portress in this quote mean?
a)servant
c)fairy
b) dog
d) god
Why do you think Menelaus doesn’t believe that Helen is Zeus’
daughter?
Cell 3
“Lo! Once again I seek the shelter of his tomb, with Theonoe’s sweet
tidings in my ears; she that knoweth all thin of truth; for she saith my
lord is yet alive and in the light of day, albeit he is roaming to and fro
after many a weary voyage, and hither shall come whenso he reached
the limit of his toils, no novice in this wanderer’s life. But one thing she
did leave unsaid. Is he to escape when he hath come? And I refrain
from asking that question clearly, so glad was I when she told me he
was safe. For she said he was somewhere nigh this shore, cast up by
shipwreck with a handful of friends. Ah! When shall I see thy come?
How welcome will thy advent be! (She catches sight of Menelaus.) Ha
who is this? Am I being snared by some trick of Proteus’ impious son?
Oh! Let me, like a courser at its speed, or a votary of Bacchus,
approach the tomb! For there is something wild about this fellow’s
looks, who is eager to o’ertake me.”
Helen is going to a tomb and is saying what Theonoe told her, and
then she saw Menelaus.
What does the word snared mean?
a) Followed
b) Watched
c) Caught
d) Talked
Do you think Helen will recognize Menelaus? Why?
Cell 4
“Who art thou? Whom do I behold in thee, lady?
Menelaus saw Helen and he is asking her who she is.
What does the expression “Who Art Thou?” most likely mean?
a) Where are you?
b) Who are you?
c) What are you?
d) How are you?
Do you think Menelaus will recognize Helen afterwards?
Cell 5
“ Nay who art thou? The Self- same reason prompts us both.”
Helen does not recognize Menelaus either.
What does the word prompts mean in this sentence mean?
a) to beware, train
b) to hurry, sleep
c) to spur, incite
d) to take, crush
Why do you think they don’t recognize each other?
Cell 6
“Art thou from Hellas, or a native of this land?”
“From Hellas; but I would learn thy story too.”
“Lady, in thee I see a wondrous likeness to Helen.”
“And I in thee to Menelaus; I know what not to say”
“Well, thou has recognized aright a man of many sorrows”
“Hail! To thy wife’s arms restored at last”
Menelaus and Helen are talking and then they recognize each other.
What does the word wondrous mean?
a) surprising
b) horrible
c) nice
b) bad
Cell 7
“Nor yet am I in my single person the husband of to wives”
“What other woman calls thee lord”
“The inmate of yonder cave, whom I from Troy convey ”
“ Thou hast none other wife but me”
“ Can it be my mind is wondering, sight failing”
Helen and Menelaus are arguing and Menelaus is saying that he has
another wife and then he says that she is his only wife; then Menelaus
thinks that he is going crazy.
What does the word lord in the quote mean?
a) Friend
c) king
b) Roommate
d) husband
What do you think will happen next in the play?
Cell #1- Fake Helen
Messenger: Was it not then in her power to decide all the trouble in
Troy?
Menelaus: It was not: I was tricked by the gods into taking to my
arms a misty phantom-form, to my sorrow.
Messenger: How so?was it then for this we vainly toiled?
Menelaus: ‘Twas Hera’s handiwork, and the jealousy of three
goddesses.
Who sent the phantom-form?
In the quote above, vainly most closely means:
a. happily
c.sadly
b. uselessly
d. for a greater good
Did they fight over the fake Helen all this time?
Cell #2- Real Helen
Messenger: Is this real woman, then, thy wife?
Menelaus:This is she;trust my word for that.
The Messenger is asking Menelaus if this lady is the real Helen and
Menelaus is sure she is.
What does the messenger ask Menelaus?
In the quote above, thy most closely means:
a. his
c. your
b. her
d.their
How is that Menelaus knows that it’s the real Helen?
Cell#3- Asking for help
Menelaus: Come. old friend, oft hast thou stood side by side with me
and taken thy full share of toil; so now be partner in my happiness.Go,
tell my comrades, whom I left behind, the state of matters here, as
thou hast found them, and the issue of my fortunes; and bid them
wait upon the beach and abide the result of the struggle, which I trow
awaits me; and if mayhap we find a way to take this lady from the
land by stealth, tell them to keep good watch that we may share the
luck and escape, if possible, from the barbarian’s clutch.
Menelaus is saying that he needs the messenger to help him escape
with Helen.
Who is Menelaus asking for help?
In the quote above, trow most closely means:
a.to think
b. to have
c.to drink
d. a gardening tool
Do you think they can trust the messenger?
Cell #4- Don’t believe prophets
Leader: My views about seers agree exactly with this old man’s:
whoso hath the gods upon his side will have the best seer in his house.
The leader of the chorus is saying that he agrees with the
messenger that prophets are worthless, and he says whoever has the
gods on their side will know what’s gonna happen.
What does the Messenger think of prophets?
In the quote above, whoso most closely means:
a. who
c. whatever
b. one who sews
d.whoever
Do you think they are right not to believe prophets?
Cell #5- How Menelaus came back
Helen: Good! so far all is well.But how camest thou, poor husband,
safe from Troy? though ‘tis no gain to know, yet friends feel a longing
to learn all that their friends have suffered.
Helen is asking Menelaus how he came from Troy, and even though
there’s no reason for her to know, she wants to know how much he
suffered.
Where did Menelaus come from?
In the quote above, thou most closely means:
a. you
c. he
b. him
d. your
If you were Helen, would you want to know how much your husband
suffered?
Cell #6- How Menelaus suffered
Menelaus: That one short sentence of thine contains a host of
questions.Why should I tell thee of our losses in the Aegean, or of the
beacon Nauplius lighted on Euboea?or of my visits to Crete and the
cities of Libya, or of the peaks of Perseus? For I shall never satisfy
thee with the tale, and by telling thee should add to my own pain,
though I suffered enough at the time; and so would my grief be
doubled.
Menelaus won’t tell her how much he suffered because he says it’ll
only add to his misery.
Why won’t Menelaus tell Helen how he suffered?
In the quote above, grief most closely means:
a. regret
c. happiness
b.sorrow
d.guilt
If you were Menelaus, would you tell your wife how much you
suffered?
Cell #7Menelaus Gone for a long time
Helen: Thy answer shows more wisdom than my question.Omit the
rest and tell me only this; how long wert though a weary wanderer
o’er the sea’s face?
Menelaus: Seven long years did I see come and go, besides those ten
in Troy.
Helen asks Menelaus only to tell her how long he wandered over the
sea and he says seven years besides the ten he spent in Troy.
How long has Menelaus been away?
In the quote above, weary most closely means:
a. wildly
c. happy
b.tired
d. excited
Do you think Helen is happy with the answer?
Cell #8-Menelaus Should Leave
Helen: Alas, poor sufferer! ‘twas a weary while.And thou hast
thence escaped only to bleed here.
Menelaus: How so? what wilt thou tell? Ah wife, thou hast ruined
me.
Helen: Escape and fly with all thy speed from this land.Thou wilt be
slain by him whose house this is.
Helen tells Menelaus it’s too bad he suffered that much but now he
has to leave or he’ll be killed by the person that lives there.
Does Helen want Menelaus to stay?
In the quote above, ruined most closely means:
a. harmed
c. loved
b. liked
d. seen
Do you think Helen is sad that Menelaus has to either leave her or
die?
Cell #9- Who will Helen marry?
Helen: Thou hast arrived unexpectedly to thwart my marriage.
Menelaus: What! is some man bent on marrying my wife?
Helen: Aye, and on heaping those insults on me, which I have
hitherto endured.
Menelaus: Is he some private prince, or a ruler of this land?
Helen: The son of Proteus, king of the country.
Helen tells Menelaus that she’s going to marry the son of Proteus.
Who is Helen about to marry?
In the quote above, hitherto most closely means:
a. to here
c. from this time
b. to this time
d. to there
Is Menelaus jealous and would you be jealous if you were him?
Cell #10- Menelaus Begging
Helen: Surely thou wert not begging food? Ah, woe is me!
Menelaus: That was what I was doing , though I had not the name of
beggar.
Menelaus tells Helen he was begging for food, even though they
didn’t call him beggar.
What was Menelaus begging for?
In the quote above, wert most closely means:
a. weren’t
c. wasn’t
b. isn’t
d. doesn’t
Why did Menelaus have to beg for food?
Cell #11- Menelaus is Jealous
Helen: Of course thou knowest, then, all about my marriage.
Menelaus: I do.But whether thou hast escaped thy lover, I know not.
Helen: Be well assured I have kept my body chaste.
Menelaus: How wilt thou convince me of this? If true, thy words are
sweet.
Menelaus accuses Helen of “doing things” with her husband-to-be,
and Helen denies it.
What does Menelaus accuse Helen of?
In the quote above, chaste most closely means:
a. chapped
b. morally pure
c. chase
d. close
Do you think Helen likes her new husband?
Cell 1~ “The First Messenger Enters in haste”
Quote~ Messenger
“At last I find thee, Menelaus, after an anxious search, not till I have
wandered through the length and breadth of this foreign strand; I am
sent by thy comrades, whom thou left behind.
Menelaus
“What news? Surely you were not spoiled by the barbarians?”
Messenger
“A miracle hath happen; my words are too weak for the reality.”
Summary~ A messenger has come into the scene. It seems like this
messenger has something important to say because he has traveled a
great distance to get to Menelaus.
Reading Comprehension~ Who comes into the scene?
Vocabulary~ “At last I find thee, Menelaus, after an anxious search,
not till I have wandered through the length and breadth of this foreign
strand; I am sent by thy comrades, whom thou left behind.”
In the quote above, the word wandered most nearly means…
a) meandered
b) yonder
c) wondered
d) stirred
Discussion~ How do you think Menelaus feels when the messenger
speaks to him about his news?
Cell 2~ “The First Messenger Enters in haste”
Quote~ Messenger
“…in heaven she is hidden, and as she left the hollowed cave where we
were guarding her, she hailed us thus, “Ye hapless Phrygians, and all
Achaea’s race! For me Scamander’s strand by Hera’s arts ye died from
day to day, in the false belief that Helen was in the hands of Paris.
But I … will now depart unto the sky that gave me birth; but she
unhappy daughter of Tynadareus, through no fault of hers, hath borne
an evil name without reason.”
Summary~ The messenger talks of the news he had to give to them.
The messenger …
Reading Comprehension~ What is the messenger’s news?
Vocabulary~ “Ye hapless Phrygians, and all Achaea’s race! For me
Scamander’s strand by Hera’s arts ye died from day to day, in the
false belief that Helen was in the hands of Paris.”
a) filthy
b) unfortunate
c) worthy
d) starry
Discussion~ How do you think these news will affect Menelaus and
Helen?
Cell 3~ “The First Messenger Enters in haste”
Quote~ Helen
“O rapture! The very hair upon my head starts up for joy! my tear runs
down! Around my neck I fling my arms, dear husband, to hug my joy
to me.”
Summary~ Well, Helen is obviously, extremely happy. Helen is happy
from the news the messenger shares with them.
Reading Comprehension~ How does Helen feel from the Messenger’s
news?
Vocabulary~ “O happy, happy sight! I have no fault to find; my wife,
he daughter of Zeus and Leda, is mine again, she whom her brothers
on their snow-white steeds, whilst torches blazed, made my happy
bride, but gods removed her from my home.”
In the quote above, the word steeds most nearly means…
a) roses
b) pearls
c) horses
e) hairs
Discussion~ Do you think that Helen is justifiably happy? As in, does
she have the right reason for being happy?
Cell 4~ “The First Messenger enters in Haste”
Quote~ “Evil into good transformed hath brought us twain together at
last, dear husband; but late though it be, God grant me joy of my
good luck!” Helen
Summary~ Helen talks and talks about happy she is. Here, she says
that what just happened made her and Menelaus, and her love, closer
together because nothing will be in their way. She hopes that nothing
else will interfere with them and may they be ever so happy.
Reading Comprehension~ What does Helen hope for?
Vocabulary~ “Evil into good transformed hath brought us twain
together at last, dear husband; but late though it be, God grant me
joy of my good luck!”
a) brought
b) joined
c) killed
d) two
Discussion~ Do you think anything else will interfere with Menelaus
and Helen?
Cell 5~ “The First Messenger Enters in Haste”
Quote~ Helen
“Alas! Alas! ‘tis a bitter tale thou askest to hear.”
Menelaus
“Speak, for I must hear it; all that comes is Heaven’s gift.”
Helen
“I loathe the story I am now to tell.”
Summary~ Helen has something to say, seemingly bad. Menelaus
wants to hear it. Helen doesn’t want to say it though.
Reading Comprehension~ Does Helen have something to say? Does
she want to say it?
Vocabulary~ “I loathe the story I am now to tell.”
a) despise, hate
b) share, divide
c) warn, cry
e) fasten, glue
Discussion~ What do you think Helen will say?
Cell 6~ “The First Messenger enters in haste”
Quote~ Helen
“I ne’er set forth to be the young barbarian’s bride, with oars and
wings of the lawless love to speed me on my way.”
Summary~ Helen says that she her love is greater than before. She
has no other reason not to love Menelaus.
Reading Comprehension~ What has grown on Helen as she found out
that she can love Menelaus wholly?
Vocabulary~ “I ne’er set forth to be the young barbarian’s bride, with
oars and wings of the lawless love to speed me on my way.”
In the quote above, the word oars most nearly means…
a) beef jerky, yarn
b) hair, dreads
c) paddles, propellers
d) braces, spikes
Discussion~ How do you think Menelaus feels about what Helen is
confessing right at the moment?
Cell 7~ “The First Messenger enters in Haste”
Quote~ Menelaus
“A miracle! Who sent thee thither? O monstrous story!”
Helen
“I wept, and still my eyes are wet with tears. ‘Twas
the wife of Zeus that ruined me.”
Summary~ Menelaus figures out that Hera, wife of Zeus, was the
cause of Helen’s agony. Helen confesses this to him.
Reading Comprehension~ Who does Helen say ruined her?
Vocabulary~ “A miracle! Who sent thee thither? O monstrous story!”
In the quote above, the word thither most nearly means…
a) to there
b) crying
c) hidden
d) hapless
Discussion~ Why do you think Helen tells Menelaus this now?
Cell 8~ “The First Messenger Enters in Haste”
Quote~ Helen
“From Paris, to whom that goddess pledged me.” Menelaus “Woe for
thee!”
Helen “And so she brought me hither to Egypt to my
sorrow.”
Summary~ Helen tell Menelaus what Hera did to her that made her so
sorrowful.
Reading Comprehension~ Where did Hera send Helen to suffer?
Vocabulary~ “From Paris, to whom that goddess pledged me.”
Menelaus “woe for thee!”
Helen “And so she brought me hither to
Egypt to my sorrow.”
a) Cry, the beloved country
b) Misery, in danger of failing
c) stop, in the name of love
d) sing, the body electric
Discussion~ Do you think that what Helen is saying about what she
had to deal with will affect the storyline later?
Cell 9~ “The First Messenger Enters in Haste”
Quote~ Helen
“My mother is no more; my shameful marriage made her fix the noose
about her neck.”
Menelaus “Ah me! Is our daughter Hermoine yet alive?”
Helen “Still unwed, childless still, she mourns my fatal marriage.”
Summary~ Here Helen tells Menelaus that her mother hanged herself
and that Helen’s marriage was a very strong part of why her mother
died.
Reading Comprehension~ Who’s fault is Hermoine’s death?
Vocabulary~ “…my shameful marriage made her fix the noose about
her neck.”
a) sailor’s scarf
b) hangman’s knot
c) nonpaying tenant
d) annoying leak
Discussion~ Do you think Helen completely blames herself for her
mother’s loss?
Cell 10~ “The First Messenger Enters in haste”
Quote~ Helen
“From my country, city, and from thee heavens cast me forth unhappy
and accursed, because I left, -and yet not I,- home and husband for
union of foul shame.”
Summary~ Helen is saying that she sacrificed her home, her
everything for a new home and for her husband.
Reading Comprehension~ What does Helen replace for her country,
her city, and from three heavens cast on her?
Vocabulary~ “From my country, city, and from thee heavens cast me
forth unhappy and accursed, because I left, -and yet not I,- home and
husband for union of foul shame.”
a) maddeningly joked
b) awkwardly fell
c) angrily blamed
d) lawfully sued
Discussion~ Do you think Menealus feels the same way as Helen? Do
you think his love can ever match hers?
Cell 8
“ Here is my dilemma; I have another wife”
“ To Troy I never went; that was a phantom”
Menelaus is telling Helen his problem, and Helen is saying that the wife
that he has right now is not her.
What des the word phantom in the sentence most likely mean
a) Imposter
c) Game
b) Liar
d) Actor
Study Guide For Helen by Euripides
Prepared by the students of John Marshall High School in Los Angeles
Fall 2003
Cell 1: Argument Between Menelaus and Helen
“How wilt thou convince me of this? If true, thy words are sweet.”
a) Menelaus thinks that Helen is seeing some other man.
b) Why is Menelaus mad at Helen?
c) In the quote above the word wilt most closely means
A. Will
B. Should
C. Could
D. Would
d) Do you think that Helen is cheating on Menelaus? Why?
Cell 2: Helen’s Response
“ There I craved escape from this marriage as a suppliant.”
a) Helen has been trying to avoid marrying Theoclymenus.
b) How does Helen feel?
c) From the quote above the word suppliant most closely means
A) Beseecher
B) Supplier
C) Tramper
D) Bimbo bread salesman
d) Will Helen leave Menelaus?
Cell 3: Menelaus’ Response
“ So should I be of all men the most miserable.”
a) Menelaus feels like the most miserable man in the world.
b) How does Menelaus feel?
c) From the quote above the word miserable most closely means
A. Happy
B. Unhappy
C. Crazy
D. Angry
d) Does your prediction on whether you think Helen will leave
Menelaus change with this new information?
Cell 4: Menelaus’ Complaint
“ Leaving thee behind? ‘Twas for thy sake I sacked Troy.”
a) Menelaus was explaining to Helen that he fought for her and did
everything for her.
b) What was Menelaus explaining?
c) From the quote above the word sacked most closely means
A. Looted, robbed
B. Bagged, insulted
C. Tackled, took the ball
D. Fought, stabbed
d) Do you think Menelaus wants to stay with Helen?
Cell 5: Interference to Helen's Evil Plan
“She knoweth everything, and she will tell her brother thou art come.”
a) Helen has this plan to go see the son of Proteus, but the only
person stopping her from seeing him is Theonoe.
b) Who is stopping Helen from seeing the son of Proteus?
c) From the quote above the word knoweth most likely means
A. Doesn't know
B. Knows
C. Knows nothing
D. Will know
d) Will Helen be caught by Theonoe?
Cell 6: Determine Helen
“ Thou wilt be slain, and I, alas! Wedded by force.”
a) Helen is dismayed to marry the son of Proteus, king of the country.
b) How determined is Helen?
c) From the quote above the word slain most closely means
A. Honored
B. Disgrace
C. Prestigious
D. Esteemed
d) Do you think Helen will get what she wants?
Cell 7: Menelaus' Response
"Thou wilt betray me; that "force" of thine is but an excuse."
a) Menelaus tells Helen that she's just using the "force" to break up
with him.
b) What does Menelaus think and why do you think he thinks that
way?
c) From the quote above the word thine most closely means
A. Yours
B. Mine
C. His
D. Hers
d) Do you think Helen will betray Menelaus? Why?
Cell 8: Worried Menelaus
"What meanest thou? Dost swear to die and never to another husband
yield?"
a) Helen doubts herself thinking about what should happen if she is
not "be wedded by force."
b) How does Helen feel? Does she feel like killing herself if she fails to
wed the prince?
c) From the quote above the word thou most closely means
A. You
B. She
C. He
D. I
d) Do you think Helen will fail in getting her man?
Cell 9: Helen's Response
"I do so, swearing I will quit the light of day if thou art slain."
a) Helen pledges to die and never wed ever again if she fails her plan.
b) What would Helen do if she fails?
c) From the quote above the word swearing most closely means
A. Declaring
B. Promising
C. Believing
D. Professing
d) Do you think Helen has the guts to actually kill herself and never
wed a man again?
Cell 10: Cautious Theonoe
"For whether absent or present she knows of thy arrival here. Ah men!
How lost am I!"
a) At the palace, Theonoe will know whether or not Helen is in there or
not. Helen is so mad that Theonoe is so cautious.
b) Why is Helen mad?
c) From the quote above the word thy most closely means
A. My
B. Her
C. His
D. Your
d) Will Helen make it past Theonoe?
Cell#1
Quote: Lead o, bearing before me blazing brands, and, as sacred
rites ordain, purge with incense every cranny of the air, that I may
breath heaven’s breath free from taint; meanwhile do thou, in chase
the tread to unclean feet have spoiled the path, wave the the
cleansing flame above it, and brandish the torch in front, that I may
pass upon my way.
Summary: Theonoe says bring the torch, light the incense, and
prepare for the ceremony of the oracle.
What is Theonoe’s job?
In the quote above , the word taint most nearly means
A) painted eyes
C) god of war
B) beautiful statues
D) rotten stink of decay
Should Helen heed the oracle?
Cell#2
Quote: And Zeus this very day sits in solemn conclave on thee. Hera,
who erst was thy bitter foe, is now grown kind, and is willing to bring
thee and thy wife safe home.
Summary: Zeus sits around in his secret meeting while Hera his worst
enemy/wife has become nice and is not plotting anything bad against
him
What does Zeus sit around doing?
In the quote what doe the word conclave most likely means?
A) Eats
C) to sit around
B) private meeting
D) not doing your job
Why is Theonoe telling Helen this?
Cell#3
Quote: By telling my brother of thy presences here, or to save thy life
by taking Hera’s side, concealing thy coming from my brother, for his
orders are that I should tell him, whensoe’er thou shouldst reach these
shores. Oh! One of you, go show my brother this man is here, that I
may secure my safety.
Summary: Theonoe wonders whether she should tell her brother that
they are there or not tell in the good name of her father.
What is Theonoe going to do?
By telling my brother of thy presence here.
A) joy
B) anger
Should Theonoe tell her brother?
C) coming
D) attendance
Cell#4
Quote: Maiden, at thy knees I fall a suppliant, and seat myself in this
sad posture on behalf of myself and him, whom I am in danger of
seeing slain, after I have so hardly found him. Oh! Tell not thy brother
that my husband is returned to these loving arms; save us, I beseech
thee,
Summary: Helen is on her knees telling her not to tell her brother that
her husband has returned to her and that if she knows that her
husband is there her brother is going to try to kill him.
Why is Helen on her knees begging for forgiveness?
In the quote what does the word beseech most likely mean?
A) Hate happily
C) request beggingly
B) Love secretly
D) thank snarlingly
Do you think Theonoe is going to tell her brother that they are there?
Cell#5
Quote: It is not therefore, right that thou shouldst more esteem thy
wanton brother than thy righteous father Yet if thou, Prophetess as
thou art and believer in divine providence, shalt prevent the just
intention of thy father and gratify thy unrighteous brother, ‘tis
shameful thou shouldst have full knowledge of the heavenly will. Both
what is and what is not, and yet be ignorant of justice.
Summary: Helen tells Theonoe not to go against her father and tell her
brother that they are there not stay quiet and not tell her brother
about them.
Why should she follow her father’s advice?
In the quote what does the word prophetess mean?
A) a woman predictor
C) a woman’s statue
B) a woman god
D) a man god
Do you think that because of what Helen has said so far she will not
tell her brother?
Cell#6
Quote: and I shall give my daughter in marriage, whom no man now
will wed; and, leaving vagrant life in Egypt, shall enjoy the treasure in
my home. Had Menelaus met his doom at some funeral pyre, with
tears should I be cherishing his memory in a far-off land, but must
lose him now when he is alive and safe.
Summary: Helen has a bad reputation; no one wants to marry her
daughter, and now that her husband is back she’s going to take her
husband’s life away.
Does Helen have a daughter?
In the quote what does the word vagrant mean?
A) some one who goes from place to place
C) person who is very religious
B) person who likes statues
D) Someone that is mad
Do you think that Helen’s daughter is ever going to get married?
Cell#7
Quote: I will not deign to throw myself at thy knee, or wet mine eyes
with tears; for were I to play the coward, I should most foully blur my
Trojan fame.
Summary: Menelaus is saying that he is not going to be like Helen and
get on his knees and start to cry. He is just going to tell her straight
out because he will not be a dishonorable man because he has been in
worse situations.
What isn’t Menelaus going to do?
What does the word foully mean in the quote?
A) nicely
C) ruddily
B) offensively
D) Angrily
Do you think Theonoe’s going to listen to more Menelaus or Helen?
Cell#8
Quote: Old king beneath this tomb of stone reposing, pay back thy
trust! I ask of thee my wife whom Zeus sent hither unto thee to keep
for me. I know thou canst never restore her to me thyself, for thou art
dead; but this thy daughter will never allow her father once so
glorious, whom I invoke in his grave, bear a tarnished name; for the
decision rests with her now.
Summary: Theonoe’s father wants her to do what’s the best for
Menelaus and Helen, and even though he is dead Menelaus is telling
her if you don’t want to ruin your dad’s good name then you don’t
have to tell your brother that we are here.
Why shouldn’t Theonoe tell her brother that they are there?
What does the word hither mean in the quote above
A) to this place
C) to play around
B) to go somewhere
D) to stay there
Do you think that Theonoe was intimidated from what he said?
Cell#9
Quote: But if ye will rob me of her, I will tell you that which she
omitted in her speech. Know then, maiden, I by an oath am bound,
first, to meet thy brother sword to sword, when he or I must die-there is no alternative.
Summary: If you steal Helen from me, you, I am going to stand up
and fight your brother.
What is Menelaus going to do if she tells her brother?
What does omitted mean in the quote?
A) to pass over
C) to see from far
B) To go under
D) to not pay attention
What do you think her decision will be? Will she listen to what
Menelaus had to say?
Cell#10
Quote: My nature and my inclination lean towards piety: myself, too, I
respect, and I will never sully my father’s fair name, or gratify my
brother at the cost of bringing myself into open dishonour.
Summary: Theonoe will not ruin her father’s good name so she will not
tell that they are there.
Why isn’t Theonoe going to tell her brother that they are there?
In the quote above what does the word gratify mean?
A) satisfy
C) enjoy
B) destroy
D) cause chaos
Do you think Theonoe made a good decision?
Cell 1 The Scheme
Menelaus, on the maiden's side are we quite safe. Thou must from
that point start, and by contributing thy advice, devise with me a
scheme to save ourselves.
This is when Helen and Menelaus are creating a plan so that they
both could escape.
What are Helen and Menelaus talking about in the quote?
In the Quote above the word scheme most clearly means
a) a plan
b) tower
c) plain
d) coward
Why do you think they want to escape, and how will they do it?
Cell 2 Not That Easy
Menelaus- Couldst thou persuade one of those who have charge of
cars and steeds to furnish us with a chariot?
Helen- I might; but what escape is there for us who know nothing of
the country and the barbarian's kingdom?
Menelaus asks Helen if she can get a chariot for their escape, but
she says no because they don’t know the country very well and they
would probably get lost.
Why is Menelaus’ plan turned down by Helen?
In the quote above the word persuade most clearly means
a) punish
b) death
c) convince
d) prepare
Do you think Helen will agree with the plan or come up with a new
one?
Cell 3 Denied by Helen
Menelaus- True; 'tis impossible. Well, supposing I conceal myself in
the palace and slay the king with this two-edged sword?
Helen- His sister would never refrain from telling her brother that thou
wert meditating his death.
Menelaus wanted to kill the king so that they could escape, but Helen
says no she will not approve this.
Do you think that Helen agrees with this plan?
In the quote above the word conceal most clearly means
a) cry so as to attract attention
b) hide so as not to be seen
c) operate so as to avoid heart failure
d) propose so as to attempt a wedding
How do you think Helen feels when Menelaus tells her he is going to
kill the king?
Cell 4 An Empty Tomb
Helen- I will beg the king of this country to burn thee in a cenotaph, as
if thou hadst really died at sea.
Menelaus- Suppose he grant it; how, e’en then, are we to escape
without a ship, after having committed me to my empty tomb.
Both Helen and Menelaus are planning to escape so they are planning
a fake death so there would be no suspicions.
Is Helen going to be the one who fakes death or Menelaus?
In the quote above the word cenotaph most clearly means
a) monument, tomb
b) water, fountain
c) mountain, volcano
d) torch, flashlight
Who do you think is smarter Menelaus or Helen judging by their ideas
so far?
Cell 5 Clever Helen
I will bid him give me a vessel, from which to let drop into the sea’s
embrace the funeral offerings.
In this quote Helen is explaining how she plans on escaping. She will
use the boat to bury the phony dead Menelaus.
What is Helen planning to offer?
In the quote above the word vessel most clearly means
a) Bird
b) blood
c) flowers
d) a ship
What could go wrong with the ship burial plan?
Cell 6 The Background Story
From thee; declare thyself the one and only survivor, telling how
thou wert sailing with the son of Atreus, and didst see him perish.
Helen is saying that he should say that say that all of the people on
the boat died except for Menelaus.
According to Helen who is the only person who survived the journey in
the ship?
In the quote above the word perish most clearly means
a) burn
b) agree
c) die
d) survive
Why do Helen and Menelaus propose so many plans?
Test #5
Cell #1: Second thoughts
Quote: “I might; but what escape is there for us who know nothing of
the country and the barbarian’s kingdom?”
Summary: Helen is telling Menelaus she might be able to get a chariot
from someone so they can escape, but she has doubts as to whether
or not they will get away.
Q: Does Helen think they can escape?
V: In the quote above the word barbarian most closely means:
A) Obedient servant
C) Gracious dancer
B) Civilized king
D) Uncivilized brute
D: Do you think they will escape?
Cell #2: Planning the escape
Quote: M: “Well, supposing I conceal myself in the palace and slay the
king with his two-edged sword.”
H: “His sister would never refrain from telling her brother that thou
wert meditating his deaths.”
Summary: Menelaus is planning to kill the king, but Helen says it is a
bad plan.
Q: What is Menelaus planning to kill the king with?
V: in the quote above the word conceal most closely means:
A) Show
C) Sneak
B) Hide
D) Find
D: Is it right for Menelaus to fight so much for Helen?
Cell #3: Menelaus is dead
Quote: “Hear me, if haply even a woriian can utter words of wisdom.
Dost thou consent to be dead in word, though not really so?”
Summary: Helen is telling Menelaus the plan. The plan is to pretend
Menelaus is dead so she could go bury him outside of the country and
the can escape.
Q: What is their plan?
V: In the quote above the word utter most closely means:
A) Express
C) Appreciate
B) Hate
D) Enjoy
D) Do you think their plan will work?
Cell #4: Fooling the king
Quote: “I will bid him give me a vessel, from which to let drop into the
sea’s embrace thy funeral offerings.
Summary: After they discussed the plan Menelaus ask Helen how they
will get away so she told him she will ask the king for a ship.
Q: What was Menelaus wondering? What was here answer?
V: In the quote above the word vessel most closely means:
A) Airplane
C) Balloon
B) Motor scooter
D) Ship
D: Why do Helen and Menelaus want to get away?
Cell #5: The plan
Quote: H: “But I shall say it is not the custom in Hellas to bury those
who die at sea upon the shore.” M: “I then will sail with thee and help
stow the funeral garniture in the same ship.”
Summary: Menelaus is telling Helen that they will both go out to sea
on a different ship and plan a fake funeral then they will escape.
Q: Will they travel on the same ship?
V: In the quote above the word stow most closely means:
A) House
C) Arrange
B) Plan
D) Build
D: Do you think this plan was smart? Would you have done the same?
Part 12, Cell 1
“THEOCLYMENUS
I relinquish my quarrel with thee; let it take wings and fly away.”
Theoclymenus and Helen were just fighting about how Helen wanted to
get remarried after her husband dies. Theoclymenus is against this
idea and tries to convince her otherwise but finally Helen just stops the
argument.
Does Theoclymenus want Helen to get remarried?
“I relinquish my quarrel with thee…”
a) enrage
c) continue
b) abandon
d) irritate
Should Theoclymenus really have any say whether Helen should
remarry? Why or why not?
Part 12, Cell 2
“HELEN
My dead husband would I fain bury.
THEOCLYMENUS
What tomb can be bestowed to the lost bodies? Wilt thou bury a
shade?”
Helen tells Theoclymenus that she would like to bury her husband.
This sounds impossible to him because the body is lost at sea and he’s
thinking, “How are we going to bury a body we don’t have?”
What does Helen want to do for her dead husband? Does it seem
possible?
“My dead husband would I fain bury.”
a) not
c) slowly
b) plainly
d) gladly
Why do you think Helen wants to bury a body she doesn’t have?
Part 12, Cell 3
“THEOCLYMENUS
How then? I know nothing of your customs in Hellas.
HELEN
We unmoor, and carry out to sea all that is the dead man’s due.
THEOCLYMENUS
What am I to give thee then for thy dead husband?
HELEN
Myself I cannot say; I had no such experiences in my previous
happy life.
THEOCLYMENUS
Stranger, thou art the bearer of tidings I welcome.
MENELAUS
Well, I do not, nor yet doth the dead man.
THEOCLYMENUS
How do ye bury those who have been drowned at sea?
MENELAUS
Each according to his means.”
Theoclymenus asks Helen how they might get around to burying a
man whose body is unavailable. Helen begins to explain but
Theoclymenus then asks Menelaus the same question.
What doesn’t Theoclymenus know and who does he ask to find out?
“Stranger, thou art the bearer of tidings I welcome.”
a) news
c) accessories
b) hats
d) looks
Why do you think Theoclymenus wants to know the Greek customs of
burying a man lost at sea?
Part 12, Cell 4
“MENELAUS
There must be a blood-offering first to the dead.
THEOCLYMENUS
Blood of what? Do thou show me and I will comply.”
Menelaus begins to explain the process step by step to Theoclymenus.
Theoclymenus is ready to do anything to complete these costumes of
the burial.
Does Theoclymenus seem willing to help Helen bury her husband?
“Do thou show me and I will comply.”
a) laugh
c) trick you
b) cooperate
d) scream
Why does Theoclymenus feel so obligated to help Helen bury her
husband?
Past 12, Cell 5
“THEOCLYMENUS
Canst thou not perform these rites well enough without Helen?
MENELAUS
This task belongs to mother, wife, or children.
THEOCLYMENUS
‘Tis her task then, according to thee, to bury her husband.”
Menelaus convinces Theoclymenus that it is Helen’s duty to perform
the burial being that she is the wife.
Whose duty is it to bury Helen’s husband?
“This task belongs to mother, wife, or children.”
a) chore
c) money
b) world
d) dog
Do you think Helen will accept the duty of burying her own husband?
Part 12, Cell 6
“THEOCLYMENUS
Well, let her go; ‘tis my interest to foster piety in a wife. And
thou, enter the house and choose adornment for the dead. Thyself,
too, will not send empty-handed away, since thou hast done her a
service. And for the good news thou hast brought me, thou shalt
receive raiment instead of going bare, and food, too, that thou mayst
reach thy country; for as it is, I see thou art in sorry plight. As for
thee, poor lady, waste not thyself in a hopeless case; Menelaus has
met his doom, and thy dead husband cannot come to life.”
Theoclymenus is telling Helen to get started on finding what she needs
for this burial and that he hopes everything goes great for both of
them. Then he warns Helen that her husband will no longer be there to
help her and she will have to be careful.
Does Theoclymenus try to get Helen started for the burial or does he
sit around talking and making conversation?
“…’tis my interest to foster piety in a wife.”
a) lovely knives
c) religious respect
b) children’s sneers
d) wealthy coughs
In general, does it seem that Theoclymenus is happy that he doesn’t
have to perform the burial?
Part 12, Cell 7
“MENELAUS
This then is thy duty, fair young wife; be content with thy
present husband, and forget him who has no existence; for this is thy
best course in face of what is happening. And if ever I come to Hellas
and secure my safety, I will clear thee of thy former ill-repute, if thou
prove a dutiful wife to thy true husband.”
Menelaus is pretending to tell Helen that she should be happy with
Theoclymenus as her present husband and that she should forget
about the one that died. He is happy to be her new husband.
Is Menelaus disappointed about whom Helen’s husband will be?
“I will clear thee of thy former ill-repute, if thou prove a dutiful wife to
thy true husband.”
a) subtle
c) active
b) obedient
d) ugly
Why would Menelaus want Helen to forget about her dead husband?
Part 12, Cell 8
“HELEN
I will; never shall my husband have cause to blame me; thou
shalt thyself attend us and be witness thereto. Now go within, poor
wanderer, and seek the bath, and change thy raiment. I will show my
kindness to thee, and that without delay. For thou wilt perform all
service due with kindlier feeling for my dear lord Menelaus, if ay my
hands thou meet with thy desserts.”
Helen’s little speech is saying that she’s ready for this burial and is
also a new husband. She is going to show Menelaus how great a wife
she can be.
Is Helen ready to take on the task of the burial and being a new wife?
“Now go within, poor wanderer, and seek the bath, and change thy
raiment.”
a) temper
c) make-up
b) life
d) weeds
Does it seem right that Helen is talking about getting married while
also talking about burying her dead husband?
Cell #1: Theoclymenus’ Speech
“ All hail, my father’s tomb! I buried thee, Proteus, at the place where
men go out, that I might often greet thee; and so, ever as I go out
and in, I, thy son Theoclymenus call on thee, father.”
a) Theoclymenus is telling everyone to like hail to his father’s tomb
and pay respects to him.
b) Who is Theoclymenus’ father?
c) In the quote above, the word greet most nearly means?
1) To receive with an expression of feeling
2) To react to
3) To welcome
4) To wish
d) Was Proteus a warrior? How do you know?
Cell #2: Theoclymenus’ speech
“ I have just heard that son of Hellas has come openly to my land,
escaping the notice of the guard, a spy maybe or a would-be thief of
Helen; death shall be his lot if only I can catch him.”
Theoclymenus heard that the son of Hellas came to his land. Once
Theoclymenus catches the son of Hellas, he will kill him. He might be a
spy or Helen’s kidnapper.
a) What did Theoclymenus hear?
b) In the quote above, the word openly nearly means
1) Not secretly
2) Secretly
3) With notice
4) Without notice
d) Will Theoclymenus catch the son of Hellas?
Cell #3: Helen’s Husband is Dead
Helen: “Menelaus, ah me! How can I say it? Is dead, my husband.”
Theoclymenus: “How knowest thou? Did Theonoe tell thee this?
Helen: “Both she, and one who was there when he perished.
Theoclymenus asks Helen what happened. Helen tells Theoclymenus
that her husband is dead. Theoclymenus then asks if Theonoe told
Helen that her husband died. Helen says that Theonoe and someone
else were there when he perished.
Who was there when Helen’s husband perished?
c) In the quote above, the word perished nearly means
1) Won
2) Killed by someone
3) Injured
4) Died
d) What do you think Theoclymenus will do?
Cell #4: The Phantom -Form Cloud
Theoclymenus: "Where then is that ill thing that was sent to Troy in
thy stead?"
Helen: "Dost mean the phantom-form of cloud? It hath passed into the
air."
Theoclymenus: "O Priam, and thou land of Troy, how fruitless thy
ruin!"
a) A phantom-form of cloud that took Helen’s place in Troy has
vanished. Theoclymenus then says how fruitless Troy’s effort.
b) Where is the phantom-form cloud?
c) In the quote above, the word fruitless nearly means
1) Unconscious
2) Useful
3) Useless
4) Desired
d) What will Troy's reaction be and why?
Cell #5: The Marriage
Helen: "I will do so no more; prepare at once for my marriage."
Theoclymenus: "Thou hast been long in bringing thyself to it; still I do
commend thee now."
Helen: "Dost know thy part? Let us forget the past."
a) Helen asked Theoclymenus to marry her and forget the past.
Theoclymenus agrees to marry Helen.
b) What does Helen ask Theoclymenus?
c) In the quote above, the word commend nearly means
1) Prattle
2) Entrust
3) To speak favorably of
4) To put into care or charge of someone else
d) Why did Theoclymenus agree with Helen's request?
Cell #6: Helen Leaves
"Thyself, too, will not send empty-handed away, since thou hast done
her a service. And for the good news thou hast brought me, thou
shalt receive raiment instead of going bare, and food, too, that thou
mayst reach thy country."
a) Theoclymenus gives Helen clothes and food so she will have a
better chance making it back to her country.
b) Who is going back to the home country?
c) In the quote above, the word raiment nearly means
1) Clothing
2) Bed
3) Furniture
4) Sandals
d) Why is Helen going back to her country? Will she be happy?
From: Theoclymenus, Helen, Menelaus enter the palace
To: Leader of the Chorus
Cell 1
“My friends, within the palace all goes well for us; for the daughter of
Proteus, who is privy to our stealthy scheme, told her brother nothing
when questioned as to my husband's coming, but for my sake declared
him dead and buried. Most fortunate it is my lord hath had the luck to
get these weapons; for he is now himself clad in the harness he was to
plunge into the sea, his stalwart arm thrust through the buckler's
strap, and in his right hand a spear, on pretence of joining in homage
to the dead. He hath girded himself most serviceably for the fray, as if
to triumph o'er a host of barbarian foes when once we are aboard yon
oared ship; instead of his rags from the wreck hath he donned the
robes I gave for his attire, and I have bathed his limbs in water from
the stream, a bath he long hath wanted. But I must be silent, for from
the house comes forth the man who thinks he has me in his power,
prepared to be his bride; and thy goodwill I also claim and thy strict
silence, if haply, when we save ourselves, we may save thee too some
day.”
Helen talks to herself about how well her scheme is going.
Furthermore, she talks about how naive Theoclymenus is about her
and Menelaus’ scheme.
What does Helen talk to herself about?
“… for the daughter of Proteus, who is privy to our stealthy scheme,
told her brother nothing when questioned as to my husband’s
coming…”
a. Ignorantly clumsy
c. grouchily careless
b. Secretly informed
d. nauseously uneasy
Would you say that Helen is being a bit arrogant when she says that
Menelaus has no power over her?
Cell 2
“Advance in order, servants, as the stranger hath directed, bearing the
funeral gifts the sea demands. But thou, Helen, if thou wilt not
misconstrue my words, be persuaded and here abide; for thou wilt do
thy husband equal service whether thou art present or not. For I am
afraid that some sudden shock of fond regret may prompt thee to
plunge into the swollen tide, in an ecstasy of gratitude toward thy
former husband; for thy grief for him, though he is lost, is running to
excess.”
Theoclymenus and Menelaus enter with offerings for the funeral.
Theoclymenus tries to comfort Helen and warns her not to drown
herself in grief.
What does Theoclymenus bring in with him when he enters?
“But thou, Helen, if thou wilt not misconstrue my words, be persuaded
and here abide…”
a. misunderstand
b. foretell
c. overtake
d. yield to
Could Theoclymenus’ words have a deeper meaning?
Cell 3
“O my new lord, needs must I honour him with whom I first shared
married joys; for I could even die with my husband, so well I loved
him; yet how could he thank me, were I to share death's doom with
him? Still, let me go and pay his funeral rites unto the dead in person.
The gods grant thee the boon I wish and this stranger too, for the
assistance he is lending here! And thou shalt find in me a wife fit to
share thy house, since thou art rendering kindness to Menelaus and to
me; for surely these events are to some good fortune tending. But
now appoint someone to give us a ship wherein to convey these gifts,
that I may find thy kindness made complete.”
Helen communicates how much she loved her husband and orders
ships to transport his funeral gifts.
What does Helen order for to transport her dead husband’s funeral
gifts?
“The gods grant thee the boon I wish and this stranger too, for the
assistance he is lending here!”
a. gold, gelt
b. friendship, companionship
c. reward, benefit
d. funeral, burial
If you were Helen would you waste your energy talking about how
happy her marriage to Theoclymenus will be even though she doesn’t
love him?
Cell 4
“Go thou, and furnish them with a Sidonian galley of fifty oars and
rowers also.”
Theoclymenus orders luxurious ships to transport the funeral gifts.
What type of ships does Theoclymenus order to transport the funeral
gifts?
“Go thou, and
rowers also.”
a.
b.
c.
d.
furnish them with a Sidonian galley of fifty oars and
ship
silk
horse
caravan
Is it worth using such a luxurious ship to transport funeral offerings?
Cell 5
“Up and away! I am not concerned with customs, which the race of
Pelops holds. My house is pure, for Menelaus did not die here; go
some one now and bid my vassal chiefs bring marriage-offerings to my
palace; for the whole earth must re-echo in glad accord the hymn of
my wedding with Helen, to make men envious. Go, stranger, and pour
into the sea's embrace these offerings to Helen's former lord, and then
speed back again with my bride, that after sharing with me her
marriage-feast thou mayst set out for home, or here abide in
happiness.”
Theoclymenus tells his servant to bring back his bride after the
funeral.
What does Theoclymenus order?
“…go some one now and bid my vassal chiefs bring marriage-offerings
to my palace…”
a. servant
c. brought
b. bright
d. midget
Cell #1
feeding Zeus' ego
"O Zeus, who art called the father of all and god of wisdom, look down
on us and change our woe to joy! Lend us they ready help, as we
seek to drag our fortunes up the rugged hill; if but thy finger-tip thou
touch us, we shall reach our longed-for goal. Sufficient are the
troubles we ere this have undergone. Full oft have I invoked you gods
to near my joys and sorrows; I do not deserve to be forever unhappy,
but to advance and prosper. Grant me but this one boon, and so will
ye crown my future with blessing."
Menelaus is asking for help from Zeus. He says that even if Zeus'
finger touches him, he can reach his goals.
What does Menelaus want Zeus to do?
In the quote above the word invoked most closely means:
a) to call for assistance
b) to beat an egg
c) to insult
d) to hate
If Menelaus didn't want something, do you think he would be giving
Zeus so many compliments?
Cell #2
Gamboling dolphins
"Hail! thou swift Phoenician ship of Sidon! dear to the rowes, mother
to the foam, leader of fair dolphins' gambols, what time the deep is
hushed and still, and Ocean's azure child, the queen of calm, takes up
her parable and says: "Away! and spread your canvas to the oceanbreeze. Ho! sailors, ho! come grip your oars of pine, speeding Helen
on her way to the sheltered beach where Perseus dwelt of yore."
Helen is escaping, and the ocean is helping.
In the quote above the word gambols most closely means:
a) swims
b) dolphin babies
c) frolics
d) dolphin parents
Why would the ocean want to speed Helen along?
Cell #3
messenger informs Theoclymenus
"Make haste to woo a new wife; for Helen hath escaped...Menelaus
had succeeded in bearing her hence; 'twas he that brought the news
of his own death."
Messenger tells Theoclymenus that he should go find a new wife
because Helen escaped; it was Menelaus who helped her escape.
In the quote above the word succeeded most closely means:
a) planted
b) brought
c) returned
d) accomplished
Why would the messenger tell Theoclymenus to go find a new wife?
Will he chase them or give up and find a new wife?
Cell #4
How they did it
"Soon as the daughter of Zeus had left this royal mansion and come
unto the sea, daintily picking her way, most craftily she set to mourn
her husband, though he was not dead at her side...with her full
complement of fifty rowers, and each task in due succession followed"
Helen pretended that Menelaus was dead and had 50 crew members
working on her ship.
In the quote above the word mourn most closely means:
a) to mummify
b) to hug
c) to express sorrow
d) to pick up
Why would Helen need so many crew members?
Cell #5
sacrifice
"In his right hand he gripped his sword and stepped on to the prow;
then standing o'er the bull to slay it, never a word said he of any dead
man, but cut its throat and this made prayer: 'Posiedon, lord of the
sea, whose home is in the deep, and ye holy daughters of Nereus,
bring me and my wife safe and sound to Naupila's strand from hence!
Anon a gush of blood, fair omen for the stranger, spouted into the
tide.'"
Menelaus is praying to Posiedon by sacrificing a bull. He wants
Posideon to safely get him and his wife to their destination.
Who is the god of the sea?
In the quote above the word prow most closely relates to
a) the bow of a ship
b) the bottom of a ship
c) the top of a ship
d) the front of a ship
Why would he choose a bull to use as a sacrifice?
Helen project 14
Cell 1 PASSING THE WORD (CHANTING)
“I would have never believed that Menelaus could have eluded us and
thee, O king, in the way he did on his coming.”
They’re talking chanting about how Menelaus tricked Theoclymenus.
Who tricked whom?
What does the word eluded most nearly mean:
a. to be lured
b. to avoid being captured
c. to escape the understanding of
d. all of above
Do you think that the king should have been more careful? why?
Cell 2 THEY TRICKED HIM
“Woe is me! cozened by a woman’s tricks! My bride hath escaped me.
If the ship could have been pursued and overtaken, I would have used
every means forthwith to catch the strangers; as it’s is, I will avenge
myself upon my treacherous sister, in that she saw Menelaus in my
palace and did not tell me. Wherefore shall she nevermore deceive
another by her prophetic art.”
Theoclymenus is whining about how Helen and Menelaus tricked him.
Who was upon him and he had no clue?
What does the word treacherous mean:
a. dangerous
b. traitorous
c. undependable
d. disloyal
Do you think that Theoclymenus is being a baby and should suck it up
and take it like a man?
Cell 3 PEACEFUL PLACE
“Moreover, Heaven ordains that the wanderer Menelaus shall find a
home within an island of the blest; for to noble souls hath the deity no
dislike, albeit these oft suffer than those of no account.”
Dioscuri is talking about how Menelaus is going to find a home where
there’s peace and no hatred.
Who’s talking?
The word blest means:
a. enjoying or bringing happiness
b. heaven
c. to be a beast
d. to pray before a meal
Do you think that Menelaus deserves to find peace and happiness?
Why?
Cell 4 BEING A BABY!!
“Ye sons of Leda and of Zeus, I will forego my former quarrel about
your sister, nor no longer seek to slay mine own. Let Helen to her
home repair, if such is Heaven’s pleasure. Ye know that ye are sprung
of the same stock as your sister, best of woman, chastest too; hail
then for the true nobility of Helen’s soul, a quality too seldom found
amongst her sex!”
Theoclyemus is praying to Zeus
Who is Theoclyemus praying to?
In the story they use the word hail as:
a. small ball of ice
b. to fall as hail
c. hail stone
d. welcome
Do you think Theoclyemus should get over Helen? Why?
Cell 5 CHANTING
“Many are the forms the heavenly will assumes; and many things God
brings to pass contrary to expectation: that which was looked for is
not accomplished, while Heaven finds out a way for what we never
hoped; e’en such has been the issue here.”
Someone is singing (chanting) in the end of the story.
….God brings to pass contrary to _____________: that which was
looked for is not…..
a. expectations
b. do
c. become
d. expect
Do you thing the chanting is like a review of the story???