Reading Exercises

NARCISSUS
When Narcissus was born, his mother
took him to a prophet. The prophet said
that Narcissus could live a long, fine life
if he never saw himself. One day,
Narcissus saw his reflection in a lake and
fell in love with it. It was very handsome.
Meanwhile a girl called Echo, fell in
love with Narcissus but she wasn’t free.
She was punished by Hera and she could only repeat what other people said around
her. She watched Narcissus everyday. As Narcissus talked to his reflection with love,
Echo repeated his words. Narcissus thought that his reflection was talking back to him.
The prophet was right. One day Narcissus got too close to his reflection and fell into the
lake. He caused his own doom. The flower narcissus grew where he died.

1. Why did Narcissus think that his reflection was real?

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2. Why do you think she is called Echo?

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3. What was Narcissus’ flaw that caused his doom?

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4. What would you do if you were Echo?

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5. What does the word prophet mean?

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6. What do you see in the painting?

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Good Luck!

Painting: Echo and Narcissus by John William Waterhouse, 1903

Gülce Yetimoğlu