Tuesday, March 15, 2011

We completed The Odyssey in class today!

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:
1. We reviewed the motifs located at the back of your storyboard. If you missed class, please complete the motif sheet by yourself. I would suggest visiting with a friend from Mythology to assist you.
2. We completed the storyboard and viewed a clip from The Odyssey.
3. We read two section from The Odyssey in class.

HOMEWORK:
1. STUDY FOR YOUR ODYSSEY QUIZ! There are two sections to your quiz. The first involves the six questions below. The second involves answering questions regarding actual text from the epic. If you have read your book and the sections concerning annotating, you will do well.
2. Please read and annotate the section of text that I gave you today (BLACK and one other color of your choice/ 7-10/page).


Your QUIZ covering The Odyssey will take place on Thursday, March 17th. I am actually considering giving it to you as a take home quiz, but I haven't come to a definite conclusion on that idea yet. We'll see......Anyway, I have posted the 6 questions for your quiz below. Remember that you will "blindly" CHOOSE ONE for your quiz. You may use your book, storyboard, and annotated pieces of text. The questions are essay in nature, and you MUST SUPPORT your ideas with examples from the The Odyssey. HINT: I would thoroughly consider each question making notes on 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 I 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 look forward to seeing you on THURSDAY.
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 ...