Sparta & Athens — Two Visions of the City-State

1. Central idea: Athens created the world's first democracy in 508 BCE; though limited by modern standards, it shaped political thinking ever since. (Cite: "the Athenian experiment shaped everything that came after.")

2. Demokratia --- "power of the people."

3. Sample: Adult male citizens attended the Assembly; voted by raising hands; could be chosen by lottery for office; juries decided cases.

4. Women, slaves, and foreigners could not vote --- perhaps 85% of the population was excluded; only adult male citizens participated.

5. Pericles: "Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves." The author uses this to show Athenian pride and how the city saw itself as original.

6. The author admires the Athenian experiment but also takes a balanced view, acknowledging both its limits and its lasting influence.

Sample Top-Scoring Response (Rubric Score 4)

The Cost That Was Not Worth Paying

Was the Greek invasion of Troy worth the cost? After reading Black Ships Before Troy, I believe the answer is no. The war destroyed both armies, ruined two great cities, killed many of the greatest heroes of the age, and was driven not by necessity but by pride and the choice of one man --- Paris. The story warns us about the price of letting glory and anger drive our decisions.

First, the war was unnecessary. Paris's choice of Aphrodite's gift --- Helen --- was not a duty to his kingdom but a personal desire. Sutcliff makes clear from the opening that Paris is shaped by appetite, not wisdom: he refuses both power and victory in war. By the time the Greek ships are gathering, Troy and Greece both know what is coming, and yet the war proceeds. The cost was a choice, not a necessity.

Second, the cost was enormous. Patroclus dies in battle. Hector dies at Achilles' hand and is dragged behind a chariot. Achilles himself dies before the war ends. Whole cities burn. Sutcliff describes the fall of Troy with restrained horror: "The black smoke rolled over the rooftops" --- a city of generations, gone. For what?

Some readers may argue that the war was worth the cost because of the glory the Greek heroes won. The world remembers Achilles, Odysseus, and Hector to this day. But Sutcliff shows that glory came at a terrible price. Even the victors went home to ruin: Agamemnon is murdered, Odysseus wanders for ten more years. Glory does not bring peace.

In the end, Black Ships Before Troy is a story not of triumphant heroism but of a war that should never have happened. The lesson Sutcliff offers --- that pride, beauty, and the choice of one man can destroy two civilizations --- is meant to be a warning. The cost was not worth paying.

1. The Athenian Assembly gave political voice to ordinary citizens --- and they treasured it.

2. Sample: "Men climbed the hill from across the city --- farmers, sailors, shopkeepers --- to debate the next war" --- shows the diversity of who could speak.

3. Sample: "It was the most precious thing they had built" --- clearly admiring.

4. Sample theme: Fate cannot be escaped. Cite a passage involving the gods or prophecy.

5. Sutcliff's omniscient narrator sees what no single character can --- the gods' plans, the long arc, the consequences. This gives the war epic and tragic weight.

6. Democracy = rule by the people.

7. Metis = cunning / clever thinking; Odysseus exemplifies it through the Trojan Horse.

8. Incensed = angered, made furious.

9. "Where is the eagle?" asked Marcus.

10. The gift was for him and me.

11. Sample: Both heroic and democratic ideals depend on the courage of individuals --- heroes in battle, citizens in the Assembly. Both require people to choose to act for something larger than themselves, even at personal cost.

Mid-Year ELA Final Assessment