Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

Dear Mythology Kids,
If you missed class, we completed the following:


1. Each student received his/her Comparison Essay, and then we discussed the peer review. Your essays were TERRIBLE1 I love you, cute kids, but you must focus on reading and following instructions. The re-write for your essay is DUE ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7th!

2. We discussed the archetypal Greek hero and the qualities possessed by the hero.

Heroes in ancient Greek were given this title because they experienced what is known as PATHOS, or in other words, they suffered more than other individuals. Through their suffering they became stronger.


•1. They are flawed.

•2. They experience PATHOS, or they suffer more than the average person

•3. They are "Born" : There are two types of "births"

•a. They are conceived in an unusual manner

•b. The hero is "born" when they realize that they possess

•4. They are always assisted by a "goddess" (female character)

•5. They marry/associated with someone that causes them great pain and anguish

•6. They experience what is known as an "IGNITION EVENT." This event is usually, but not always, tragic. It causes them to "ignite" into action.

•7. They are faced with physical and emotional challenges.

•8. Through these challenges they become enlightened (more knowledgeable/physically and emotionally stronger)

•9. Their deaths are usually violent.

•NOTE: Heroes experience at least 6 out of the 9 qualities

ARCHETYPE: This term is important, as you will hear it frequently in Mythology. An archetype is a pattern of traits that characters possess that qualify them as certain character types. For example, characters that possess the traits included above would be qualified as an archetypal hero.

HOMEWORK:
1. Revision for Comparison Essay due on Thursday, November 7th.
2. Expect a quiz covering the archetypal qualities of a hero and the article that we read in class entitled "The Heroes Journey."
3. MOSAIC subject traced for NOVEMBER 11th!

Monday, October 28th, 2013

Welcome to your Mosaic assignment....

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. I introduced the mosaic assignment to each class today.

What is a mosaic? A piece of artwork that is comprised of many different pieces. Please see the examples of mosaics below.

Why were they so important to the ancient Greeks? They took the subjects from their mythology and literally cemented them into mosaic artwork.

Nemean Lion



Demeter

Medusa

I look forward to seeing the subjects you have chosen for your mosaics. For those of you that missed class on today (October 28th, 2013) we completed the following:

1. Introduction of your "Mosaic Assignment"

•Your mosaic must be at least 11 x 17 in size

•The subject may be any aspect associated with our study of Classical Mythology (gods, lesser gods, heroes, monsters, and specific myths and their characters)

•You need to be passionate about your selection.

•If you elect to draw the subject, extra-credit will be given

• •If your mosaic is larger than the required size, extra-credit will be given
• Please visit with someone in class regarding due date for the assignment. The final mosaic is due on the final day of the term, but their are "mini" deadlines throughout the term. 

DUE DATES:
Monday, November 11th: Subject traced on paper
Friday, December 6th: Mosaic started and work day
Wed./ Fri, December 18th and 20th: work days
Thursday, January 9th: Mosaic due

YOUR MOSAIC IS DUE THE LAST DAY OF THE TERM, which is JANUARY 9th, 2014!

If you missed class, please communicate with someone else from class, cute kids.

Tuesday, October 22,2013

Dear Mythology Kids,

WELCOME TO HADES!

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.

If you missed class on Tuesday, October 22nd, we discussed the Greek underworld of Hades. Each student received handout, which we completed together. I HAVE INCLUDED A COPY OF THE HANDOUT FOR YOU AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST! Several images 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.  PREPARE for you EXAM! STOP MISSING CLASSS>
2. Please read "Orpheus and Eurydice" pg. 107 in your text. This myth illustrate how just Hades actually was. This myth will appear on your test.

The following pictures should give you greater insights into some of the aspects we discussed on Tuesday. 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. 20th)

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.
12. _____________ is the Greek goddess of Justice.

Friday, October 18th, 2013

Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you have an enjoyable weekend! If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. We discussed your final exam scheduled for Thursday, October 24th, during your scheduled class period!
Each student received a copy of the review (included for you below). Completing the review is not compulsory, but I recommend using as a pre-test, so you can identify your areas of weakness. Please read the instructions for the review.

2. We then read an excerpt of the "Antigone" drama...thanks to those who shared their "acting" talents.
3. Students were then given their take-home quiz covering "Antigone" and "Greek Theater." I have not posted it on the blog, as I need your Greek Drama handout in exchange for the quiz. So, if you missed class today, then PLEASE come see me, so we sort this out for you.

HOMEWORK:
1. "Antigone"/ "Greek Theater" take-home quiz is due on TUESDAY!
2. Don't miss TUESDAY, as we will be "going to Hades."
3. REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAM is WEDNESDAY MORNING....7AM!


REVIEW #1

Mythology Exam

I ask that you complete the following review, as doing so will give you insight regarding areas where you need to spend additional time concerning your review. In essence, you can use the review as a pre-test. Answer the questions without using your handouts or book. If you need assistance with certain questions, then you know that those particular questions need greater review. PLEASE USE A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER, as you don’t have adequate space for your responses below. You will submit your review prior to the exam on THURSDAY!

You will see 50 different pieces of artwork. Each drawing, painting, sketch, statue, etc. pertains to the areas of mythology we have discussed this term. I will ask you specific questions about each overhead. For example, you may be asked to “identify the myth illustrated” or “identify the god,” or “explain what is taking place in the image, “ etc. The best way to completely prepare for your exam, is to go through each question below, as some aspect will appear on the test.

You may use ONE SIDE of a 3x5 card to assist you with some aspects that you might find difficult to recall. This is not required, but it's a nice form of  “insurance.” You are not penalized for you don't make the care, but if you need it, and you made it, then you can use it. 

One of my goals as your teacher is for you to apply what we have learned in class to the “real world.” So, if you are watching a film, listening to music spending time in a museum, reading a book, etc, and you see/hear references to mythology, you can identify them without hesitation. All of your exams will be application in nature.

Identify the Roman name, symbol(s) and domain(s) for the following Greek gods:

1. Aphrodite 5. Poseidon 9. Zeus 13. Apollo

2 Demeter 6. Hestia 10. Hephaestus 14. Hades

3. Artemis 7. Hermes 11. Athena

4.Ares 8. Dionysus 12. Hera

NOTE: You need to have strong familiarity regarding the parents of each Olympian, and specifics concerning their births. In addition, you must be aware of relationships that the gods have with each other, and the result(s) of these associations. (Example: Poseidon is disrespectful towards Athena because her gift was chosen over his. Consequently, Medusa as we know her is created. (This, of course, is the abbreviated version).

Please respond using complete sentences:
15. Who are the Furies? Describe their roll, “birth,” and appearance.
16. Who are the rulers of the underworld? (Greek and Roman names, please)
(p.s. please be familiar with the Greek underworld, specifically the sinners associated with Tartarus)
17. Identify the areas of the Greek stage.
18. Identify the importance regarding the Greek chorus.

NOTE: for19= 30. you will need to be familiar with ALL the characters with
in each myth.
19. Plotline for “Pandora’s Box”
20. “Arachne”
21. “Prometheus”
22. “Demeter and Persephone”
23. “Daphne”
24. “Echo and Narcissus”
 25. “Orpheus and Eurydice”
26. “Oedipus”
27. “Antigone”
28. “Io and Prometheus”
29. Creation myth (Aphrodite, Crone, Uranus, Rhea,)
30. “Danaids”
31. Tantalus
32. Sisyphus
33. Ixion

Wednesday, October 15th, 2013

Dear Mythology Kids,

STOP MISSING CLASS, CUTE KIDS! THE TERM ends in less than TWO WEEKS. YOUR HOMEWORK COUPON is due on TUESDAY, the 22nd!

Welcome back from Fall Break! I hope you were able to use your time in a productive manner.
If you missed class today, we completed the following:

1. We completed our discussion regarding Greek theater. Please obtain this information from another student. HAVE THEM EXPLAIN THE INFORMATION TO YOU!
2. Students were introduced to the companion piece to "Oedipus," also written by Sophocles, entitled "Antigone."
3. We completed a flow chart regarding the characters and their connection to each other within the play.

 Hang in there, cute kids! Your first quarter is almost over. Please let me know what I can do to assist you.

ANTIGONE, the courageous daughter of OEDIPUS, was introduced to you today!

1. I introduced the myth of "ANTIGONE" (pg. 273). MAKE SURE YOU READ THE MYTH! "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. We read the myth in class, and then started reading the play "Anitgone" by Sophocles together. We did not finish reading in class, so make sure you have read the white copy of the play by Tuesday. It was originally written as a myth, and then retold as a drama by Sophocles. 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. Please make sure you are familiar with the characters of Creon, Haemon, Antigone, Etoecles, Polynieces, and Ismene for your upcoming exam.

2. We viewed a clip from Oedipus performed by the London Shakespeare Company. I shared this with everyone as a review.

HOMEWORK:
1. Students were asked to be prepare for a quiz covering "Antigone" and the Greek theater for Friday.

Monday, Octover 7th, 2013

Dear Mythology Kids,

Welcome to the world of GREEK THEATER! If you missed class, we completed the following:


If you missed class today, please make sure you read the myth of "Oedipus" located on pages. 268-273 in your textbook. You will have a QUIZ over the myth and Greek drama on Wed, October 9th! PLEASE READ THE MYTH! What we do in class on Wednesday is important concerning your schema regarding "Oedipus." 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.

This image depicts a theater troupe performing "Oedipus Rex. " Oedipus is in the middle, and the Greek chorus is surrounding him.

We reviewed the three different types of IRONY today in class.
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.
3. Verbal Irony: This occurs when a characters means the opposite of what they say.








Ancient Greek theater mask. The Greeks used masks to help indicated emotion and the type of drama being performed. This image depicts a TRAGIC mask.


.

I introduced the myth of "Oedipus" to you today (Monday, October 7th) as a catalyst for understanding Greek Drama. I have included some additional images from those I shared with you in 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.

 WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ:The literary tool of irony is significant to the plot of "Oedipus." As part of your quiz on Friday, 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."  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."

HOMEWORK:
1. Please read "Oedipus" for Wednesday.

Thursday, October 3rd, 2013

Dear Mythology Kids,

STOP MISSING CLASS, cute kids! You had TWO assignments due today, both of which you have known about for more than one class period; consequently, you can not submit them late, unless you elect to use your homework coupon. The problem with both assignments, "The Comparison Essay" and the "In-class Essay," is that without them you won't be able to complete the peer revision. You can not revise a paper if you did not submit one. STOP IT! FIGURE OUT YOUR LIVES! BECAUSE SUBMITTING AN ESSAY IS SO EASY compared to what will happen when you leave high school. At the rate you are going, some of you won't actually leave because you WON'T GRADUATE!

This is what took place today:
1. Everyone submitted their "Comparison Essay."
2. You received a new vocabulary word: MERCURIAL: LOOK IT UP on your own!
3. We then went to the lab to work on the in-class essay. Students submitted their essay at the end of class.

HOMEWORK:
1. None...unless, of course, you failed to do the assignments that were due today. Please don't miss class next week, as we are moving on.....