The Golden Apples: The Story of Atalanta and Hippomenes Mary Pope Osborne
PLOT! Atalanta, independent girl raised in wilderness, muy Bonita! Decided that if a man wanted to make her his wife they must first beat her in a foot face or be killed when they lose. Hippomenes saw her instantly and fell in love so he went to Venus for her help in winning. Gave him 3 golden apples to help him win the race. Every time he threw a golden apple, Atalanta got distracted and chased after them This lead to his victory, they got married Venus was mad because she received nothing in return and asked Diana to punish them She turned them into lions as a punishment and they lived like that forever.
IMPORTANT EXCERPTS Atalanta: “..Whoever is so swift that he can outrun me will receive the prize of my hand in marriage..” Hippomenes: “..No person could be worth such a risk..” “..Hippomenes won Atalanta for his bride, but then he made a terrible mistake: He neglected to offer gifts to Venus..”
Symbolism Atalanta represents independence and miracles Hippomenes the unexpected And the apples are distractions that prove to be valuable to giving somebody a chance
Character Development Atalanta – very pretty, wild at heart, she wasn’t looking for love or marriage Hippomenes – confident, determined, attractive, god blood, immediately fell in love with Atalanta Venus – Goddess of love and beauty Diana – Goddess of the Moon
Ancient Greece in the woods SETTING & THEME Ancient Greece in the woods Even though you think you don’t want something, it can be a great honor that takes hard work and sometimes has consequences
Samantha Martin Miranda Blankenship Amanda Kemp