Essay Questions

How does Caroline B. Cooney exemplify that loyalty is a desirable quality and a source of strength in the novel Goddess of Yesterday?

Each character in the novel Goddess of Yesterday has personal interests, but Anaxandra and King Menelaus as unique characters, ready to do anything to defend the people they love regardless of the situation. The loyalty illustrated by these two characters exemplifies their strength to make the world a better place. For instance, when Anaxandra is rescued by King Menelaus and brought to Sparta, she promises to defend the king and remain loyal throughout her life. In addition, when Helen elopes with Anaxandra to Troy, she takes care of Helen's son and promises to return the baby to King Menelaus before the destruction of Troy. Similarly, King Menelaus loves Helen, and when he discovers that she has eloped to get married to the prince of Troy, he launches an aggressive war to bring his bride back to Sparta. King Menelaus's decision to fight for the woman he loves shows his virtue in protecting the people dear to him.

Describe how Caroline B. Cooney develops a dramatic irony in the novel using a pertinent example.

Throughout the novel, readers know that Anaxandra lives under a false identity as Princess Callisto. When Anaxandra is six years old, King Nicander kidnaps her to live with his disabled daughter. However, a tragedy happens, and everyone is killed in the kingdom except Anaxandra. To survive, Anaxandra disguises herself as Princess Callisto to be saved by King Menelaus, who takes her to the palace in Sparta. Throughout her life, every character in the novel knows that Anaxandra is the daughter of the late King Nicander. The only person suspicious of Anaxandra's identity is Helen, Menelaus' bride, but she has several flaws and cannot dare reveal the girl's identity to anyone else.

Why is the conflict between King Menelaus and the Prince of Troy becoming an unadulterated ecstasy for Helen?

Helen is initially the bride of King Menelaus in Sparta. However, when the Prince of Troy visits Sparta, he elopes with Helen because of her irresistible beauty. Helen is also attracted to the Prince of Troy because of his strength and handsomeness. When King Menelaus returns home and learns that his bride has eloped with the Prince of Troy, he launches an aggressive war to bring his bride home. Paradoxically, Helen is happy as the war worsens because two powerful men are at war for her love. The conflict brings bliss to Helen, and it makes her believe that men can do anything to possess her.