Persephone, Demeter, and Hades Study Questions
Bring on the tough stuff - there's not just one right answer.
- What type of seeds does Persephone eat? (Hint: Think of the anti-oxidant craze. Nope, not goji berries. Sorry, not açaí either.)
- How does Demeter react when she finds out what happened to Persephone?
- Who does Zeus send to broker a deal with Demeter?
- What are the consequences of Persephone eating the seeds?
- Is it fair what happens to Persephone? Why, or why not?
- Do you think the end of this story is meant to be a "happy ending"? Why, or why not?
- What, if anything, does Persephone gain from her marriage?
- Compare and contrast this myth with the tale of "Venus and Adonis."
- How does this myth reflect the role of women in Greek society?
- Research the Eleusinian Mysteries. How was this myth reflected in those rituals?