Question

discovering the plot of orpheus

directions: read each guide question carefully. look back at the story if needed. write the questions and answers on a one whole piece of paper. answer in one complete sentence only for every question.

a. finding the exposition

the exposition introduces the characters, setting, and important background information.

1. who is the main character of the story?

1. what special talent does orpheus possess?

1. who is eurydice?

1. why do you think this information is important before the storys conflict begins?

b. finding the rising action

the rising action presents the problem and the events that build suspense.

1. what tragic event happens to eurydice?

1. how does orpheus react to what happened?

1. what difficult journey does orpheus decide to make?

1. how do these events increase the tension in the story?

Explanation:

🆕 New Concept Discovered: Narrative Plot Structure
Understanding how stories build from introduction to conflict.

Step 1: Analyze Part A (Finding the Exposition)

The exposition sets the stage by introducing the characters, setting, and background. We will answer questions 1 through 4 in complete sentences based on the classical myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.

• Question 1 (Main Character): The protagonist is Orpheus, the legendary musician.
• Question 2 (Special Talent): Orpheus possesses the extraordinary talent of playing music on his lyre so beautifully that it can charm all living things, and even move stones and trees.
• Question 3 (Eurydice): Eurydice is a beautiful wood nymph who becomes Orpheus's beloved wife.
• Question 4 (Importance of Exposition): This background information is crucial because establishing their deep love and Orpheus's unique musical power sets up the emotional stakes and the tool he will use to face the upcoming conflict.

Step 2: Analyze Part B (Finding the Rising Action)

The rising action introduces the conflict and builds tension through a series of obstacles. We will answer questions 5 through 8 in complete sentences.

• Question 5 (Tragic Event): Eurydice is bitten by a poisonous snake and dies, sending her soul to the Underworld.
• Question 6 (Orpheus's Reaction): Orpheus is grief-stricken and heartbroken, mourning her deeply through his sorrowful music.
• Question 7 (Difficult Journey): Orpheus decides to make a perilous journey into the Underworld to plead with Hades and bring Eurydice back to the land of the living.
• Question 8 (Increasing Tension): These events increase the tension by raising the stakes from a simple romance to a dangerous, unprecedented quest against death itself, leaving the reader wondering if love can truly conquer the laws of the Underworld.

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Answer:

A. Finding the Exposition

1. Who is the main character of the story?

The main character of the story is Orpheus, a legendary musician and poet in Greek mythology.

1. What special talent does Orpheus possess?

Orpheus possesses the extraordinary talent of playing the lyre and singing so beautifully that he can charm wild beasts, coax trees and rocks to move, and soothe any troubled soul.

1. Who is Eurydice?

Eurydice is a beautiful nymph who falls in love with Orpheus and becomes his wife.

1. Why do you think this information is important before the story's conflict begins?

This information is important because establishing their deep love and Orpheus's supernatural musical abilities sets up the high emotional stakes and introduces the unique power he will use to confront the conflict.

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B. Finding the Rising Action

1. What tragic event happens to Eurydice?

Eurydice is bitten by a venomous snake while running through a meadow and tragically dies.

1. How does Orpheus react to what happened?

Orpheus is completely devastated by grief and plays music so sorrowful that it causes all of nature to weep with him.

1. What difficult journey does Orpheus decide to make?

Orpheus decides to make a dangerous journey down into the Underworld to rescue Eurydice and bring her back to the land of the living.

1. How do these events increase the tension in the story?

These events increase the tension by raising the stakes to a matter of life and death, forcing the protagonist to enter a forbidden, hostile realm where no mortal is meant to go.