Quicksilver Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Quicksilver
Chapters 5–6: The Underworld & The Garden
Name:
Date:
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Use the direct sentences from the novel to find the clue and define each underlined word:
1. "She looked as beautiful as ever, slim and barefoot and slightly unkempt. But now she wore garlands of gold and gems rather than flowers, and a morose pout." (Ch. 5)
Context clue:
Definition:
2. "I have no sympathy for Tantalus. His crime was heinous, far worse than anything Sisyphus or Tityus ever did, yet he cries for mercy, while they suffer in silence." (Ch. 6)
Context clue:
Definition:
3. Complete the cause-and-effect chart based on Chapters 5 and 6:
Cause
→
Effect
Hades is deeply in love with Kore and desperate to make her happy, so she demands to take over the palace garden.
Hermes formally recites the footnote in Hades' Codes and Regulations stating anyone who has not eaten the Food of the Dead may leave upon request.
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In Chapter 5, how does Hermes describe Kore’s appearance and scent (her wheat-colored curls, gold garlands, smelling of "hay and chamomile") compared to Hades’ dark stone palace? What does this sensory contrast emphasize?
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In Chapters 5 and 6, how does Stephanie Spinner portray Hades? What do his pleading tone with Kore and his profound sadness when she leaves reveal about his character?
6. In Chapter 6, what secret does Kore confess to Hermes as they hurry past Sisyphus's ramp?
A She stole Ascalaphus's golden garden shovel.
B She ate five pomegranate seeds from the Underworld garden.
C She hid Hermes' Cap of Invisibility under her skirt.
D She promised Hades she would return before next spring.
7. In Chapter 5, when Hermes mentions the Food of the Dead, Kore mutters vaguely about the radishes and asks to try on his invisibility cap. Why does Hermes suspect her evasion?
Quicksilver • Chapters 5–6 15-Minute Reading Check
Quicksilver Comprehension Answer Key
Teacher Key Grading Guide • 25 Points Total
Quicksilver Answer Key
Chapters 5–6: The Underworld & The Garden
Total Score: 25 Pts
Pacing: 15-Minute Check
1 & 2. Vocabulary in Context (4 pts: 2 pts each)
[1 pt clue, 1 pt definition]
1. "...garlands of gold and gems rather than flowers, and a morose pout." (Ch. 5)
Clue: "pout", "rather than flowers", "looking unkempt / unhappy"
Definition: Gloomy, sullen, sulky, sad, or bad-tempered.
2. "...His crime was heinous, far worse than anything Sisyphus or Tityus ever did..." (Ch. 6)
Clue: "far worse than anything Sisyphus or Tityus did", "no sympathy"
Definition: Shockingly evil, wicked, monstrous, or terrible.
3. Cause and Effect Chart (4 pts: 2 pts each)
[Accept close paraphrases]
Cause
→
Expected Effect (Key Answer)
Hades is deeply in love with Kore and desperate to make her happy, so she demands the palace garden.
Hades agrees to reassign his loyal gardener Ascalaphus to another job so Kore can take over and cultivate the garden.
Hermes formally recites the footnote stating anyone who has not eaten the Food of the Dead may leave upon request.
Hades is legally bound by his own decree and sadly nods, officially granting Kore permission to depart with Hermes.
4. Sensory Imagery (4 pts)
[2 pts details, 2 pts significance]
Model Answer:
Hermes describes Kore’s sensory presence as earthy and alive—barefoot, with wheat-colored hair, smelling of "hay and chamomile"—which sharply clashes with Hades’ cold, dark throne room of black diamond and lifeless stone. Even though she wears heavy gold and gems, her warmth and scent remind the reader that she belongs to the fertile, living earth above, not the sterile Underworld.
5. Character Analysis: Hades (4 pts)
[2 pts traits, 2 pts text evidence]
Model Answer:
Spinner portrays Hades not as a cruel, terrifying monster, but as an awkward, lovesick, and vulnerable ruler. He stammers and pleads to make Kore happy, gently tries to console Ascalaphus with alternative jobs, and watches Kore leave with "profound sadness" rather than anger. Hermes observes that his strict, sour uncle is genuinely heartbroken.
6. Objective Question (4 pts)
What secret does Kore confess near Sisyphus’s ramp?
Correct Answer: B
She ate five pomegranate seeds from the Underworld garden.
Directly stated in Chapter 6: "I ate five pomegranate seeds, that's all."
7. Inferential Analysis (5 pts)
Why does Hermes suspect Kore's evasion?
Key Rationale: When the rule against eating is mentioned, Kore dodges the truth by murmuring about radishes and asking for the invisibility cap. Hermes recognizes this tactic because he uses evasion himself when guilty; her hope to become invisible hints she broke the rule and fears being caught.
Quicksilver Novel Study • Chapters 5–6 Teacher Key Instructional Support Guide
