Odyssey

The Text

QUICKWRITE 11/19

What’s one regret you have? If you had to do it all over again (that regrettable moment) what would you do differently?

Read p. 1045

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

Who is speaking?

What characteristics of a hero are embodied in the description?

What is the role of the Muse?

Quickwrite 11/20

Homer uses amazing figurative language throughout the Odyssey. Given what we’ve read so far, find an example of the following style devices and cite them correctly:

-Personification

-Simile

Examples I found:

Personification: “…Until a third Dawn came with ringlets shining…” (79).

Simile: “They came with dawn over that terrain like the leaves and blades of spring” (54).

:

QUICKWRITE #D11/22/13

One of the qualities of a tragic hero is supreme pride. How does Odysseus demonstrate extreme pride at the end of the Cyclops episode? Use a quote to support your claim.

Quickwrite 12/3/13 D

We’ve all heard the expression “survival of the fittest.” In a detailed response (3-5 sentences), please explain what this expression means and describe one incident from “The Odyssey” in which Odysseus outsmarts death and a least one example from a movie, history, or sports where the lead character lives on when others perish.

Book 1: A Goddess Intervenes

Odysseus: My dear, what time is it? 

Calypso: Whatever time you want it to be!

 Odysseus: No, I have the feeling I’ve been here a long time.

 Calypso: Don’t be silly! You just got here!

 Odysseus: If you don’t tell me, I’ll leave this instant!

Calypso: Well, you’ve only been here 1…maybe 2…maybe ten years!

 Odysseus: 10 years! My gosh, woman! I’ve got to get home!

Continued….

Calypso: Wait! I’m immortal and beautiful! Who will I spend eternity with?

Odysseus: Not I. I am mortal.  

Calypso: Oh, phooey. I love you boo bear.

Hermes: Zeus said you have to let him go.

Odysseus: Thanks for the hospitality, but I must really be getting on my way. Ta! Ta!

Meanwhile in Ithaca… Antinous: Marry me already, Penelope. Look! I can do this!

(he does something strange)

Eurymachus:No, marry me. I’m a really awesome singer. (he sings)

Anphinomous: No, marry me! Those guys are losers. Check out my muscles. (he flexes) 

Penelope: Oh brother.  

Telemachus: Stop it, you guys! My dad is coming back! 

Suitors: Yeah, right! It’s been almost 20 years! 

Athena: I must disguise myself. I will turn myself into Mentes, Odysseus’ old friend, and tell everybody he is still alive.

 

Meanwhile on Mt. Olympus… Poseidon: Odysseus must never go home!

Athena: Poseidon, do you smell that bacon?

Poseidon: Yes!

Athena: Someone is making a sacrifice for you. Go! 

Poseidon: Be right back! 

Athena: Zeus…I pity Odysseus. He’s a war hero. Don’t you think its about time he went home? Penelope

and Telemachus can’t hold out much longer!

Zeus: I’d like to let him go home, but Poseidon is still ticked off that he plunged a spear in his son, the Cyclops’, eye.  

Athena: Well, in the meantime, I’m going to Ithaca to help out Odysseus’ family.

ODYSSEUS: Where are my men?

HERMES: The evil yet beautiful Calypso has captured them and turned them into pigs.

ODYSSEUS: Oh no! What do I do? Well, they sort of deserve it after opening up the winds…

HERMES: Seriously Odysseus?

ODYSSEUS: You’re right.

HERMES: Eat this herb, and it will protect you from her potion. Then hold a knife to her throat and threaten to kill her. She will make you an offer you can’t refuse.

ODYSSEUS: Okay.

CIRCE: Hey sexy man! You must be thirsty after sweating out so much hotness.

ODYSSEUS: Yes, I am. I’ll have a drink of that! (HE DRINKS)

CIRCE: Wait? What!!!

ODYSSEUS: I’ll kill you! (HOLDING A KNIFE TO HER THROAT)

CIRCE: No! If you kill me, you’ll never see your men again! Unless you sleep with me!

ODYSSEUS: Like a sleepover! We can roast marshmellows and tell secrets! Oh boy!

CIRCE: Ah, yeah. That’s exactly what I mean…NOT!

QUICKWRITE E12/4 Period 4

12/5 Period 5/1

Last class period we talked about drawing parallels. Now, when Odysseus welcomed himself to the cheese and home of the Cyclops, he learned that the tradition of hospitality was not honored in that faraway land.

When have you erred on the side of “cultural insensitivity” when encountering a new place or group of people?

If you can’t think of a personal experience, feel free to write about a movie or someone you know.

The Lotus Eaters 1048-49

Odysseus: First, there was this storm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tENXhDLi5o8

After nine days of floating after that storm, we came upon the land of the Lotus Eaters.

Lotus Eaters: Welcome to our Island! LOTUS OFFERING

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34VMhv4Cpok (2 minutes in)

The Cyclops

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5OERqTniro

Here’s a silly video about cultural insensitivity:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRl6ALEjeV0

Friday, Dec. 6th

Period 4/5

At this point in the story, do you think Odysseus is controlling his fate or are the Gods controlling his fate? Why? Support your answer with evidence.

Odyssey movie link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzLhXEPEw6w

Quickwrite F12/11/13

On the “Passport to Ithaca” sheet, you are asked to give examples of the seven deadly sins. Explain how Odysseus “must” commit the sin or “lust” in the Book of the Witch.

We will fill out the other sins together!

BOOK OF THE WITCH

MAN #1: Check out that hot chick!

MAN #2: She is fine!

CIRCE: Gentlemen, there’s plenty of me to go around.

MAN #3: Seriously?

CIRCE: Yes! But you must be thirsty. Drink this…

(As the men drink the potion, they turn into swine.)

MEN: Oink! Oink!

CIRCE: Ha! Stupid men!

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE SHIP….

FLT

Review the episodes read thus far and articulate parallels you can draw between literature and real life in order to become active makers of meaning.

QUICK BACKGROUND

Aristotilian vs. Episodic Plotlines

Qualities of a Tragic Hero

QUESTION 1:(for first mate)

What destroyed Odysseus’ men?

QUESTION 2:2nd Mate

While Odysseus is away, Penelope must fend off the advances of her suitors. Give the class “Penelope” a reason why she must consider your marriage proposal.

My distinguished father is lost,who ruled among you once, mild as a father,and there is now this greater evil still: my home and all I have are being ruined.they came—sons of the best men here among them—lads with no stomach for an introductionto Ikários, her father across the sea;he would require a wedding gift, and give herto someone who found favor in her eyes.No; these men spend their days around our housekilling our beeves and sheep and fatted goats,carousing, soaking up our good dark wine, not caring what they do. They squander everything.We have no strong Odysseus to defend us,and as to putting up a fight ourselves—we’d only show our incompetence in arms.My house is being plundered: is this courtesy?Where is your indignation? Where is your shame?Think of the talk in the islands all around us,

and fear the wrath of the gods, 70or they may turn, and send you some devilry.are tied.”

Book 3: The Lord of the Western Approaches

Telemachus and Athena (in disguise) ask Nestor what happened to Odysseus; he doesn’t know anything

Nestor went home after the war with Menelaus; Odie hung with Agammenon for an extra day

When Agamemnon got home after the war, his wife had found a new lover who proceeded to murder him

Athena reveals herself

Book 4: The Red-Haired King and His Lady

Telemachus goes to visit Menelaus and Helen

A man there tells him that Odie is Calypso’s prisoner

While he is away, the suitors plot to kill him

Penelope finds out and worries, but Athena uses magic to reassure her that she will protect her son

Book 5: Sweet Nymph and Open Sea

The Gods finally decide to let Odysseus leave

Hermes is sent done to tell Calypso to let him go

After 18 days at sea, Poseidon starts a storm

Gods give him a magic veil to protect him; he is saved

Books 6-8 He has some adventures with some ladies and tells some tales to men

Book 9: New Coasts and Poseidon’s Son

By now Odysseus has landed on the island of Phaecia, and he is telling his story.

Excerpt page 1047

HOMEWORK

Critical Thinking Questions (p. 1049)

Answer in Journal

WELCOME BACK!

You have five minutes to check-in with your neighbors whom you have missed for three weeks.

ANNOUNCMENTS

-3 WEEKS LEFT IN THE SEMESTER

-SPECIAL DATES/HOLIDAYS

-ODYSSEY WORK COLLECTION PACKET GRADES

Tuesday, January 7th, 2014

QUICKWRITE:

THE LAND OF THE DEAD

ODYSSEUS: You heard what said, guys. We have to go to the underworld.

MAN #1: We’re going straight to hell!

ODYSSEUS: Well yes, but not like that.

GHOSTS: (coming at Odysseus and his men like zombies.) Living flesh! Brains! Nom! Nom!

ODYSSEUS: Get away from us! Here! I’ll slaughter a goat for you! (throw candy and the zombies gobble it up and sit back down)

ELPENOR: Odysseus!

ODYSSEUS: Elpenor! You’re dead?

ELPENOR: Yes…You guys didn’t even notice? Geeze! Well, I got drunk and slept on Circe’s roof. When I was going down the ladder backwards, I slipped and broke my neck.

Continued….

MAN #1: Man, that’s too bad.

ELPENOR: Tell me about it. But Odysseus, I can’t rest in piece until you bury my body. Promise me you’ll do it?

ODYSSEUS: Consider it done.

ELPENOR: Thanks.

ANTICLEA: Odysseus…is that you?

ODYSSEUS: (he hugs her) Mom! You were alive when I left!

ANTICLEA: 20 years is a long time to leave, dear. You must return home before too much more changes.

ODYSSEUS: I’m trying, mom.

TIRESIAS: Odysseus…is that you?

Last one.

ODYSSEUS: Tiresias! How do I get home?

TIRESIAS: Give me blood, and I will talk.

(Odysseus gives him a drink.)

Thank you. Poseidon is making it really hard for you because you blinded his son. With the help of your shipmates, you must pass through a dangerous strait. Then you will find the cattle of Helios. Don’t le tyour men touch them!

MAN #1: Oh, Odysseus! We would never disobey you!

TIRESIAS: If your men touch the cattle, I’m afraid you’ll be the only one to make it home. When you do get there, you’ll notice all the mooches eating your food and trying to get with your woman. Kill them all! Eventually you will make a sacrifice for Poseidon, and he will forgive you. Later, gator.

MAN #1: Old people, especially old dead people give me the creeps.

CLASS/HOMEWORK

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS 1-7 p. 1069. These must be answered in complete sentences!

ODYSSEY PACKET QUESTIONS pages 33-35

ORAL WARM-UP

Please discuss with your neighbor:

When seeing Elpenor in the Land of Dead and his mother Odysseus expressed grief. Why hadn’t he displayed this emotion previously? Do you think showing emotion makes a leader appear weak?

QUICKWRITE G1/8th pd. 4 Wednesday1/9th pd. 5/1 Thursday

For a hero, Odysseus sure has a lot of flaws. What do you think is the worst:

-cheating on his wife?

-not even noticing that Elpenor was dead?

-ignoring the fact that his mom committed suicide because she was tired of waiting for him?

EXPLAIN YOUR POINT OF VIEW in 2-4 SENTENCES.

THINK ALOUD

Does Odysseus control his fate or do the Gods control his fate? Be prepared to share your point of view.

MOVIE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzLhXEPEw6w

Watch 1:07.30-1:30

Read “The Sirens” p. 1071

CAST:

Sirens (2)

Odysseus

2 Men

ODYSSEUS: Men, because I care about you as equals, I will tell you what is about to happen. It is possible that we may die….but we will fight off death as long as we can. We are about to pass the Sirens. Their beauty and voices will try to seduce us, but we must ignore them. So men, tie me up, and if I beg you to untie me don’t listen! I can’t fall victim to their sweet voices or faces.

(Sirens sing around Odysseus and try to get him to follow them.)

(We will do Scylla and Charybdis next class)

Odysseus: Remember what Tiresias said. Whatever we do, we must not eat the Cattle of the Sun.

Narrator: But a month went by, and the men ran out of food.

Man #1: I’m so hungry. We should eat a cow.

Man #2: No way! You heard what Odysseus said! If we eat one of Helio’s cattle, we will die!

Man#1: Well, we’re going to starve to death if we don’t eat!

Odysseus: Guys, I’m going to go pray for food. Don’t eat the cattle.

(He leaves)

Man #1: Are you sure you want to do that?

Eurylocus: Dying of starvation is the worst death possible. Let’s just slaughter and eat one of the cows. We will build a temple for Helios when we get back to Ithaca to say we’re sorry.

Man#1: But won’t he curse us? You heard what Tiresias said….

Man#2: Yeah….if we eat a cow, then we will never make it back home.

Eurylocus: Well, would you rather die as skin and bones of hunger or be thrown into the sea with a full belly? Come on…let’s tempt fate.

MEN: Okay.

(Odysseus returns)

Odysseus: I smell cheeseburgers. (He sees the men eating.) What have you done!?!

Lampetia: I am Lampetia, a nymph who serves Helios, the god of the Sun. I’m going to tell on you! Na na na na boo boo!

(She runs to tell Helios.)

Helios, Odysseus’ men ate your cows. Get ‘em!

Helios: What!!!!! Zeus! Punish Odysseus and his men! They ate my cattle!

ZEUS: I promise to strike down all of his men with my lightening bolt tomorrow. The power of my bolt will splinter their ships until they all find themselves in icy, watery graves! Muah ha ha!

Quickwrite H

PUT THESE EVENTS IN ORDER:

Calypso’s Island

The Cicones

Sirens

Lastrogynians

The Land of the Dead

The Cattle of the Sun

The Trojan War

QUICKWRITE I:

When Odysseus comes to the home of Eumaeus disguised as a beggar, he is reunited with Telemachus. The three come up with a plan to take back that kingdom. Please describe, in as much detail as you can, what they plan to do.

SEVEN DEADLY SINS

STEP 1: Rotate your desks into groups of four. (30 sec)

STEP 2: Grab one of the posters of sins from the pack wall.

STEP 3: In your groups of four, you must provide textual evidence or a personal ancedote for each of the seven deadly sins. Four of the sins must be defined by quotes. Three of the sins must be defined by personal experiences of the group members. If you finish with time to spare, then add additional personal experiences.

EXAMPLE

GREED: Odysseus and his men showed greed when they raided the resources on Ismarus off the coast of the Cicones: “I stormed that place and killed all the men that fought. Plunder we took, and we enslaved all the women” (42-44). Because they were victorious at war, the crew felt greedy and almost justified in taking goods from others who were weaker.

TRAGIC HERO ELEMENT: Odysseus demonstrates “capacity for suffering” after this episode because he realizes the true impact of losing six benches worth of men per ship. This definitely affects his sense of duty to protect and lead his men.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Each group member completes 1-2 cards that list the quote or ancedote and which element of a tragic hero that the example demonstrates. Be prepared to share out with the class.