Tonight, a trick, a theft and an argument. Was Prometheus a hero or a criminal? You’ll need formal linkers to argue it properly.
Hesiod’s Theogony · C2
Part Seven: The Trick at Mekone
Formal linking (whereby, whereas, thereby, hence, given that, insofar as, in that, thus, inasmuch as, accordingly): C2 language for building an argument, and for the trick that set gods and men apart.
🔥 Play the story too: in the gamebook, you are Prometheus.Play the gamebook →
SOPHIA
PHILO
Hesiod has already decided, I think.
The story
After Hesiod’s Theogony, lines 535–569
At Mekone, gods and men agreed on a system whereby each would have a share of every sacrifice. Prometheus divided an ox: the meat hidden in the ugly stomach, thereby making it look worthless, whereas the bones were wrapped in shining fat.
Zeus, Hesiod insists, saw through the trick, yet chose the fat; hence the custom of burning white bones for the gods. The trick succeeded only insofar as Zeus allowed it.
Zeus acted accordingly: he hid fire from men. Prometheus stole it in a hollow fennel stalk, and thus carried it down to mortals: a benefactor inasmuch as he gave them fire, a criminal in the eyes of Zeus.
It is not possible to deceive or to escape the mind of Zeus.
Linking in formal writing
PHILO
A system whereby both sides shared. One portion was ugly, whereas the other shone.
SOPHIA
whereby = by which (a system, a process, an agreement). whereas = while, in contrast. Both belong to formal, written English.
Consequences
MARCOS
He hid the meat, thereby fooling Zeus. Zeus chose the bones, hence the custom. He stole the fire and thus saved men.
SOPHIA
thereby + -ing = by doing this. hence + noun = that’s the reason for. thus + clause = in this way / as a result. accordingly = in a suitable way, or therefore.
Limits and reasons
DEMETRIA
Given that Zeus knows everything, the trick worked only insofar as he let it.
SOPHIA
given that = considering that. insofar as = to the extent that. in that = because, in the sense that. inasmuch as = very formal: because / to the extent that.
Sophia’s summary
| Form | Use | From the story |
|---|---|---|
| whereby; whereas | by which; in contrast | a system whereby both sides shared |
| thereby + -ing; thus + clause | by doing this; in this way | He hid the meat, thereby fooling Zeus. |
| hence + noun phrase | the reason for | hence the custom of burning bones |
| given that; in that | considering; because | He was clever in that he understood men. |
| insofar as; inasmuch as; accordingly | extent; reason; suitably | Zeus acted accordingly. |
Practice
Answer all the questions, then press “Check my answers”. You can try again as many times as you like.
A · Choose
Choose the correct form.
1. A scheme ___ workers share the profits.
2. I like the sea, ___ my brother prefers the mountains.
3. The roads were icy; ___ the delay.
4. He signed the contract, ___ accepting all its terms.
5. ___ that it is raining, the match is cancelled.
6. The plan worked ___ nobody was hurt.
B · Write
Write the correct form of the word in brackets, or the missing word.
7. The book is unusual that it has no main character.
8. The bridge was closed. We acted and took the ferry.
9. He trained hard and won the race.
10. He was responsible inasmuch he knew the danger.
C · Right or wrong?
Is it correct?
11. “The roads were flooded; hence we stayed at home.”
12. “She resigned, thereby ending the scandal.”
13. “Given that the price, I won’t buy it.”
Now play Part Seven yourself!Play the gamebook →