Percy decides at the end of the novel that the prophecy will be about him, not wanting to inflict more pain on Nico. In some ways, this decision is a classic example of a hero trying to take fate into his own hands. Based on what you know of classical Greek heroes, how is Percy similar to and different from them? Consider these points as you reflect on the text to answer the question:

• How much does the contemporary setting matter in Percy’s growth as a hero?
• What is the effect of Camp Half-Blood on the growth and training of heroes?
• What role do mortal parents play in the lives of heroes?

Teaching Suggestion: This question can help students to approach the major themes of the novel from different perspectives, focusing first on Percy and his connections to each theme. From there, you can widen this discussion by bringing in additional characters like Annabeth, Zöe, Thalia, and even Luke.

Differentiation Suggestion: For advanced learners, consider have them do more formal research comparing Percy to classical heroes such as Hercules.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.