Athene warns Arachne, “Your talent has poisoned you with pride like the sting of a scorpion” (24). Explore what Athene means by this, drawing on at least two other god-mortal relationships in the book.

Throughout the collection, characters who perceive themselves as strong prey on those who they deem weaker: Poseidon with Demeter, Hera with Hephaestus, the sea captain and his crew with Arion, the bandits with Theseus, and others. Select two examples and analyze how the supposedly weaker parties respond to their circumstances. How do these myths suggest it is possible to react to threats from powerful forces?

Is Zeus’s punishment of Prometheus justified according to the standards of the ancient pantheon? Why or why not? Defend your position using at least three examples of divine justice from the book.