1. Antaeus
By: Borden Deal
Theme and Point of View

2. Preparing to Read
Identify and define the Literary Focus element of this text.
Identify and define the Reading Focus elements used in this text.
What is the Writing Focus assignment and what are you asked to look for as you read the beginning of the text?

3. Author Information Read the “Meet the Writer” section on page 374.
Make a list of at least three important facts you learn about the author.
Circle the detail you think is the most important.

4. What are some adjectives you could use to describe the picture above
What are some adjectives you could use to describe the picture above? How might this picture help you connect to the story?

5. What effect did the experience have on your friendship?
Quick Write
Friendship
Think about a time when a friend helped you in some way or you helped a friend.
What effect did the experience have on your friendship?
How can a relationship change after two people have worked together to solve a problem?

6. Vocabulary
For each of the words below, write a definition, create a sentence that demonstrates your understanding of the term, and construct an illustration that represents the term.
CONTEMPLATE
FLOURISHING
STERILE
DESTRUCTION
PARAPET

7. Build Background and Preview the Selection
Read the “Build Background” and “Preview the Selection” sections on page 374.
Make a list of at least three important facts you learn about the story.
Circle a detail from each list that you think is the most important.

8. The Great Depression… In Pictures…

9. What message is the author trying to teach you through this story?
Literary Response
Antaeus
Read the text carefully and ponder the questions below.
What message is the author trying to teach you through this story?
What techniques does he use to convey this theme or message?

10. During Reading Skills Setting Purposes What’s the Purpose?
Why are you reading this?
What will you learn from this text?
Why did the writer share this story?
What’s the Purpose?
Based on what you have previewed so far and learned about the author and the background of the stories, what are three purposes for reading this story.

11. Something to think about…
In Greek mythology, Antaeus was the son of Gaia (goddess of the earth) and Poseidon (god of the sea). Antaeus was a giant with supernatural strength. He challenged all comers to battles, which he always won until Hercules accepted his challenge. Hercules knew that Antaeus drew strength from the earth, and so knew he must remove Antaeus from the source of his strength to defeat him. Hercules raised Antaeus into the air and defeated him there…

12. Event that happened: (cause) The result of that event: (effect)
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Event that happened: (cause)
The result of that event: (effect) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

13. Stop and Think!!!
What conflicts do the characters in the story encounter?
How do the various characters deal with those conflicts? Do the conflicts get resolved?
How does the author use details in the plot and about the characters to reveal the theme?