The Dark Prophecy

What is the significance of Apollo’s visions, dreams, and memories of the past? Why do you think it takes time for Apollo to fully recall certain events in his life, such as his link with Trophonius? Use textual examples to illustrate your answers.

Calypso’s character is reimagined from its source material in the text. How is Riordan’s characterization of Calypso different from information about her in Greek sources? What do Calypso’s choices in Riordan’s world say about her character? Use online and textual research to support your answer.

Apollo tells Calypso her exile is not real because she was on a “tropical island with pristine beaches, aerial servants, and a lavishly appointed cave.” Do you agree with Apollo’s assessment? Why do you think Apollo’s statement angers Calypso? Illustrate your response with examples from the text.

Jo and Emmie represent a moral compass for the novel’s main characters. Do you agree with this statement? Illustrate your position with examples from the text, keeping in mind the novel’s themes.

Using information provided in The Dark Prophecy and online research, analyze Meg’s backstory and character.

Riordan keeps the narrative humorous even when describing dangerous plot points. Show any three ways in which he juxtaposes tense situations with humor.

“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly. What doesn’t transmit light creates its own darkness.” Why does this quote by Marcus Aurelius enable Apollo to remember his power? How is the quote connected to the novel’s key themes of living in the present and Mortality and Human Existence?

Does Apollo change as a character over the course of the narrative? Would you consider Apollo a hero? Illustrate your response with examples from the text.