Trojan Horse

1. Trojan Horse The Fall of Troy

2. Before We Read… • Turn to pages 46-47 to preview the vocabulary and pronunciation guide so that you can familiarize yourself with the characters (and how to SAY their names) and the vocabulary. • Read the back cover of this graphic novel, as well as the brief summary on the page that is OPPOSITE of the Table of Contents. • Go to Wikipedia and search “Trojan Horse.” • Look at the pictures that are included on the page. • Add to your Daily File (Weds, 5/29). Using the pictures and/your background knowledge, make a prediction of how this large, wooden horse will affect the plot of this story.

3. “A Rotten Apple” • What were the three goddesses arguing about that actually started the 10 year war? • What prophecy was made about Paris that we learn about in the flashback? • The three goddesses all try to bribe Paris, but what bribe or offer does he find the most appealing? • Look at the title of this section and consider the object that is offered to Paris. What is ironic (or unexpected) about the name of this section when you think about the name of the object?

4. “The Weary War” • What complication does Paris learn of after he sees the beautiful Helen? • Cassandra shares a prophecy. What is it and how do the Trojans react to it? • How do both prophecies (including the one about Paris) end up coming true in this section? • What reason does Sinon offer for the presence of the horse?

5. “A Woeful Wrong” • What do the Trojans believe to be the purpose of the violent serpents? How does it affect their reaction toward the strange gift that has appeared?

6. “The Sleeping City” • How do the Trojans treat the presence of the gift horse in their kingdom? How is Cassandra’s reaction to the gift different than the rest of the kingdom? • Why are the Greeks able to enter the once carefully guarded city so easily? • We learn the true purpose of the gift horse. What is its real function?

7. “The Towers Tumble” • Write a 2-3 sentence SUMMARY of what happens in this section.

8. Discussion Questions Prepare several bulleted TALKING POINTS so that you are prepared for when we discuss this graphic novel. • Paris was sent away as a young child because of a prophecy, yet died anyway. Do you think that this was caused by fate, meaning he never could have escaped the prophecy, or do you think that his death could have been prevented? Explain. • Cassandra is very knowledgeable as she has the gift of prophecy, yet nobody listens to her until the very end. Why do you think this is? • We know that jealousycauses a lot of problems in this story. When do you see the characters causing or creating problems because of this? Then, think of real life. What kind of problems does jealousy cause in real life? • Helen is easily forgiven and her marriage is restored with her husband because she was tricked and manipulated by Paris and the gods. Based on what you know about Greek mythology and the power of the gods, do you agree with decision of her husband? Explain why or why not.

9. Story Time • This will get added to your “Stories” Google Doc. • Choose ONE of the two options below. Using your strongest storytelling abilities (including vivid word choice), write 250-300 words. • Option A. Think of a time when you were given a warning/advice that you did not believe, OR you gave a warning/advice that nobody else believed. What was the warning/advice? Why did nobody believe it? What was the outcome of the situation? • Option B. Think of a time when you were blamed for something that you did not feel was your fault? What was it and why were you blamed for it? Were you ever able to get the blame removed, or have you always been blamed for this?