(01.05 MC) Read the Greek myth "Midas" retold by Thomas Bulfinch and answer the question.

[1] Bacchus, on a certain occasion, found his old schoolmaster and foster-father, Silenus, missing. The old man had been drinking, and in that state wandered away, and was found by some peasants, who carried him to their king, Midas. Midas recognized him, and treated him hospitably, entertaining him for ten days and nights with an unceasing round of jollity.

[2] On the eleventh day he brought Silenus back, and restored him in safety to his pupil. Whereupon Bacchus offered Midas his choice of a reward, whatever he might wish. He asked that whatever he might touch should be changed into gold. Bacchus consented, though sorry that he had not made a better choice.

[3] Midas went his way, rejoicing in his new-acquired power, which he hastened to put to the test. He could scarce believe his eyes when he found a twig of an oak, which he plucked from the branch, become gold in his hand. He took up a stone; it changed to gold. He touched a sod; it did the same. He took up an apple from the tree; you would have thought he had robbed the garden of the Hesperides. His joy knew no bounds, and as soon as he got home, he ordered the servants to set a splendid repast on the table. Then he found to his dismay that whether he touched bread, it hardened in his hand; or put a morsel to his lip, it defied his teeth. He took a glass of wine, but it flowed down his throat like melted gold.

[4] In consternation at the unprecedented affliction, he strove to divest himself of his power; he hated the gift he had lately coveted. But all in vain; starvation seemed to await him. He raised his arms, all shining with gold, in prayer to Bacchus, begging to be delivered from his glittering destruction. Bacchus, merciful deity, heard and consented. "Go," said he, "to River Pactolus, trace its fountain-head, there plunge yourself and body in, and wash away your fault and its punishment." He did so, and scarce had he touched the waters before the gold-creating power passed into them, and the river sands became changed into gold, as they remain to this day.

Select two key details that could be included in a summary of the myth.

Bacchus sent Midas to the river to wash away his golden touch.
Bacchus sometimes found his teacher Silenus missing.
Midas could not eat because of the wish Bacchus granted.
Midas entertained Silenus in his kingdom for ten days.
Silenus was found by peasants and carried to Midas.
Question 6 (Essay Worth 10 points)
(01.05 HC)

In 2–3 complete sentences, thoroughly explain the theme of your Module One short story. What message or big idea does the author communicate through the story? Provide at least two specific details from the text to support your analysis of the theme.

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Question 7 (Essay Worth 10 points)
(01.05 HC)

In 3–5 complete sentences, explain how the author develops the theme of your Module One short story. You can discuss how the author uses characters, conflict, events, or the setting to develop the theme; discuss only the elements that apply. Provide at least two examples from the text to show how the author develops the theme of your selected short story.

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FDK411.12