Odyssey Quiz Questions and Desk Top Teaching....

Dear Mythology Kids,

Well done on your "Desk-Top" vocabulary assignment. I know that you assisted your peers in developing a greater understanding for your particular word. Remember that you quiz covering the 15 vocabulary words will take place on THURSDAY during class. Please review the definition and etymology for each vocabulary word.

Your quiz regarding The Odyssey will occur at home. You will select one of the following questions. Your response needs to be not only answer the question, but support your points with SPECIFIC TEXT from your book, your annotated sections and your storyboard. I expect it to be typed, double spaced, using 12 point font, Times New Roman print.

HINT: I would thoroughly consider each question creating notes for each one. Those notes may be submitted for extra-credit points for your quiz.

#1. Trace Homer's thematic approach to "appearance vs. reality" in The Odyssey. Discuss the importance of this theme to events within the epic. Include three examples from your book and/or annotated texts to support your response.

#2. Discuss the literary element of Dramatic Irony found in The Odyssey. Remember that Dramatic Irony occurs when the audience has knowledge that the character(s) within the text do not. Identify three examples of Dramatic Irony within the epic poem. An explanation as to why irony heightens the reader's interest in The Odyssey is compulsory.

#3. Discuss the thematic approach concerning "identity" in The Odyssey. An explanation regarding the positive and negative effects of maintaining anonymity in contrast to identifying oneself must be part of your response. Identify three examples from your textbook or annotated texts to support your points.

#4. Discuss the characters of Penelope and Telemachus in association with being "worthy partner" for Odysseus. Support your response with three textual examples.

#5. The concept regarding "power of cunning over strength" is a valid theme in The Odyssey. Discuss this thematic view, and the role it plays in the epic poem. Support your points with three textual examples.

#6. The customs involving "guest and host" were highly venerated in ancient Greek culture. Homer clearly valued these customs, and he recognized the role of the gods if these customs were not followed. Support Homer's view by explaining and indicating three examples from your textbook and/or your annotated sources.

I will see you on Thursday!
Cheers,
Crampton