Friday, October 30, 2009

WELCOME TO HADES! HAPPY HALLOWEEN,too!

If you missed class on Friday, October 30th....


If I were to ask you to envision Hades, especially now that we have discussed its varying aspects, how would you describe it? This picture is an artist's concept of the entrance to Hades. He clearly DOES NOT know Hades as well as he should. Remember that only a part of Hades was Saturnine, and that of course was Tartarus.


Dear Mythology Students,
If you missed class on Friday, October 30th, we discussed the Greek underworld of Hades. Each student received a grey handout, which we completed together. I HAVE INCLUDED A COPY OF THE HANDOUT FOR YOU AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST! Several overheads were shared with you in relationship to the areas we discussed. I have attempted to include some of the images for you below.


HOMEWORK:
1. Please read the myth of "Orpheus and Eurydice" located on pg. 107 in your textbook. This myth illustrates how just Hades was concerning those that entered his domain.
2. Please read the myth of the "Danaids" located on pg. 295 in your textbook. This myth pertains to one group of sinners within Hades.
3. Please read "Tantalus" pg. 348-the top paragraph on 349
4. You will have a QUIZ covering the myth of "Orpheus and Eurydice" on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd.
5. You will have a QUIZ covering HADES on Thursday, Nov. 5th
The following pictures should give you greater insights into some of the aspects we discussed on Friday. Please make sure you obtain the information from someone else in class BEFORE you return.





This is the character known as Sisyphus. He was destroyed by Zeus due to his inappropriate sexual behavior. His pushes a boulder up a large mountain in Hades, with the one purpose of pushing it over the top. He is never successful in doing so, as the boulder always comes crashing down on him. This punishment is highly symbolic of the crime, as the rock represents Sisyphus' sexual desires. He hopes to overcome them, but he he is unsuccessful in doing so.



These women are known as the Danaids. There are fifty of them, and on their wedding night, all but one, murdered her husband by stabbing him in his heart. Their punishment in Hades is to obtain water from the River Styx with the hope of filling Hades' garden pond; however, their jars have holes in the bottom. They were never able to complete the mundane task of filling the pond. This is symbolic of the fact that they took the trivial and mundane away from their husbands; consequently, they are forever cursed with it.




This is Ixion. He attempted to rape Hera. Zeus had him strapped to a wheel of burning fire. This is symbolic of the fact that a rapist will continue to rape unless caught...hence the wheel. The fire on either side is symbolic of the pain the victim feels. Ixion was constantly burned, but never burned away. OUCH!




Tantalus is another sinner in Hades. He murdered his nephew, and then fed his flesh to the gods in the form of a stew. The Olympians were so appalled by Tantalus' behavior that they cemented him within Styx, being cursed with perpetual hunger and thirst. Each time he attempted to drink from Styx the water would move away from him. There are fruit trees hanging above his head, and yet each time he attempted to grab some of the fruit it, too, would move away from him. He is perpetually hungry and thirty.

Can you recognize that each punishment is symbolic of its crime!
THE GREEK UNDERWORLD (handout given on Friday, Oct. 30th)
1. The rulers of the underworld are _________ and his queen _________.

2. The ferryman is called __________________ and he must receive an _________ in order for the dead to cross the River Styx. The coin is placed under the _________ of the deceased.

3. The three most significant rivers in Hades are:
a. The River ______ is the river of the “unbreakable oaths.”
b. The River ________ is the river of the “forgetfulness.”
c. The river Mnemosyne is the “pool of ____________.”

4. The dog __________ guards the gates, and its most distinctive physical feature is ____________________.

5. When ghosts first arrive in Hades, they are taken to the judges of the dead to be tried according to the deeds during life. They are called __________________, ____________________ and _______________.

6. ________________ is the goddess of justice. She determines if the punishments are fair.

7. There are three areas of the underworld:
a. ____________ where people are sent who ______________________________ ________________________________________________________________
b. _____________ for those who lived ___________________________________ _________________________________________________________________
c. _______________ for those who could not _______________________________ __________________________________________________________________

8. A significant motif of mythological stories is justice: defining what is right and wrong and deciding how sinners should be punished. The Greeks were extremely imaginative in punishing those they considered guilty. There are four individuals who have eternal punishment due to their actions on earth.

a. The Danaids:


b. Sisyphus:


c. Tantalus:


d. Ixion:


9. From the surface of the earth, how does one find the entrance to Hades?

10. The FATES determine the length of one’s life. _________________ weaves the thread; the “disposer of lots,” ____________ gives each man their destiny; the most feared is ____________, as she cuts the thread and your life along with it.

11. The god of sleep, ___________________ and the god of dreams, ______________ belong to the retinue of Hades.
I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday. Have a safe weekend!
Cheers,
Crampton

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Exam #1

Dear Mythology Kids,

I am so proud of you! I have reviewed your exams and you did SO WELL! As I mentioned on Wednesday, look what you know now that you did not know before!

For those of you that missed the exam, I will hold a "make-up" session on Tuesday during lunch and after school! IT IS COMPULSORY that you attend if you missed the exam. This is the best time for me to administer the exam again!

We begin with the "Greek Underworld" on Friday; I look foward to seeing you then.

Cheers,
Crampton

Thursday, October 22, 2009

7 a.m. REVIEW SESSION....Monday, October 26th

















































































Don't forget to attend the 7 a.m. review session on Monday, October 26th. If I'm the only individual in my room on Monday at 7 a.m., then "HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE KORI CRAMPTON SCORNED!" Ha

"Luck favors the mind that is prepared."

Hello, Mythology Students,

The above quote is by Louis Pasteur. If you aren't familiar with Pasteur he was the French scientist credited with identifying the science of Microbiology. He also discovered a cure for Rabies. He clearly was a clever gentleman, and I would agree that his quote has merit!
"LUCK FAVORS THE MIND THAT IS PREPARED!"
-Louis Pasteur-
Are you PREPARING for your exam? I hope that you have made the choice to complete your review and now you are looking at the example questions that I have included on the blog. If so I am proud of you. I have no doubt that you will you succeed on the test. Good luck on the following set of images.
Cheers,Crampton





1. What is being depicted in this ancient sketch. You should mention the male
and female by name.



2. Identify this lovely lady. The fruit she is holding is a strong clue as to her identity.

3. What is taking place in this sketch. In your response, you will need to identify the female character.


4. Who is this Greek god (Greek and Roman names, please).


5. I LOVE THIS PAINTING, because I feel the artist truly captures the emotion behind this myth. Identify the three individuals in this image; two are female, one is a male. Notice that the male is carrying one of the females, and that the other female has her arms stretched out, as if she is anxiously anticipating the second female's return.


6. Identify this Greek god (Greek and Roman names, please).



7. Who is this character? Please include both Greek and Roman names. What were his domains?


8. Identify the human character in this sketch (Greek and Roman names, please).





9. Who is this Greek god? In addition, explain the myth concerning the symbol depicted behind her.

10. What is this? Identify the characters associated with this symbol and in what capacity. How is this ancient symbol relevant to people living in the 21st century?


I will look forward to seeing you on MONDAY (at 7 a.m.)!
Best Wishes,
Crampton


11. Identify this character. Explain why he is in this unfortunate circumstance.





12. Identify this god (Greek and Roman names, please.)




13. Don't you think this is a fabulous stamp! You are familiar with the character on the right of the stamp; please identify him. The other character's name is Marsays, and we have not yet extensively discussed him.


14. Identify this character, and then explain her story. You should mention two gods in your response, one is a male the other female.




15. Please explain the creation of the horse. This horse does not have wings. You should mention two gods in your response.

MORE TO COME.........


I am happy to give you extra-credit if you choose to "take on" the role of a Greek character we have studied as your Halloween persona. Take a picture, and then send me a copy of it; it's that simple. If you need some ideas, please feel free to ask me....happy creating!

This is your third section of images.


16.Identify this Greek character.



17.Explain what has just taken place in the above sculpture. You should mention two characters by name (use Greek and Roman).



18. Identify the primary Greek/Roman Character in the above sculpture.



19. This would not have been a pleasant experience for the women in the painting. Who are these two individuals? Why is this event taking place? In your response you should mention a female character that is not present.


20. Who is this character?
I will post another set of images on Monday!
Enjoy your weekend.
Crampton















Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Practive Time....

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class today (Tuesday, October 20th) , we accomplished the following:

1. If you submitted your nature myth last week, then you were given another paper to edit for MONDAY, OCTOBER 26th. Each paper was accompanied by a rubic; the rubic indicates questions that you will answer concerning the myth you were asked to edit. Not only are you required to answer the questions on the rubric, but you must also give comments and suggestions on the actual myth.

2. We reviewed some problems with punctuation dialogue. I gave each student the following example, and then asked them to correct it!

“Cruel unkind world, where have you hidden my child?”

Her voice echoed up into Mount Olympus and into the ears of Helius, God of the Sun. He had watched Demeter for the past few days and decided that it was time to relieve the goddess of her suffering.
“Dearest Demeter, I have watched your anguish for days, and I can see your grief. Your brother, Zeus, has made an agreement with Hades that Persephone may be his companion. She has been taken to his kingdom. If you should blame anyone, lay your blame on him.” Demeter stared at the Sun in silence before her anger erupted.
“How dare he! Trade our daughter over to Hades without my permission!” she quietly thanked Helius before going back to Earth. “He didn’t wish to share the news of his trade, then I won’t share the news of the Earth’s infertility.”


Corrected Example:

“Cruel unkind world, where have you hidden my child?”

Her voice echoed up into Mount Olympus and into the ears of Helius, God of the Sun. He had watched Demeter for the past few days and decided that it was time to relieve the goddess of her suffering. “Dearest Demeter, I have watched your anguish for days, and I can see your grief. Your brother, Zeus, has made an agreement with Hades that Persephone may be his companion. She has been taken to his kingdom. If you should blame anyone, lay your blame on him.”

Demeter stared at the Sun in silence before her anger erupted. “How dare he trade our daughter over to Hades without my permission!”
She quietly thanked Helius before going back to Earth. “He didn’t wish to share the news of his trade, then I won’t share the news of the Earth’s infertility.”

Remember that the introductory text needs to be included with the dialogue.

3. We also discussed the difference between "showing" and "telling" in writing. I can give you the handout on this when you return.

4. WE PRACTICED OUR NATURE MYTHS. The performance is scheduled for Monday, October 26th.

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Cheers,
KCrampton

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

YOUR NATURE MYTHS WERE DUE TODAY...WEDNEDAY, OCTOBER 14th

It is now your turn to be on a "Greek" stage!









Dear Mythology Kids,



If you were not in class today, then you have a problem! Your myth and rough draft were both due today! You have ONE OPTION:


1. Submit the rough draft and two copies of your myth on MONDAY WITH YOUR HOMEWORK COUPON! I will not accept your myth without the coupon, as your assignment was due during class. Yes, I know that Monday is an A day, but I need your myth in order for you to complete the next assignment associated with your Nature Myth. This new assignment will be explained and given on Tuesday! I NEED YOUR MYTH PRIOR TO TUESDAY!


WHAT DID WE DO IN CLASS TODAY?


1. New vocabulary word: MERCURIAL=Quick to change (often used to describe personality); etymology refers to Mercury (Hermes) who is recognized for his hyperactive nature; synonyms: inconstant, variable, volatile, moody




2. Completed "Antigone" Quiz/ Please prepare to take this quiz upon your return



NATURE MYTH Part 3 Explained



As you know, Sophocles was the greatest of Greek tragedians. He was recognized by the people of Athens as a "master," and Homer even referred to him as the "greatest man." Both accolades make sense because he was able to affect people with his choice of words.
In essence you have been asked to do the same for your nature myth performances. I realize that we may not weep, but more likely laugh when we see you present your myths, but the concept of taking a myth and developing it into a form of drama is a valuable experience for you. Remember that this was one of the ways that the ancient Greeks shared their myths with others.



Upon completion of the "Antigone" quiz, "Nature Myth Part 3" was introduced to you. Each student is working in a group, and each group has selected a nature myth from a member in that group, to perform as their nature myth. I have listed the groups below, so that you are aware of the individuals you will be working with on Tuesday, the 20th and Thursday, the 22th. Remember that your performances will take place on Monday, the 26th.

Please bring a flat sheet (yes, as in bed sheet) to class on Tuesday. Twin sheets are not large enough for any stature.


B1


GROUP #1




  • Tiffany, Chris, Rachel, Suzie, Tyler W., Tanner, Tori


GROUP #3



  • Melissa, Sierra, Kalee, Colten (daisy), Michelle, Kim, Nichole

Group #4



  • Samantha, Tyler A., Braden Lillie, Jonny, Andrew, Kynia

Group #5



  • Rebekah, Hannah, Hyrum, Ceri, Celeste, Jake

Group #6



  • Mandy, Kacee, Lisa, Braden Lanham, Aushel, Alysha

B2


Group #1



  • Shae, Victor, Spencer, Morgan, Lexin, Jordan W.

Group #3



  • Carson, Jenni, Daniel, Cody, Lillie, Beatriz, Kaitlyn

Group #4



  • Laura, Olivia, Kirsten, Cody, Jeff, Cortney

Group #5



  • Richie, Karlie, Tanner, Derek, Bradyn, Carrie

Group #6



  • Chelsea, Devin, Brittany, Eric, Casey, Jordan G., Kristen

B4


Group #1 Camlyn, Andy, Megan, Brittany, Kelly, Ashley, Shelby.

Group #2 Cody, Katie M., Miranda, Jen, Amy, Sheree.



Group #3 Vienne, Brooke, Jeff, Kendra, Tyson A., Natalie Batty.



Group #4 Disloved and Abolished



Group #5 Carmen, Janae, Elisa, Emily, Jori, Natalie Border.

Group #6 Eric, Jacob, Thad, Katie, Taylor, Allen, Alyssa.






Monday, October 12, 2009

YOUR NATURE MYTH IS DUE ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14th, 2009

Greek Drama.....Your turn is quickly approaching!

Dear Mythology Students,
1. We took a quiz covering the information that we discussed last week regarding the fundamentals of Greek drama. If you missed class, please be prepared to take this quiz upon your return.



2. We then read a portion of "Antigone" by Sophocles.



3. Remember that you will have a quiz covering "Antigone" on Wednesday. If you missed class, then I would read the myth in your textbook. It is located on page 273. Please be familiar with the characters of Antigone, Ismene, Polyneices, Etocles, Creon and Haimon


4. Please DON'T MISS CLASS on WEDNESDAY, as your Nature Myth is due!

PRACTICE QUIZ for "ANTIGONE"
Instructions: Please identify the speaker or character referenced by the BOLD text.

1.You consider it right for a man of my years experience to go to school to a boy?

2. His bride in the house of the dead.

3. "You will grant me this..... one wish to bury my body in Thebes. I wish to always be a part of the land I love."

4. Which laws were stronger, those of morality or politics? For her, there was no question."

5. "You can't do that! It would be against the law. I don't have the strength to help you."

6. "Double the watch ! I want to find out who dared disobey me."

7."IT is not right if I am wrong, But if I am young, and right, what does my age matter?"

8. "I beg you, do not be unchangeable."

9. "This last flower of Oedipus' line drank the sunlight! Yet now a passionate word and a handful of dust have closed up all its beauty."

10."Before the sun sets this day, you shall pay twice. Yes, there will be two more corpse in return for one! And their blood will be on your hands."

Cheers,
Crampton





I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

YOUR NATURE MYTH IS DUE ON WEDESDAY, OCTOBER 14th, 2009


If you missed class on Thursday, October 8th we accomplished the following:
1. We completed our discussion of Greek drama. YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ COVERING THIS INFORMATION ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 12th. The best way to prepare for the quiz is to familiarize yourself with the information on your handout. For your quiz you will be given 10 words associated with Greek drama. You will then need to explain Greek drama using those words in a well constructed paragraph.
2. I introduced the myth of "ANTIGONE" (pg. 273) on Thursday. "Antigone" is the companion piece to "Oedipus." It is the myth of what happens to Oedipus after he blinds himself and is banished from Thebes. Antigone is the oldest female child of Oedipus and Jocata. I gave each student a copy of the myth to read as homework. I also requested that they read the myth found within their text. YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ OVER "ANTIGONE" ON WEDNESDAY. It was originally written as a myth, and then retold as a drama by Sophocles. We will read a section of the drama in class on Monday. It is a story about doing what is honorable and just, even when you are the only individual who has the courage to behave with such fortitude.
3. Please remember that your Nature Myth is due on Wednesday, October 14th. You must bring your rough draft to class on the due date; it should be corrected and include a signature. In addition, please remember to bring TWO COPIES of your FIRST DRAFT (the corrected rough draft) to class on WEDNESDAY.

Monday, October 5, 2009

The Oedipus Complex...Yikes!

Dear Mythology Kids,

I introduced the myth of "Oedipus" to you today (Tuesday, October 6th) as a catalyst for understanding Greek Drama. I have included some additional images below from those I shared with you class. This myth is extremely significant, as it illustrates the ancient Greeks desire and ability to take their myths and transfer them to the genre of drama.
Oedipus in his quest to solve the "riddle of the sphinx."
This image depicts Oedipus with two of his children, Antigone and Ismene, upon learning that he is the guilty party in the death of his father, King Lauis.

This image depicts a theater troupe performing the play of "Oedipus Rex." The character of Oedipus is in the center, and the chorus members are around him.

IF YOU MISSED CLASS TODAY....
If you missed class today, please read the myth of "Oedipus" located on pages. 268-273 in your textbook. You will have a QUIZ over the myth on THURSDAY! This is a valuable piece of literature, as it was originally written as a narrative, and then transformed to a play by Sophocles. It also contains the literary element of IRONY, which adds to the plot line. We discussed the three different types of IRONY today in class.

In addition, the due date for your nature myth has been changed to Monday, October 13th.

1. Dramatic Irony: This occurs when the audience is aware of specific information that characters are not.

2. Irony of Situation or Situational Irony: This occurs when the outcome of a literary work turns out differently than what the audience originally anticipated.

I used The Illusionist and The Prestige as strong examples of literary work that contain the element of Irony of Situation. If you haven't seen either of these films, you must watch them, as they are both excellent.

3. Verbal Irony: This occurs when a character uses words, but means something completely different. Remember that verbal irony is not meant to be derogatory, where as sarcasm is meant to be painful.

YOUR QUIZ covering Oedipus.....

After the introduction you had today to Oedipus, and upon reading the myth, it becomes obvious that the literary tool of irony is significant to the plot of this story. For your quiz on Thursday, you will respond to ONE of FOUR quotes. I will ask that you explain the irony of the chosen question in relationship to the plot of Oedipus. Your response must be thorough. Responding with, "This section is ironic because Oedipus does not realize Laius is his father," is not detailed enough. You will need to explain ALL the circumstances behind the quote that you "pull from the bag." You will not be able to use your textbook or notes for the quiz. This is why you must READ YOUR MYTH, my fine young friends! You do have access to the questions, as they are below, and you can consider a strong response for each one.

1. "He left his home, Corinth, where he was held to be the son of the king, Polybus, and the reason for his self exile was another Delphic oracle. Apollo had declared that he was fated to kill his father."

2. "...whoever had murdered King Laius must be punished. Oedipus was relieved. Surely the man or men could be found after all these years, and they should know well how to punish him."

3. He spoke to his people..."Let no one of this land give him shelter. Bar him from your homes, as one defiled, companioned by pollution. And solemnly I pray, may he who killed wear out his life in evil, being evil."

4. "No one suffered more than Oedipus. He regard himself as the father of the whole state; the people in it were his children; the misery of each one was his too."

I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday! Please don't miss class!

YOUR MASKS ARE DUE on Tuesday, October 6th!



Mythology Kids,

Please remember that your mask is due on Tuesday, October 6th. It needs to be decorated in such a way to indicate the god you have created. In addition, you must be able to WEAR IT; therefore, please have an elastic attached to the inside of the mask.

I have enjoyed reading your "Plot maps;" you have developed strong story lines for your myths. I will return the maps to you on Tuesday.


Cheers,

Crampton




Your FINAL exam!

Dear Mythology Kids, It's nice to "see" you again. Let me offer some "study guidance" for your final exam. Please ...