Quest for Immortality
Man's resistance to his own mortality is part of the human condition. The measures we take to prevent the inevitable range from the extreme to the bizarre.
In preparation of reading Gilgamesh, we want you to put your minds into the present day condition of defying mortality. Take some time to explore on the Internet how man searches for immortality.
Post your findings on your blog. Include visuals...videos, images, etc. in addition to text or links to valuable resources. Conclude with a synopsis, in your own words, of what you have discovered about man's quest for immortality.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Theban Plays Test
The Theban Plays Test (150 points)
Open www.hoschworldlit.blogspot.com
Copy and paste the test to a word document. Save to the desktop as your last Name ThebanPlaysTest.doc (Thurm ThebanPlaysTest.doc). You must include a quotation for each question (four quotations total) cited correctly (Sophocles 81). Be sure to attach the Work Cited. Drop in khosch drop box.
You must answer questions 1 and 2.
Then choose 2 from among questions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Remember to time yourself carefully – 10 minutes per question. Delete the questions you do not answer. Be sure to add the Work Cited at the end of your test.
1. Which Blog do you want graded: “Conscientious Objection” or “Ignorance vs. Guilt”? (30 points) I want you to grade Blog #
2. Anaåålyze Oedipus as the Tragic Man. Use your handout and address all 7 elements in list form– 1. A Belief in His Own Freedom: 2. A Supreme Pride: (40 points)
Theme questions are worth 40 points each --- pick two.
3. One of the most significant rituals in Greek society was the “proper burial of the dead.” Discuss how this ritual is portrayed in Antigone.
4. A significant theme in The Theban Plays is the idea of free will vs. fate. Discuss how the purpose of prophecy and free will vs. fate are related.
5. At the end of both plays, the characters exhibit extreme despair. Compare the characteristics of the despair of Oedipus and Creon.
6. “Individual vs. State” is a question people often grapple with. We might call it “for the good of the whole.” Both Oedipus and Creon believe they must be strong rulers for the good of all citizens. Explain how the plays show that a ruler may not always do the right thing for “the good of the state” by ignoring individual rights.
7. Explain in detail the irony of this statement: “The blind see.”
8. In what ways do Oedipus, Creon, and Antigone show integrity?
Work Cited
Sophocles. The Theban Plays. Trans. Robert Fagles. NY: Penguin Books, 1984.
Open www.hoschworldlit.blogspot.com
Copy and paste the test to a word document. Save to the desktop as your last Name ThebanPlaysTest.doc (Thurm ThebanPlaysTest.doc). You must include a quotation for each question (four quotations total) cited correctly (Sophocles 81). Be sure to attach the Work Cited. Drop in khosch drop box.
You must answer questions 1 and 2.
Then choose 2 from among questions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Remember to time yourself carefully – 10 minutes per question. Delete the questions you do not answer. Be sure to add the Work Cited at the end of your test.
1. Which Blog do you want graded: “Conscientious Objection” or “Ignorance vs. Guilt”? (30 points) I want you to grade Blog #
2. Anaåålyze Oedipus as the Tragic Man. Use your handout and address all 7 elements in list form– 1. A Belief in His Own Freedom: 2. A Supreme Pride: (40 points)
Theme questions are worth 40 points each --- pick two.
3. One of the most significant rituals in Greek society was the “proper burial of the dead.” Discuss how this ritual is portrayed in Antigone.
4. A significant theme in The Theban Plays is the idea of free will vs. fate. Discuss how the purpose of prophecy and free will vs. fate are related.
5. At the end of both plays, the characters exhibit extreme despair. Compare the characteristics of the despair of Oedipus and Creon.
6. “Individual vs. State” is a question people often grapple with. We might call it “for the good of the whole.” Both Oedipus and Creon believe they must be strong rulers for the good of all citizens. Explain how the plays show that a ruler may not always do the right thing for “the good of the state” by ignoring individual rights.
7. Explain in detail the irony of this statement: “The blind see.”
8. In what ways do Oedipus, Creon, and Antigone show integrity?
Work Cited
Sophocles. The Theban Plays. Trans. Robert Fagles. NY: Penguin Books, 1984.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
"Ignorance vs. Guilt"
If a person does not know, is that person still guilty of grievous crime?
Consider the plight of Oedipus and a modern day example.
What would you do if you were on the jury at the Oedipus trial? What would you do if you were on the jury in a modern day trial?
What would cause you to vote one way or another? Values? Beliefs? Evidence? Society Norms? Other information?
Consider the plight of Oedipus and a modern day example.
What would you do if you were on the jury at the Oedipus trial? What would you do if you were on the jury in a modern day trial?
What would cause you to vote one way or another? Values? Beliefs? Evidence? Society Norms? Other information?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Theban Plays -- Despair
What is the meaning of "Despair" and how does this theme manifest itself in both plays?
Antigone on YouTube
Take some time to watch Antigone by Sophocles (1984 TV) Juliet Stevenson -- there are 11 parts.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Antigone "Conscientious Objection"
What is "conscientious objection"?
In what ways does Antigone demonstrate conscientious objection?
In your opinion, did she do the right thing? Explain your view in terms of how 21st Century citizens might view her actions.
Describe a situation when a citizen of the 21st Century in another country might feel compelled to become a "Conscientious Objector" or describe a situation from the past in the United Sates when people did become "Conscientious Objectors" (1849? 1968-1973?). Be sure to include the reason(s) why a citizen might do this and compare that to Antigone's reason(s).
In what ways does Antigone demonstrate conscientious objection?
In your opinion, did she do the right thing? Explain your view in terms of how 21st Century citizens might view her actions.
Describe a situation when a citizen of the 21st Century in another country might feel compelled to become a "Conscientious Objector" or describe a situation from the past in the United Sates when people did become "Conscientious Objectors" (1849? 1968-1973?). Be sure to include the reason(s) why a citizen might do this and compare that to Antigone's reason(s).
Monday, September 21, 2009
King Oedipus Theme
Theme addresses a "Big Question" that relates to the "Human Condition." Think about how Oedipus has changed from the beginning of the play to the end. List at least three possible themes that address the big questions that still concern us today.
Remember to mark page numbers for quotations you may want to use on the test.
Remember to mark page numbers for quotations you may want to use on the test.
Syllabus Reminder for last seven weeks
Note Author Project Due Date -- November 10th
Week Five: September 21-25
o Theban Plays test September 25
o Introduce World Author Project -- Final presentation due November 10th
Week Six: September 28-October 2 (MIDTERM 2nd)
o Gilgamesh:
o Prose: http://books.google.com/books?id=qAuBm0Ikw70C&printsec=frontcover&dq=epic+of+gilgamesh&as_brr=3&rview=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
o Verse: http://books.google.com/books?id=VBoVAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=hamlet&as_brr=3&rview=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Week Seven: October 5-9
o Gilgamesh test October 9
Week Eight: October 13-16 (Inservice 12th)
o Beowulf : http://books.google.com/books?id=CcMDLQSuecIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=beowulf&as_brr=3&rview=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Week Nine: October 19-22 (No school 23rd)
o Beowulf test October 22
o Hamlet: http://books.google.com/books?id=VBoVAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=hamlet&as_brr=3&rview=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Week Ten: October 26-30
o Hamlet
Week Eleven: November 2-6
o Hamlet test November 4
o Author Project Work
Week Twelve: November 9-13 (End of Tri 13th)
o World Author project due November 10
o Final Comprehensive exam
Week Five: September 21-25
o Theban Plays test September 25
o Introduce World Author Project -- Final presentation due November 10th
Week Six: September 28-October 2 (MIDTERM 2nd)
o Gilgamesh:
o Prose: http://books.google.com/books?id=qAuBm0Ikw70C&printsec=frontcover&dq=epic+of+gilgamesh&as_brr=3&rview=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
o Verse: http://books.google.com/books?id=VBoVAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=hamlet&as_brr=3&rview=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Week Seven: October 5-9
o Gilgamesh test October 9
Week Eight: October 13-16 (Inservice 12th)
o Beowulf : http://books.google.com/books?id=CcMDLQSuecIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=beowulf&as_brr=3&rview=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Week Nine: October 19-22 (No school 23rd)
o Beowulf test October 22
o Hamlet: http://books.google.com/books?id=VBoVAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=hamlet&as_brr=3&rview=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Week Ten: October 26-30
o Hamlet
Week Eleven: November 2-6
o Hamlet test November 4
o Author Project Work
Week Twelve: November 9-13 (End of Tri 13th)
o World Author project due November 10
o Final Comprehensive exam
World Author Project
World Lit Independent Novel Project
The focus of this project is the human condition. You have been asked to read a novel of world focus that illustrates this concept
In a PowerPoint presentation, you will identify and discuss 5 key concepts that illustrate how your novel demonstrates the human condition from a world view (as opposed to a solely “American” view). Remember, part of the selection process was that this was not an American author.
The focus question:
How are culture, race, religion, relationships, beliefs and values, or other world views conveyed through the understanding or depiction of the human condition in your novel?
Your PowerPoint should not exceed 15 slides; the presentation should be between 3-5 minutes in length. Do not just read your slides; be prepared to discuss and present your information, filling in the blanks from your personal repertoire.
You must have 5 direct quotes from your novel to support your key concepts choices along with 5 visuals to further illustrate each concept. You must have a works cited for your novel and images using proper MLA format.
Your book and your brains, will be your only sources, other than your visuals. This is not a research project, but rather an application of your personal understanding and knowledge of the human condition as it is portrayed in your novel through the lens of a different world view than your own. Your in-depth understanding of your novel is essential to the success of this project (reading the novel more than once would be a great benefit).
Your presentation should be thesis-driven, meaning you have a definitive focus with five examples to support. Your thesis should be clear, concise, one sentence, “new, true, and important.”
Thesis: 25 pts
Explanation of 5 Key Concepts: 100
Visuals: 25 pts
Direct Quotes: 25 pts
PowerPoint Format: 25 pts
Works Cited: 25 pts
225 pts
Remember to PRACTICE! You are the expert!
The focus of this project is the human condition. You have been asked to read a novel of world focus that illustrates this concept
In a PowerPoint presentation, you will identify and discuss 5 key concepts that illustrate how your novel demonstrates the human condition from a world view (as opposed to a solely “American” view). Remember, part of the selection process was that this was not an American author.
The focus question:
How are culture, race, religion, relationships, beliefs and values, or other world views conveyed through the understanding or depiction of the human condition in your novel?
Your PowerPoint should not exceed 15 slides; the presentation should be between 3-5 minutes in length. Do not just read your slides; be prepared to discuss and present your information, filling in the blanks from your personal repertoire.
You must have 5 direct quotes from your novel to support your key concepts choices along with 5 visuals to further illustrate each concept. You must have a works cited for your novel and images using proper MLA format.
Your book and your brains, will be your only sources, other than your visuals. This is not a research project, but rather an application of your personal understanding and knowledge of the human condition as it is portrayed in your novel through the lens of a different world view than your own. Your in-depth understanding of your novel is essential to the success of this project (reading the novel more than once would be a great benefit).
Your presentation should be thesis-driven, meaning you have a definitive focus with five examples to support. Your thesis should be clear, concise, one sentence, “new, true, and important.”
Thesis: 25 pts
Explanation of 5 Key Concepts: 100
Visuals: 25 pts
Direct Quotes: 25 pts
PowerPoint Format: 25 pts
Works Cited: 25 pts
225 pts
Remember to PRACTICE! You are the expert!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
King Oedipus
What is Jocasta'view of the integrity of the gods? How do you know this?
At one point during Oedipus' encounter with Creon,they fling these words at each other:
"'I must rule'" (195).
"'Not if you rule unjustly'" (195).
What does this mean in terms of theme (see pretest focus)?
The big question is whether Oedipus is guilty if he did not know. Describe how he comes to his epiphany -- include his denials.
In what ways has the role of the chorus changed?
At one point during Oedipus' encounter with Creon,they fling these words at each other:
"'I must rule'" (195).
"'Not if you rule unjustly'" (195).
What does this mean in terms of theme (see pretest focus)?
The big question is whether Oedipus is guilty if he did not know. Describe how he comes to his epiphany -- include his denials.
In what ways has the role of the chorus changed?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tiresias (Teiresias) Encounters Oedipus
Describe Tiresias. Explain the encounter between Teiresias (the blind man who "sees") and Oedipus. Find quotations.
What does this encounter tell you about Oedipus?
What does this encounter tell you about Oedipus?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Role of the Chorus
Describe the role of the Chorus (what are they saying and to whom they are talking. Reference Chorus on pages 168-170 or pages 30-31 and pages 186-187 or bottom of page 39.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Theban Plays Introduction
Talk about what you learned about the story of Oedipus from what you read in the introduction.
What did you learn (or what questions do you have) about the play from what you have seen and read so far?
What did you learn (or what questions do you have) about the play from what you have seen and read so far?
"The Theban Plays" Unit Plan
Theban Plays Unit Plan
September 14th -September 25th
Text: Sophocles. The Three Theban Plays. Trans. Robert Fagles. NY: Penguin Books, 1984.
Student Responsibilities:
• Read Introductory material for each of the two plays
• Participate in the in-class reading – take roles
• Post daily responses on blog for each day’s reading
• Take notes and/or annotate text during the reading – questions or comments you may want to post or bring up during small group and large group discussion
• Jot down line numbers for quotations you may want to use to support your test answers
• Participate in small and large group discussions
Oedipus the King:
• September 14th: Introductory information; start reading the play, Oedipus the King
• September 15th: Read to the end of page 185 -- blog
• September 16th: Read to the end of page 211 -- blog
• September 17th: Read to the end of page 223 -- blog
• September 18th: Finish the play -- blog
Antigone
• September 21st: Introduction information; start reading the play, Antigone: 57-77 -- blog
• September 22nd Read 78 – 106 -- blog
• September 23rd: Read 107 – 128 -- blog
Assessment Discussion and Test
• September 24th: Large Group Discussion; finish blogging
• September 25th: Final Theban Play Test
Pretest Focus
• Purpose of the chorus
• Concepts
• Analysis of The Tragic “Man” based on the Aristotle’s definition
• Analysis of hero qualities – Oedipus and Antigone – blog generated list
• Discussion of theme – proper burial of the dead; conscioentious objection; individual versus state; conscience versus law; moral or Divine law versus human law; hubris; purpose of prophesy; the blind “see”; loyalty; free will vs. fate; ritual; despair; integrity; ignorance is an excuse; others that may come up during discussion
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Sophocles
September 14th -September 25th
Text: Sophocles. The Three Theban Plays. Trans. Robert Fagles. NY: Penguin Books, 1984.
Student Responsibilities:
• Read Introductory material for each of the two plays
• Participate in the in-class reading – take roles
• Post daily responses on blog for each day’s reading
• Take notes and/or annotate text during the reading – questions or comments you may want to post or bring up during small group and large group discussion
• Jot down line numbers for quotations you may want to use to support your test answers
• Participate in small and large group discussions
Oedipus the King:
• September 14th: Introductory information; start reading the play, Oedipus the King
• September 15th: Read to the end of page 185 -- blog
• September 16th: Read to the end of page 211 -- blog
• September 17th: Read to the end of page 223 -- blog
• September 18th: Finish the play -- blog
Antigone
• September 21st: Introduction information; start reading the play, Antigone: 57-77 -- blog
• September 22nd Read 78 – 106 -- blog
• September 23rd: Read 107 – 128 -- blog
Assessment Discussion and Test
• September 24th: Large Group Discussion; finish blogging
• September 25th: Final Theban Play Test
Pretest Focus
• Purpose of the chorus
• Concepts
• Analysis of The Tragic “Man” based on the Aristotle’s definition
• Analysis of hero qualities – Oedipus and Antigone – blog generated list
• Discussion of theme – proper burial of the dead; conscioentious objection; individual versus state; conscience versus law; moral or Divine law versus human law; hubris; purpose of prophesy; the blind “see”; loyalty; free will vs. fate; ritual; despair; integrity; ignorance is an excuse; others that may come up during discussion
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Sophocles
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Odyssey Book XXIII
Why Does Penelope still doubt Odysseus even when he reveals himself? In what ways does Book XXIII depict the human condition (human emotions)?
For the Cycle of the Hero -- Triumph is what they each going after. Look at the Cycle of the Hero graphic in your purple packet. The Triumph choices are at the bottom of the circle. Telemachus' Triumph is different from Odysseus' Triumph, but they get what they are going after in Book XXIII.
For the Cycle of the Hero -- Triumph is what they each going after. Look at the Cycle of the Hero graphic in your purple packet. The Triumph choices are at the bottom of the circle. Telemachus' Triumph is different from Odysseus' Triumph, but they get what they are going after in Book XXIII.
The Odyssey Book XXII
Describe what happens in Book XXII. As a citizen of the 21st Century, what do you think of Odysseus and Telemachus by the end of Book XXII?
Were their actions justified in terms of the Homeric Hero? Explain.
Be sure to continue marking quotations to support your answers on the test (refer to the pretest focus.) You will need six quotations:
1. Support for hero traits (Homeric and/or 21st Century)
2. Support for the theme intervention of gods (especially Athena)
3. Support for the theme disguise
4. Support for a theme of your choosing
5. Support for Key Features of Myth
6. Support for Team TO's Cycle of the Hero
Were their actions justified in terms of the Homeric Hero? Explain.
Be sure to continue marking quotations to support your answers on the test (refer to the pretest focus.) You will need six quotations:
1. Support for hero traits (Homeric and/or 21st Century)
2. Support for the theme intervention of gods (especially Athena)
3. Support for the theme disguise
4. Support for a theme of your choosing
5. Support for Key Features of Myth
6. Support for Team TO's Cycle of the Hero
The Odyssey Book XXI
Consider the role of women in the Odyssey. What have you learned about how "Homer's" society would have viewed women?
What are you learning about Penelope in Book XXI?
In what ways are characters loyal or disloyal to Odysseus?
Predict what you think will happen in Book XXII.
What are you learning about Penelope in Book XXI?
In what ways are characters loyal or disloyal to Odysseus?
Predict what you think will happen in Book XXII.
Team TO's Threshold Crossing
Here's a little gift since we did not read Book XX. You will find Telemachus' threshold crossing into Team TO's adventure on page 407 in Book XX. Telemachus is responsible for Odysseus' threshold crossing into their adventure. You will find that at the top of page 412 in Book XX.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Homeric Hero
The following is an excerpt copied from Professor Roger Dunkle of Brooklyn College concerning the Homeric Hero (see Work Cited below). This should help you to think about the differences between what the society of Homer’s time thought of “hero,” and what we citizens of the 21st Century think of “hero.”
“The code which governs the conduct of the Homeric heroes is a simple one. The aim of every hero is to achieve honor, that is, the esteem received from one's peers. Honor is essential to the Homeric heroes, so much so that life would be meaningless without it. Thus, honor is more important than life itself. . . . A hero's honor is determined primarily by his courage and physical abilities . . . The highest honor can only be won in battle. . . . Homeric heroism is savage and merciless. Thus the hero often finds himself in a pressure-filled kill-or-be-killed situation. Success means survival and greater honor; failure means death and elimination . . . The Homeric hero is also fiercely individualistic; he is primarily concerned with his own honor and that of his household,6 which is only an extension of himself. . . . The Homeric hero is supremely concerned with the reaction of his fellow heroes to his actions, since ultimately it is they alone who can bestow honor.”
Work Cited
Dunkle, Roger. The Classical Origins of Western Culture. Online. The Core Studies 1 Study Guide. Brooklyn College Core Curriculum Series, 1986. http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/dunkle/studyguide/homer.htm
“The code which governs the conduct of the Homeric heroes is a simple one. The aim of every hero is to achieve honor, that is, the esteem received from one's peers. Honor is essential to the Homeric heroes, so much so that life would be meaningless without it. Thus, honor is more important than life itself. . . . A hero's honor is determined primarily by his courage and physical abilities . . . The highest honor can only be won in battle. . . . Homeric heroism is savage and merciless. Thus the hero often finds himself in a pressure-filled kill-or-be-killed situation. Success means survival and greater honor; failure means death and elimination . . . The Homeric hero is also fiercely individualistic; he is primarily concerned with his own honor and that of his household,6 which is only an extension of himself. . . . The Homeric hero is supremely concerned with the reaction of his fellow heroes to his actions, since ultimately it is they alone who can bestow honor.”
Work Cited
Dunkle, Roger. The Classical Origins of Western Culture. Online. The Core Studies 1 Study Guide. Brooklyn College Core Curriculum Series, 1986. http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/dunkle/studyguide/homer.htm
Juxtaposition of T's and O's Cycle of the Hero
The question on the test about the Cycle of the Hero is asking for an analysis of the cycle when Telemachus and Odysseus become like one hero ("Team TO"). Your task is to analyze their cycle together starting with their call to their adventure to kill the suitors. The following chart is an analysis of the cycle of the two individual heroes.
Juxtaposition of The Hero Cycle for Telemachus and Odysseus
Telemachus Cycle
Call to Adventure – Athena says go find your father
Helpers: Athena and Eurycleia (the “nanny”)
Threshold Crossing – goes into his father’s house to stand up to the suitors (steps into his father’s shoes)
Tests: dealing with the suitors’ insults; challenging the townspeople to support him. we have not read the books where he has to go to several different city states to talk to the kings who served with Odysseus on
Helpers: Athena
Triumph –what he is going after = Father Quest (search for his father)
Threshold Crossing: crosses back over the seas to get to Ithaca
Odysseus Cycle
Call to Adventure – Trojan War is over – Odysseus’ heart calls him home
Helpers: Other Greek kings; Athena
*Threshold Crossing – gets on his ship to sail back to Ithaca (but is thwarted by Poseidon)
Tests: all the stuff he goes through in the flashbacks
Helpers: Athena
Triumph –what he is going after = sacred marriage
Threshold Crossing: Poseidon’s last “hit” before Odysseus can be at home
Below are the elements of the cycle that you must identify for Team TO's cycle:
Telemachus and Odysseus (Team TO)Combined
Call to Adventure for Telemachus and for Odysseus:
Helpers:
Threshold Crossing into their combined adventure:
Tests:
Helpers:
Supreme Ordeal:
Threshold Crossing for Telemachus:
Threshold Crossing for Odysseus:
The Triumph for Odysseus:
The Triumph for Telemachus:
Juxtaposition of The Hero Cycle for Telemachus and Odysseus
Telemachus Cycle
Call to Adventure – Athena says go find your father
Helpers: Athena and Eurycleia (the “nanny”)
Threshold Crossing – goes into his father’s house to stand up to the suitors (steps into his father’s shoes)
Tests: dealing with the suitors’ insults; challenging the townspeople to support him. we have not read the books where he has to go to several different city states to talk to the kings who served with Odysseus on
Helpers: Athena
Triumph –what he is going after = Father Quest (search for his father)
Threshold Crossing: crosses back over the seas to get to Ithaca
Odysseus Cycle
Call to Adventure – Trojan War is over – Odysseus’ heart calls him home
Helpers: Other Greek kings; Athena
*Threshold Crossing – gets on his ship to sail back to Ithaca (but is thwarted by Poseidon)
Tests: all the stuff he goes through in the flashbacks
Helpers: Athena
Triumph –what he is going after = sacred marriage
Threshold Crossing: Poseidon’s last “hit” before Odysseus can be at home
Below are the elements of the cycle that you must identify for Team TO's cycle:
Telemachus and Odysseus (Team TO)Combined
Call to Adventure for Telemachus and for Odysseus:
Helpers:
Threshold Crossing into their combined adventure:
Tests:
Helpers:
Supreme Ordeal:
Threshold Crossing for Telemachus:
Threshold Crossing for Odysseus:
The Triumph for Odysseus:
The Triumph for Telemachus:
The Odyssey Book XIX (Book XX optional)
The Odyssey
Book XIX (Book XX optional)
Once again, Odysseus spins an elaborate tale of his background, this time for Penelope. Why does he do this? What do you understand about Penelope after reading Book XIX? The nurse, Eurycleia, has a vital role in the rest of the story. What is her relationship with Odysseus and with Penelope? What do you learn about Eurycleia’s character? What is Penelope planning on page 398?
Book XX describes more detail about the rudeness of the suitors. Reading this book or at least the summary will give you a better idea about why Odysseus and those who love him are so violently angry.
Continue to take notes on your notes page about the role of Athena and the role of disguise in the epic. Also, consider how dreams and omens are used to predict the future.
Book XIX (Book XX optional)
Once again, Odysseus spins an elaborate tale of his background, this time for Penelope. Why does he do this? What do you understand about Penelope after reading Book XIX? The nurse, Eurycleia, has a vital role in the rest of the story. What is her relationship with Odysseus and with Penelope? What do you learn about Eurycleia’s character? What is Penelope planning on page 398?
Book XX describes more detail about the rudeness of the suitors. Reading this book or at least the summary will give you a better idea about why Odysseus and those who love him are so violently angry.
Continue to take notes on your notes page about the role of Athena and the role of disguise in the epic. Also, consider how dreams and omens are used to predict the future.
The Odyssey Books XIV and XV
The Odyssey Books XIV, XV (optional)
In Book XIV, the reader is introduced to Emmaeus. What kind of guy is he? What do you learn about his relationship with Odysseus and his family? Why do you think Odysseus (disguised as a poor beggar) tells Emmaeus the “tall tale” about where he has been and what he has been doing (page 279+)? How does Emmaeus treat Odysseus? Why?
For your notes page: keep a log of rituals (other than the Hades ritual)
In Book XV, the stories are in “real time” – Telemachus’ return home is juxtaposed with Odysseus’ experience still disguised as a beggar. He continues to test Emmaeus’ loyalty. Reading this book, or at least the summary, will further your knowledge about specific themes and Key Features of Myth, but it is not required reading, nor do you have to blog about it. If you do the reading, keep your ideas on your notes page.
In Book XIV, the reader is introduced to Emmaeus. What kind of guy is he? What do you learn about his relationship with Odysseus and his family? Why do you think Odysseus (disguised as a poor beggar) tells Emmaeus the “tall tale” about where he has been and what he has been doing (page 279+)? How does Emmaeus treat Odysseus? Why?
For your notes page: keep a log of rituals (other than the Hades ritual)
In Book XV, the stories are in “real time” – Telemachus’ return home is juxtaposed with Odysseus’ experience still disguised as a beggar. He continues to test Emmaeus’ loyalty. Reading this book, or at least the summary, will further your knowledge about specific themes and Key Features of Myth, but it is not required reading, nor do you have to blog about it. If you do the reading, keep your ideas on your notes page.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Odyssey Book XI
The descent into "hell" is a very common theme in the stories of many cultures. In Book XI, Odysseus continues his narrative of his trials -- this time it is the story about how he was compelled to make a trip to the underworld, in Greek mythology this is Hades.
Be very specific in your comments to this post.
Describe in detail the ritual Odysseus must perform: why he does it, what he does, and what happens each time he performs it. (This would specifically address one of the Key Features of Myth.)
In your opinion, who are the most important "shades" Odysseus meets and speaks to. Explain why you think this.
What specifically does Odysseus learn about his future?
After reading the entire book, what have you learned about Odysseus in terms of his hero qualities (both Homeric and 21st Century)- be specific.
Be very specific in your comments to this post.
Describe in detail the ritual Odysseus must perform: why he does it, what he does, and what happens each time he performs it. (This would specifically address one of the Key Features of Myth.)
In your opinion, who are the most important "shades" Odysseus meets and speaks to. Explain why you think this.
What specifically does Odysseus learn about his future?
After reading the entire book, what have you learned about Odysseus in terms of his hero qualities (both Homeric and 21st Century)- be specific.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Odyssey Books IX and X
Book IX is Odysseus' recounting of his conflict with the one-eyed Cyclops, Polyphemus. In Book X, Odysseus relates the story of the death of his men and his encounter with the goddess, Circe. Include both books in your responses to the following questions. Post your responses so everyone can read what you think.
In your opinion, does Odysseus show he is a good and revered leader in this story? Support your ideas with specific examples from both books.
Aristotle defines "hamartia" as a "fatal flaw" (see the Tragic Man in your purple packet). According to Aristotle, the most common tragic flaw is "supreme pride" ("hubris"). What is the tragic flaw (or flaws)of Odysseus, in your opinion? Support this with specific examples from the Mandelbaum translation.
Why is it significant that Zeus rejects the sacrifice of the best ram by Odysseus at the end of Book IX? (Consider the events of Book X)
Note the frequent mention of the giving or the confiscating of goods and riches. Why do you think this is significant?
Post answers to these questions on your notes page. Be sure to refer to the pretest focus as you think about the stories you are reading. It is a VERY good idea to mark page numbers for quotations that you will need to support your answers in the test.
Continue to keep a list of examples that support the "Key Features of Myth."
Continue to keep a list of heroic qualities for both Odysseus and Telemachus. Read the "Homeric Hero" excerpt in your notes packet. Begin thinking about the comparison or contrast between your idea of a hero and the Homeric hero.
Continue to keep a list of themes.
In your opinion, does Odysseus show he is a good and revered leader in this story? Support your ideas with specific examples from both books.
Aristotle defines "hamartia" as a "fatal flaw" (see the Tragic Man in your purple packet). According to Aristotle, the most common tragic flaw is "supreme pride" ("hubris"). What is the tragic flaw (or flaws)of Odysseus, in your opinion? Support this with specific examples from the Mandelbaum translation.
Why is it significant that Zeus rejects the sacrifice of the best ram by Odysseus at the end of Book IX? (Consider the events of Book X)
Note the frequent mention of the giving or the confiscating of goods and riches. Why do you think this is significant?
Post answers to these questions on your notes page. Be sure to refer to the pretest focus as you think about the stories you are reading. It is a VERY good idea to mark page numbers for quotations that you will need to support your answers in the test.
Continue to keep a list of examples that support the "Key Features of Myth."
Continue to keep a list of heroic qualities for both Odysseus and Telemachus. Read the "Homeric Hero" excerpt in your notes packet. Begin thinking about the comparison or contrast between your idea of a hero and the Homeric hero.
Continue to keep a list of themes.
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