Fire Thief Planning Sheet Fire Thief
Discussion Planning Sheet
Name:
Date:
Target: I can cite textual evidence to support my analysis of Prometheus’s motivations. (RL.6.1)
"Was the gift of fire worth the eternal punishment of Prometheus?"
Yes, Worth It
Progress outweighs suffering.
No, Not Worth It
No progress justifies the agony.
Cite Your Evidence
Quote 1 (Include page/paragraph number)
Analysis: How does this prove your point?
Quote 2 (Include page/paragraph number)
Analysis: How does this prove your point?
Anticipating the Opposition
Consider the other perspective. What is their strongest point? How will you rebut it?
Opposing Viewpoint:
My Rebuttal:
Discussion Starters
• "In the text, Evslin writes..."
• "I hear your point, but on page..."
• "This quote demonstrates that..."
• "Evslin describes the fire as..."
• "Prometheus's motivation here is..."
• "The punishment is described as..."
Small Group Notes
Record one new piece of evidence or perspective from your group.
Final Verdict
Did your opinion change? Explain using your group's evidence.
Fire Thief Slides Philosophical Chairs
Fire Thief
Was the gift of fire worth the punishment of Prometheus?
Evidence
Analysis
Debate
Our Goal
"I can cite textual evidence to support my analysis of Prometheus’s motivations."
RL.6.1
Bernard Evslin's "Prometheus"
The Question
"Knowing what you know of Prometheus's eternal torture, was the gift of fire worth it for humanity?"
Side A
Yes. Human civilization and progress are more important than one god's suffering.
Side B
No. The scale of the punishment and the chaos caused by the gift were too great.
Discussion Protocol
1
State Your Stance
Clearly tell your group of 2-3 which side you chose.
2
Cite the Text
Read your chosen quote out loud. Explain how it supports your view.
3
Listen & Pivot
Listen to your peers. You can change your mind if their evidence is stronger!
Remember...
"A Philosophical Chair is not an argument. It is a shared exploration of ideas using the author's words as our guide."
Evslin's Clues
Prometheus's Motivations
"It is true that they are made of clay, but they are my children..."
"He is too proud to admit he was wrong."
Impact of Fire
"They began to build houses, and cook their food..."
"The smoke of their altars rose to heaven..."
Time to Prep Your Planning Sheet!
Fire Thief Facilitator Guide Facilitator Guide
Fire Thief Debate: Bernard Evslin Edition
Lesson Context
This activity focuses on RL.6.1 (Citing evidence). Bernard Evslin's version of the Prometheus myth is particularly rich in descriptive language and strong dialogue between Prometheus and Zeus, providing ample ground for students to analyze internal motivations and external consequences.
Essential Question
Was the gift of fire worth the punishment?
Materials Needed
Evslin's "Prometheus" text
Planning Sheets (per student)
Fire Thief Slides
The Small Group Protocol
Why Groups of 2-3?
Unlike a full-class Philosophical Chairs, small groups ensure 100% participation . It creates a more intimate space for shy students to practice citing evidence verbally and allows for more rotations of roles.
Role of the Teacher
Circulate and listen specifically for phrases like "the text says..." or "Evslin writes..." . If a student makes a claim without evidence, ask: "Where in the myth did you see that?"
Evidence Cheat Sheet
Perspective Potential Evidence Points (Bernard Evslin) Yes, Worth It
Human Progress: "They began to build houses... They began to cook their food... they learned to make tools."Motivation: Prometheus's pity for humans who were "cold and huddled in caves" while gods lived in luxury.Legacy: "Man had become the master of the world, and Zeus could only watch" as the smoke of altars rose.
|
| No, Not Worth It |
Extreme Torture: The description of the eagle tearing at his liver daily. "A pain that had no end."Defiance of Order: Zeus's warning that fire would make humans "dangerous," "greedy," and "unfit for the gods."Unintended Consequences: Evslin notes that with fire came "war and the forging of weapons" and the loss of innocence.
|
For Struggling Readers
Provide highlighters for the text. Have them highlight Prometheus's motivations in one color and the physical effects of fire in another before starting the planning sheet.
For Advanced Learners
Ask them to analyze the symbolism of fire. Is it knowledge, power, or destruction? How does its dual nature complicate the "worth" of Prometheus's sacrifice?
Fire Thief Rubric Fire Thief
Discussion Rubric
Total Score
/ 16
Evaluate preparation and small-group participation. Focus on direct textual evidence from Bernard Evslin's myth.
Criteria 4 - Advanced 3 - Proficient 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning Evidence Selection (RL.6.1) Multiple relevant quotes perfectly support stance. At least two relevant quotes to support the stance. Quotes included, but may be loose or missing refs. Claims shared without direct textual evidence. Analysis of Intent Deeply explains intent and impact behind choices. Clearly explains how evidence analyzes intent. Basic summary; lacks deep analysis of motives. Minimal/no explanation of quotes provided. Discussion Skills Actively listens and pivots based on peer evidence. Participates fully and respects peer viewpoints. Shares evidence but does not respond to peers. No active participation in group discussion. Prep & Notes Prep sheet is thorough with precise evidence. Prep sheet is complete with evidence and rebuttals. Prep sheet partially complete; missing key details. Incomplete or lacks textual specifics.
Feedback & Next Steps
Fire Thief assessment suite
Standard RL.6.1 Proficiency Tracking
