Monday, March 11th, 2013

Dear Mythology Kids,

STOP MISS CLASS!
" Did I miss anything important?"
"No, we did nothing...nothing at all. In fact, we watched Hercules the entire period!"


If you missed class, visit with someone else prior to communicating with me, my young friends. If you know that you are going to miss class, then please communicate with me prior to your absence. 

1. Part 2 of "The Odyssey" exam was given to each student today. This is due on Friday. I have included it for you below. Please read your instructions, and then let me know if you have any questions. Cut and paste it as a word document, giving yourself ample room to record your answers.

The Odyssey Test

Part 2

Instructions: For each of the following excerpts from The Odyssey, please explain what is taking place.  In addition, identify a minimum of THREE LINES from each excerpt which prove your interpretation. In your explanation, make sure you fully explain the sections of text that you underlined. You may handwrite your responses to the right of each excerpt.

1. “…I thrust our stake in a bed of embers to make it red and hot and rallied all my comrades: “Courage—no panic, no one hand back now!”

….I dragged it from the flames, my men clustering around as some god breathed enormous courage into us. Hoisting high that olive stake with its stabbing pint straight into the monster eye they bore it hard.”

2. “Now with a sharp sword I sliced an ample wheel of wax into pieces, kneaded them in my strong hands and then five it to my comrades.

We were just off shore as far as a man’s shout will carry, scudding close, then I heard, “Come closer famous Odysseus-The Achean’s pride and glory-moor your sip-come closer! Never has a sailor passed our shores without becoming a wiser man!”

 

3. “The loyal shepherd led the way to the shelter, showed his guest inside and sat him down on a cot. Flinging over it the skin of a shaggy wild goat, broad and soft, the swine herd’s own good bedding. The king, delighted to be so well received, thanked the man at once:” My host-may Zeus and the offer gods five you your heart’s desire for the royal welcome you have shown me.”

 4. “A suitor would glance at his neighbor, jeering, taunting.

“Look at our connoisseur of bows!”

“Sly old fox—maybe he’s got bow’s like it, stored in his house.”

“Look how he twists and turns it in his hands!”

“The clever tramp means trouble.”

“I wish him luck in bending back that weapon!”

So they mocked!

5.”They rush and push me on, and I spin out my wiles. Athena inspired me to set up this loom in Odysseus’s royal hall. I shall lead them on”

“Young man, now that you believe Odysseus is no more go slowly, keen as you are to take his place, until I can complete Laertes web…so it won’t all fray and come to nothing.”

6. “You will find that the rocks lie lower, but they are so close together that there is not more than a bow—shot between them. A large fig tree full of leaf grows upon the rock, and under it the sucking whirlpool. Three times a day she vomits forth her waters, and three times a day she sucks them down again; see that your be not there when she is sucking, for if you are, Poseidon himself could not save you! Steer toward the other side, and drive by as fast as you can, for you had better lose six more than your whole crew.”

“Her sister is savage, extreme, rude cruel and invincible. There is no help for you and your men. Your best chance is to pass by her as quickly as you can, for if you linger about her rocks while you are putting on your armor, she will catch you with a cast of one of her heads, and snap up another five of your men.”

7. “He reached his dear dwelling, at last after twenty years. As he did, his old companion lifted his head and pricked his ears. The moment his master appeared he knew him, but he had no strength to drag himself even a little toward him. Odysseus knew him, and brushed away a tear. He dared not go to him for fear of arousing suspicion, and as he turned away that moment the old companion died.

2. Each student received his/her "Date-line Troy" or Monologue back from the peer evaluator. Please revise your assignment for FRIDAY.  

3. "Personal Odyssey" is due on TUESDAY, MARCH 19th. Please see the assignment explanation below. Stop by the room so you can see previous student's examples.

“Ithaca:” Personalized

Due Date________________________

Introduction: The purpose of this assignment is to help you see yourself in the “mirror” that mythology hold up top each of us. Times have changed and so has the pace of your lives; yet, you are confronted with the same choices today as when Homer decided to put the story of the wanderings, tribulations, and homecoming of Odysseus into his own words. I expect you to identify with Odysseus by using his hero's journey as a paradigm for exploring the meaning of your own lives.

Catalyst: The following poem, “Ithaca,” by Constantine Cavafy is the catalyst for your assignment. Let me share it with you, prior to explaining your assignment more fully.

Ithaca When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them: You will never find such as these on your path, if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine emotion touches your spirit and your body. The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops, the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter, if you do not carry them within your soul, if your soul does not set them up before you. Pray that the road is long. That the summer mornings are many, when, with such pleasure, with such joy you will enter ports seen for the first time; stop at Phoenician markets, and purchase fine merchandise, mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony, and sensual perfumes of all kinds, as many sensual perfumes as you can; visit many Egyptian cities, to learn and learn from scholars. Always keep Ithaca in your mind. To arrive there is your ultimate goal. But do not hurry the voyage at all. It is better to let it last for many years; and to anchor at the island when you are old, rich with all you have gained on the way, not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage. Without her you would have never set out on the road. She has nothing more to give you. And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you. Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what Ithacas mean. Constantine P. Cavafy (1911)             This poem is about knowing oneself in victory and adversity, and recognizing that the moments of adversity are merely “stepping stones” to the final destination.....”Ithaca.” The wisdom you obtain with each step reveals the destination's true meaning.            So, what does your assignment entail? I am asking you to write your own “Ithaca;” yes, a poem where you identify your Ithaca, along with the “Poseidons” that thwart your path, and the “Athenas” that help “bring you home.” I will give you a list of required elements. Let me share a previous example with you.            The following example was written by Ryan Bailey, a former student, who graduated in 2000.

Nimble Fingers By Ryan Bailey I am Ryan of the nimble fingers. Oh Muse, guide and inspire me to invoke tears like Orpheus. The ebony and ivory jewels will inspire friends and foes alike. This is my Ithaca, to amuse, mesmerize and create melodious sounds with my nimble fingers. Oh Muse, guide me through the rough seas of  competition. I will place wax in my ears, never to hear the Siren's song tempting me to doubt myself.  I hear them luring me. Their deadly sweet voices singing that “I must give up,” that “I must jump to them,” that “my Ithaca is only a dream,” never realized.   Their voices must be resisted, or the desire will perish within me. Oh, Muse, grant me the power to avoid the temptation of the Lotus. It comes in the form of fleeting urges that give me dreams of euphoria; yet, when I awake from the television, video games, and films, I am reminded that so much time has been lost. Avoidance of such temptation must occur, or Ithaca will never come to be. Oh Muse, protect me from the angry Poseidon, who takes the form of my father. He rears his head in the form of disappointment.  I remind him, that he, too, once had a father who disapproved of his “Ithaca,”.....to play professional tennis.  Athena comes to my aide in the form of my mother, who reminds me that my Ithaca is attainable! “Listen,” she says. “Prepare,” she reminds. “Practice,” she rehearses. Always followed with the welcoming arms of a loved one not seen in many years. Oh, Muse, grant me the power to never allow discouragement to defeat my purpose. The voyage is long, full of obstacles, but I am Ryan, of the nimble fingers, assured, bold, aware, and ready for the journey.

REQUIREMENTS (Poem): 1. Your “Ithaca” must begin with an epithet. “What is an epithet, Crampton?” “Ino, of the slim ankles” is an epithet. “Zeus, the Thunderer” is an epithet. “Poseidon, the Earthshaker” is an epithet. “Athena, of the gray eyes” is an epithet. An epithet is a descriptive word or descriptive phrase. Your epithet may pertain to an intrinsic characteristic or an extrinsic characteristic. 2. Your poem needs to be a minimum of four stanzas. More is acceptable. 3. Your must relate your own obstacles to TWO of those faced by Odysseus. 4. You must identify your Ithaca in the first stanza. 5. You must identify your “Athenas” (those that assist you in reaching your “Ithaca.”) 6. You must identify your “Poseidons” (those that attempt to thwart your goal.) 7. You must reference other Greek characters and connect them to your subject matter. 8. You must include at least one allusion within the poem. The allusion can relate to any aspect of your “Ithaca.” For example, Ryan Bailey uses the allusion, “ebony and ivory jewels” to indicate the piano keys. He also alludes to Penelope embracing Odysseus in association to the love received by his supportive mother. 9. Each of the above requirements must be indicated using BOLD TYPE in your poem 10. Give your piece an appropriate title based on content. 11. Your poem must be typed, 12-16 point font, submitted in a fashion that is aesthetically pleasing and illustrates your “Ithaca.” I will share some previous examples to assist you with this part of the assignment Please let me know if I can assist you in any way. May the power of Athena be with you!

NOTE: Homework Coupons are due on Tuesday, the 19th! If you have a any missing assignments, please decide which one will benefit you the most and then submit the coupon with the assignment on the 19th. 

WE BEGIN WITH NORSE MYTHOLOGY ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13th!

Februrary 19th, 2013

Dear Mythology Kids,
If you missed class, I am SO SORRY! We completed our "Desk-Top Teaching" assignment. You will have an "official" quiz covering the words, but that will take place next week. I would recommend that you review your words now.

HOMEWORK:
1. Remember that your  "Character Analysis" or "Date-Line Troy" is due on Thursday. Please let me know if I can assist you with either choice.

February 7th, 2013

Dear Mythology Kids,

STUDY FOR YOUR EXAM! Kamala has typed the take-home essay portion for you below. I suggest reviewing the questions, and then making your selection based upon the two that you feel you can justify with the greatest support.

Instructions:

1. Please select two essays; one from the odd numbers (1,3,5,7) and the other from the even numbers (2,4,6,8) for the take-home portion of your exam. 
2. Each question requires textual support. You will need to use your handout and/or your Mythology text. Those of you that have your own copy of The Iliad may use it!
3. Please structure your response using MLA formant.
4. I am not requiring a five paragraph essay, but repose must be a well-organized and structured paragraph. You must have TWO concrete details in each paragraph, and commentary to support those details. Prove to me, through writing, that you can fully explain and justify your chosen questions.

                                                                                                                                                                    

1.  What is the role of women in The Iliad? Does the poem contain any strong female characters, or do the acts and deeds of men dominate the work? Support your points with textual support.
2. If one had to identify the moral of The Iliad, what would if be and why? Please explain using specific examples of characters and lessons they went through and learned.
3. Explain the origins (notice origins is plural) of Achilles' anger? Support your points with textual support.
4. Discuss the significance of hubris within The Iliad. Pride is the source of many conflicts within the epic. Support your points with textual support.
5. "The gods' constant interference in the lives of the mortals seems to cast them in the role of malicious puppeteers, while reducing Homer's heroes to mere pawns." Discuss the above quote in relationship to the role the gods play in the epic poem. Include examples to support your points.
6. Dramatic Irony acts as an important literary tool within The Iliad. Identify TWO aspects associated with irony, and then discuss how irony adds to the epics plot-line.
7. How is respect and disrespect represented as crucial to characters in The Iliad? Support your points with textual support.
8. Is it fair to describe The Iliad as an anti-war work? Support your response with specific examples.

!8 January, 2012

We discussed Menelaus, Paris, Helen, and Agamemnon today in class. Please be ready for a QUIZ covering the above characters on  WEDNESDAY.


Menelaus, King of Sparta/Husband to Helen

B1:1."Hear me also! This touches me most clearly. My mind is that the Acheans and the Trojans should now be reconciled. You have suffered enough this quarrel of mine and Paris. Call his grace, King Priam, as a witness, and we do not wish to violate this old man, he looks both before and behind, to see that the best is done for both sides."
2. " Paris struck first, but Menelaus caught the swift spear on his shield then hurled his own. It rent Paris' but did not wound him. Menelaus drew his sword, his only weapon now, but as he did so it fell from his hand broken. Undaunted though unarmed he leaped upon Paris and seizing him...he would have dragged him to the Greeks victoriously if it had not been for Aphrodite saving him. "

B2:1. "Menelaus and Helen received him graciously as their guest. The ties between guest and host were strong. Each was bound to help and never harm the other. But Paris broke that bond. Menelaus trusting completely to it left Paris in his home and went off to Crete."
2. "Later after Paris' death, the Trojans gave Helen to his brother Deiphobus, in whose house, on the night of the fall of Troy, Menelaus found her. He had meant to kill her on the spot, but her beauty and Aphrodite's power deterred him."

B4:1. "Menelaus saw who was making the challenge and was as glad as a lion coming on the carcass of a wild goat....He stood and looked at his rival with contempt."
2. Same as the second quote for B1..refer to the second quote for B1.

Burial mask discovered by Henrik Scheilmann. Scheilmann thought he had discovered the mask of Agamemnon. He was actually incorrect, as the funeral mask is several hundred years older than the Agamemnon of history.

B1:1. "Artemis was so angry. One of her beloved wild creatures, a hare, had been slain by the Greeks, together with her young, and the only way to create the winds and ensure a safe voyage to Troy was to appease her by sacrificing to her a royal maiden, Iphigenia....He dared the deed, slaying his child to help a war."
2. "Agamemnon, in Greek Mythology, was King of Mycenae, and a commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. When the Greeks had assembled at Aulis for their voyage to Troy they were held back by adverse winds. Agamemnon had killed one of Artemis' sacred hares and the young; she was angry with Agamemnon's arrogance, so she caused the winds to blow unceasingly. To punish Agamemnon, she required the sacrifice of his eldest daughter Iphigenia. "
B2:1. ""Agamemnon sent a letter to Clytemnestra and their child, Iphigenia, asking them to come and join them at Aulis, where Iphigenia he said was going to be married to the great Achilles."
2. "He insulted the goddess Artemis by bragging that he was a better hunter than she and by killing a sacred hare. As punishment, Artemis caused the winds to blow so hard that the Greek fleet could not set sail."

Introduction to PRIAM, PARIS and HELEN

First day of Iliad Character Presentations

Priam, King of Troy, begging Achilles to relinquish the body of Hector

B1/B2:
1. "I have endured what no other mortal on the face of the earth has yet endured, to reach forth my hand to the face of him that has slain my sons."
2. " So accompanied the old man past the guards and came into the presence of the man who had killed and maltreated his son. He clasped his knees and kissed his hands and as he did so, Achilles felt awe and so did all the other there....."
B4:
1. "Priam was killed by Neopotolemus, the son of Achilles. Achilles had spared Priam, but Achilles' son struck him down before the eyes of his wife and daughters."
2. ""In Greek Mythology, Priam was the last king of Troy, a ruler who witnessed the destruction of his city in the Trojan War. His son Paris caused the war, while another son, Hector, became the greatest Trojan hero during the long struggle with the Greeks."

Paris, Prince of Troy

B1:
1. "Hera promised to make him Lord of Europe and Asia; Athena, that he would lead the Trojans to victory against the Greeks and lay Greece in ruins; Aphrodite, that the fairest woman in all the world would be his."
2. "Paris, a weakling and something of a coward, too, as later events showed, chose the last."
B2:
1. "Paris himself, who had not fought at all, except to throw his spear, she caught up in a cloud and took him back to Helen."
2. "His single combat with Menelaus, Helen's husband, was suppose to have settled the outcome of the whole war. Instead it revealed Paris as a coward, who only escaped through the intervention of Aphrodite."
B4:
1. "In Sparta, Menelaus, husband of Helen, treated Paris as a royal guest. However, when Menelaus left Sparta for a funeral, Paris abducted Helen and also carried off much of Menelaus' wealth."
2. "What men care for most was set before him. Hera promised to make him Lord of Europe and Asia; Athena, that he would lead the Trojans to victory against the Greeks and lay Greece in ruins; Aphrodite, that the fairest woman in all the world should be his. Paris, a weakling and something of a coward, too, as later events showed, chose the last. He gave Aphrodite the golden apple."

Helen, "the face that launched a thousand ships"

B1:

1. "Then Priam brought Hector home, mourned in Troy as never another, even Helen wept. 'The other Trojans upbraided me, ' she said, 'but always I had comfort from you through your gentleness of spirit and your kind words. You were only my friend."

2. "The most fascinating things about Helen was her story. It was far better than she was. We do not see any real character development in her and have to regard her as a a pawn of the gods. The larger story is involved with the people around her, their rise and fall. She herself seemed oblivious to the horrors that surrounded her."

B2

1. "If only death had pleased me then, grim death, that day I followed your son to Troy, forsaking my marriage bed, my kinsmen and my children."

2. "Never set food on Mt. Olympus ...never! ---suffer Paris, protect Paris, for eternity....until he makes you his wedded wife---that or his slave. Not I, I'll never go back again. It would be wrong, disgraceful to share that coward's bed once more."

B4

1. "Aphrodite led Paris to Sparta, the home of a Greek prince named Menelaus. Helen, his wife was considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Paris fell in love with Helen and carried her off to Troy."

2. "When Menelaus returned home and discovered Helen gone, he called on the leaders of Greece, who had sworn to support him if necessary. The Greeks organized a great expedition and set sail for Troy. Their arrival at Troy marked the beginning of the Trojan War."

Tuesday, December 11th

WELCOME TO TROY!
 THIS IS THE HANDOUT used in our class discussion regarding Homer's Iliad. Please cut and paste it as a Word document and then place it in your binder. We started working on this in class, but we did not complete it; we will do so onTuesday.

Introduction:
What is an epic?

The Iliad is about:



Ilium:

Acheans:

The Odyssey is about:


Did the Trojan War actually take place and what was the cause?

Who discovered the ancient city of Troy?

“Road Map:”

“Schliemann's scar:”

Using a well read copy of The Iliad as his reference guide, he chose a spot on the Asian coast of Turkey called the Mound of Hissarlik, and began digging for the famous city of Troy. In the course of four years, he uncovered nine successive cities built on top of each other. The sixth city he declared the “City of Troy,” or as Schliemann called it the “Burnt City.” Later archaeologists through carbon dating and additional archaeological discoveries, proved that Schliemann's choice was accurate. What was once thought to be myth had been proven historically correct.


What we know about Homer.....

Many scholars have asked the question, “Were the epic poems of The Iliad and The Odyssey written by one poet or were they collective efforts on the part of several poets?” We will never know the answer to this question. Most scholars agree that “a Homer” existed, that he lived in the 8th or 9th century B.C., and that he was a well-known poet. Some references to Homer indicate that he was blind, which has been interpreted as a “sign of his greatness.” We know that Homer had a strong command of the written language, and that at one point he could see. His love for beauty and gory details are too advanced, especially for someone who might have been blind his entire life. He lived about 500 years after the events at Troy; therefore, the story he told was not original with him, but had been passed down in the oral tradition of the times.



Allow me to share two excerpts from The Iliad with you.

“...the spear of bronze went through

Below the brain and shattered the white bones,

Dashed out his teeth, and filled his eyes with blood;

And blood he spurted gaping through his mouth

And nose; and death's dark cloud encompassed him.”

Book XVI, lines 345-350



“Then answered Hector of the flashing helm,

His strength all gone: 'I beg thee by my life,

Thy knees, thy parents, leave me not for dogs

Of the Acheans by the ship to eat,

But rather take abundant stores of bronze and gold-

My king and queenly mother will give it thee-

And render back my body to my home,

So that the Trojans and the Trojans' wives

May give me due meed of fire in death.'



But scowling at him swift Achilles said,

“Do not entreat me, dog, by knees or parents ,

I only wish I had the heart and will

To hack the flesh off thee and eat it raw......”

Book XXII, lines 317-330

HOMEWORK:
1. Remember that your "Personal Mythology " is due on Thursday.
2. Work on your  mosaic, my young friends.
3. You must have your mosaic supplies with you on Thursday.
4. QUIZ on Thursday covering the introductory information to the Iliad.

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Dear Mythology Kids,

STOP MISSING CLASS, guys especially on the days when you have SIGNIFICANT ASSIGNMENTS DUE! Those of you that missed class will need to submit your HOMEWORK COUPON with your NATURE MYTH in order to receive credit for it.

"WHAT DID I MISS, CRAMPTON?"
"A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT, cute kids! Please visit with a friend  prior to checking with me!"


1. You missed two new vocabulary words:

• GORGONIZE and SISYPHEAN (look the definitions up on your own)

2. You missed submitting your nature myth revision (accompanied with your edited copy) and your mosaic.

3. You missed the definition of ALLUSION and REFERENCE

4. You missed the discussion regarding TWO PIECES of poetry pertaining to ICARUS!

I used Icarus as my focus for emphasizing how frequently references and allusions to mythology arise in literary work. This, of course, is due to the fact that universal themes are always prevalent within the myths; therefore, audiences of all types can connect with the themes that are used.

5. You missed the explanation for a new assignment entitled "Personal Mythology." I will post a copy of the assignment below. I am writing from home, and do not have the assignment here. In the mean time, please visit with a friend from class.

HOMEWORK:
1. Read the student example regarding the "Personal Mythology" assignment.
2. START working on your "Personal Mythology." DUE DATE is THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13th
3. STOP MISSING CLASS, unless you have recently had BACK SURGERY!

Dear Mythology Kids,

 

Don't forget that you will have a QUIZ covering the irony found within the myth of "Heracles," and how those aspects of irony add to the pathos experienced by our hero on Friday!

"How do I prepare for the quiz, Crampton?"

"Make sure you have read the myth of Heracles found on page 166 in your textbook. In addition, review the storyboard that we worked on in class on Thursday.

"Will there be extra credit for this quiz?"

"Absolutely! I have listed the aspects of irony below. Respond to each one as if you were taking the actual quiz. Originally, I was going to have you complete one of the six questions, but I have changed my mind. You will answer two of the six listed. If you review this way, you will clearly be successful, as you will have two of the six included below, you just don't know which two. You are to discuss the irony found in each excerpt from the myth of “Heracles,” and how the irony adds to the pathos experienced by Heracles. Please be thorough in your response; assume that your audience has no schema on the character of Heracles. Cut and paste the questions into a Word document, and then respond to them on your computer.

1.) Athena “found” the infant Heracles outside the walls of Thebes, where Alcmene had abandoned him in fear of Hera’s jealousy. Athena showed the child to Hera and urged the goddess to pity the beautiful child so cruelly neglected.

2.) The goddess drove Heracles temporally mad, and he killed his children, Megara as well—thinking they were either wild beasts or enemies of Thebes. When his sanity returned, Heracles exiled himself from Thebes for his crime. He traveled to Delphi to ask the oracle how best to atone for his crime. The priestess of the oracle instructed Heracles to go to Tiryns and perform any 10 labors devised for him by King Eurystheus.

3.) Eurystheus directed Heracles to kill the Lernaean Hydra (water snake) as his second labor. Heracles slew the beast by chopping off its immortal head and burying the still-hissing head under a rock. Before returning to Tiryns, Heracles dipped his arrows in the poisonous blood of the Hydra. Thereafter, anyone wounded with one of these arrows would die.

4.) The goddess sent two poisonous serpents with flaming eyes to destroy both Heracles and his half-brother Iphicles. Yet the mighty infant seized one in each hand and easily strangled the serpents, thinking they were toys he found great glee in his kill of the snakes.

5.) The perfect host, Admetus entertained his guest while hiding the fact that he was mourning for his wife, Alcestis. When Heracles discovered his host’s secret, he rushed to Alcestis tomb. Upon bringing her back to Admetus, the host promptly died.

       6) "He sent his servant home to Deianeira in order to obtain the special ceremonial shirt he wore on    these religious occasions. When the servant mentioned to Deianeira that Iole was to accompany Heracles, Deianeira feared that her husband loved the beautiful princess.”

Monday, November 12, 2012

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. Each student was given another student's nature myth to edit. This assignment is due for everyone on FRIDAY. Please stop by and visit with me, so that I can give you the myth that you will be evaluating.

2. We then continued with discussing the "Hercules" myth. I asked students to read pages 166-179 for Wednesday. Plan on a quiz covering Heracles on FRIDAY.

3. We discussed ALL the labors and how he was able to accomplish them.

Cheers,
Crampton

November 8th, 2012

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. Each student submitted their NATURE MYTH! If you missed class, you will need to submit your myth IMMEDIATELY, as you have known about this assignment for such a LONG TIME! I would appreciate receiving it from you BEFORE SCHOOL BEGINS on FRIDAY. Your HOMEWORK COUPON needs to accompany it.

2. Each student completed their quiz covering the "Perseus" myth. We then corrected the quizzes.

3. Everyone was introduced to HERACLES/HERCULES today with a new storyboard. If you missed class, you will need to stop by and obtain the story board, and then visit with a friend in class.

HOMEWORK:
1. NONE!
2. For those of you that have not traced their mosaics yet, you need to do so as soon as possible. The librarians need to complete an inventory concerning all the equipment, so the projectors have to be returned on or before DECEMBER 1st. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TRACING ASAP, my young friends. You are welcome to come before, during or after school.

Dear Mythology Kids,
If you missed class, the following was reviewed:

1. Journal #3: "Hero"
Define the term "hero." Who do you consider heroic and why? What qualities do heroes possess?
 
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.

B2 Kids, 
The traits that we DID NOT DISCUSS are highlighted for you in PURPLE.

•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 unique traits

•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. THE ARCHETYPAL HERO is an individual that possesses these characteristics.

HOMEWORK:
1. Nature Myth is due for you on Thursday, Nov. 8th.
 2. Plan on a quiz covering the information we discussed regarding the nine traits of a hero
3. Please read the article I gave you today entitled "The Heroes Adventure." Please annotate and notate the text...5-7/ ALL THE COLORS. Stop by my room to collect the article.

Cheers,
Crampton

Monday, October 29th, 2012

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 29,2012) 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

YOUR MOSAIC IS DUE THE LAST DAY OF THE TERM, which is JANUARY 10th, 2013!

If you missed class, please stop by so we can visit about your assignment.

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

1. We discussed the structure regarding your final exam. Please see the review below.
2. We completed our discussion regarding Greek theater
3. We read "Oedipus" located on pages 268-272
4. Students were introduced to the companion piece to "Oedipus," also written by Sophocles, entitled "Antigone."
 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 blue 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.





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 55 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.

I ask that you use ONE SIDE of a 3x5 card to assist you with some aspects that you might find difficult to recall. Yes, this is compulsory, my young friends. It’s call “insurance.” You may not need to use the card, but if you do, then it is available to you. IF YOU DO NOT USE THE CARD, then I will add five points of extra-credit to your exam score. If you use the card then no penalty will apply.

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

HOMEWORK:
1. Please read "Antigone" for Friday. Plan on a quiz covering "Oedipus" on Friday.The questions for your quiz are located for you below. Remember that you won't know which one you are going to answer, as there will be a random selection.

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."

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.

.

. FINAL EXAM will take place on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25th.

Monday, October 8th, 2012

Dear Mythology kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. Students were introduced to their first vocabulary word: SATURNINE! From now on, students will receive one to two words/ week. Please visit with someone else in class regarding the handout that coordinates with your vocabulary words.

2. We then reviewed an exceptional nature myth that was developed by a previous student which explains why birds molt. This myth was also shared so that students would comprehend their "PLOT MAP" assignment due on WEDNESDAY. PLEASE visit with a friend from class regarding this assignment, and then stop by to visit with me.

3. We then started discussing the importance of Greek theater in relationship to their myths. Myths were performed on the Greek stage. Students were given a handout that we started to review, which details the important information regarding Greek theater. Please stop by to pick up the handout.
 

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 Tuesday, October 11th! PLEASE READ THE MYTH! What we do in class on Friday 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.

We completed your handout regarding Greek Theater. Please visit with someone in class.





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 8th) 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.

HOMEWORK:
1. Please complete the PLOT MAP for your nature myth...DUE ON WED.

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. Everyone submitted their "Modern Day God" essay. If you missed class, you will need to submit your assignment WITH YOUR HOMEWORK coupon upon your return. Why? Well, you had prior knowledge about the assignment before your absence.

2. We then completed Journal #2: "Melody Time"
              Students viewed a cartoon with several explanatory elements. Students were asked to identify the explanatory elements and then identify HOW the elements were explained.

3. We then reviewed several POOR nature myths written by previous students. Students worked in groups to complete this and then received participation points for the group work.

HOMEWORK:
1. Nature Myth Part 1 is due on MONDAY. PLEASE start working on your nature myth....consider the plot line, the characters involved, the conflict or conflicts that take place in the myth, and the resolution that solves the problem(s).

PLEASE DO NOT MISS MONDAY, as we will review a nature myth that is incredibly strong.

Cheers,
Crampton

Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. We read "Arachne" and "Narcissus" in class. I gave everyone a copy of these myths, but they are also available in your textbook. You were also introduced to our pet spider....ROSIE!
2. Each student received a copy of their "take-home" quiz regarding the following myths:
"Prometheus," "Pandora," and "Demeter and Persephone." The take-home quiz is due on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2nd!

HOMEWORK:
1. THRONE is due on TUESDAY, October 2nd!
2. Take-home quiz is due on TUESDAY, October 2nd!
3. Please read "Daphne" pgs. 119-120
4. Please read "Prometheus and Io" pgs. 51-55
5. Plan on a quiz covering #3 and #4 and the two myths we read in class today ("Arachne" and "Narcissus"). This quiz will be an in-class quiz.
6. Remember that your "Modern Day God" essay is due on Thursday, October 4th.

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Dearest Mythology Students,

I'm sorry that you missed class! If you are ill, please take care of yourself, if you decided to "avoid" class, then YOU ARE GOING TO HADES WITHOUT AN OBOLUS! SHAME ON YOU, my young friends!

We completed the following:
1. Journal #1 entitled "Hope"
Please consider the following quote by Freidrich Nietzsche. "Hope is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs the torment of man." "Talk" to me about this. Do you agree or disagree with Nietzsche? Explain why? Possibly you see his point of view, but you also view "hope" as a positive entity, as well. Please support your opinion with a personal example.

2. You were introduced to Prometheus and Pandora. We read both nature myths in class.

Instructions for "Modern Day God" Assignment:

1.Through our class discussions, each student should have a greater understanding concerning the Olympians. Please select ONE Olympian and connect him/her to an individual from past or present society. The god you select does not need to be the same one you research regarding your “Handout” assignment.
2.All of the god's attributes do not need to be obvious in relationship to the individual chosen for connection; however, you must be able to relate at least one (obviously) attribute that both possess. Please go beyond the obvious, by focusing on intrinsic characters rather than appearance.
3.In order to obtain enough information regarding your chosen connection, you will need to complete some research. Please note the citation examples below concerning a book or Internet source.

BOOK: Carter, Joseph. The Life of Mark Twain. Scott Foreman, Pub., New York, NY.

                                1989.

INTERNET: William, Jacob. “Mark Twain.” The Mark Twain No One Knew. August

                               17th, 2001. September 11, 2008.

                                  http://coned.ceu.edu/authors/19thcentury.org

4.Please begin your response by indicating the connection between the god and your chosen individual (Introduction). Your next paragraph needs to indicate aspects concerning the god (Body Paragraph #1). The third paragraph will focus on the individual chosen for comparison (Body Paragraph #2). Finally, your fourth paragraph will justify why you elected to compare the two characters (Conclusion)

5.Please use ACADEMIC VOICE for your response.
6.MLA Format regarding structure and citations also needs to be used. Double space your response, using Times New Roman print, and 12 point font.
7. Please incorporate an image of your “modern day” comparison in your paper.



. FOR HOMEWORK:
1. Please read "Demeter and Persephone" ( I gave everyone a copy of this myth). It won't work as a PDF, so I have left several copies outside my room on the bulletin board.
2. Please read "Demeter" (located on pgs. 50-55) in your book.
Note: Both #1 and #2 are the same myth; yet, they have some distinct differences
3. QUIZ on FRIDAY covering "Prometheus," "Pandora," and "Demeter and Persephone." Your quiz is a "take-home" quiz. Make sure you have your myths to exchange for the quiz.
4. Remember your "Modern Day God" assignment is due on October 4th, 2012

Monday, September 24th,2012

Dear Mythology Kids,

STOP MISSING CLASS! Please make sure you find out what you missed, so you are not behind upon your return.

1. Students took their "Application Quiz" and then we corrected it.
2. We had a brief introduction to the first two explanatory myths entitled "Prometheus" and "Pandora." Students were given copies of the myths and then asked not to read them, as we will read them together in class on Wednesday.
3. Students were asked to respond to the following journal entry, as it relates to the above two explanatory myths.  

 Journal #1 entitled "Hope"
Please consider the following quote by Freidrich Nietzsche. "Hope is the worst of all evils, because it prolongs the torment of man." "Talk" to me about this. Do you agree or disagree with Nietzsche? Explain why? Possibly you see his point of view, but you also view "hope" as a positive entity, as well. Please support your opinion with a personal example.

HOMEWORK:
1. Work on your THRONE! You will receive your first "official" writing assignment on Wednesday, so take advantage of the extra time. 
 

Tuesday 18th and Thursday 19th, September 2012

Dear Mythology Kids,

I have included the practice quiz for your official quiz scheduled for Monday. If you missed class today, we completed the following gods. In addition, you were given your "THRONE" assignment, which is due on Tuesday, October 2nd. The requirements for your assignment are located in the "HOMEWORK" section of your binder.

Hades
Demeter
Artemis
Apollo
Hermes
Ares
Aphrodite and....
Hephaestus

Please make sure you obtain the information about the above gods from another mythology student.

Instructions for PRACTICE QUIZ: Please select the god that BEST fits each description. You will need to identify the character with both Greek and Roman names. For some questions you will need to justify your response. Some gods may be used more than once.

1. Venerate, Vigil, Valuable, Vigilante, Volume, Viscous...I love words that begin with the letter V. ______________/______________ (both Greek and Roman names)
2. I would make an excellent "shop" teacher. ______________/___________
3. I have a PhD in Statistics. __________/______________
4. I am "President Obama" of the Olympians. _____________/____________
5. I directed a documentary film on master thieves. ___________/____________
6. I would do well working in a floral shop, as the buds would always bloom.

_____________/_______________
7. March is my favorite month. ____________/___________
8. I always "hit my mark." __________/_____________
9. I am responsible for desecrating a temple. ____________/_____________
10. Justify your response for #9 ____________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
11. A trick was played to woo me, so "love can not live where there is no trust." ______/_____
12. Justify your response for #11. ____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________
13. I failed to ask my wife's mother for her hand in "marriage." _________/_________
14. "Make me the most beautiful land animal." __________/____________

Good luck with the practice quiz.

Dear Mythology Kids,
If you missed class, or had to leave early due to the assembly, we discussed the following gods. Please transfer this information to your "yellow" handout in the "notes" section of your binder.

1. We submitted the "Handout" assignment that was due today, and then a "spokesperson" from each group shared information about their god. We completed Zeus, Hera and Athena and recorded that information on the YELLO handout in the "note section" of your binder. The following information was discussed for each:



Zeus

• controls all aspects of the weather
• tricks Hera into marrying him by transforming into a cuckoo bird
• Hera is his second wife
• Metis is his first wife (she is the mother to Athena)
• shape shifts into animals in order to woe women
• has numerous affairs
• Just
• has difficulties in making decisions
• god of athletes/athletic events were held in his honor/wore "crown" of oak leaves

Hera

• Zeus transforms into a cuckoo bird. Hera loves animals, and finds a "cuckoo bird" outside her window trapped in a storm. She brings the bird to her breast and states, "I will love you forever, cuckoo bird, and I swear by the River Styx that I will honor this vow." At this point, Zeus returned to his true form, raped Hera, and told her that she had to honor her vow by marrying him. If you swore by Styx your oath could not be broken.
• She loves animals.
• Hephaestus is her son without a father (in some versions) Hera was angry that Zeus had given birth to Athena without the assistance of a mother, so she gave birth to Hephaestus without a father. He was born ugly and unshapen, so she cast him off Mt. Olympus.
• Due to Zeus' affairs, Hera takes her anger and frustrations out on Zeus' lovers and children.Athena
• Zeus swallowed Athena's mother, Metis, because an oracle had informed Zeus that if Metis birthed a son that child would overthrow his father. Zeus felt that he could not risk this, so he swallowed Metis. Athena grew within her father, until one day he experience a terrible headache. Hephaestus, the God of Inventions, sliced open Zeus' head and Athena was born wearing full battle armour and holding a shield and spear.
• Athena values mankind. She taught them how to create tools, use numbers, create nets, weaving and ships.
• Athena expected mankind to give gratitude to the gods of Olympus. If they were disrespectful, she punished them. She turns a mortal woman names Arachne into a spider because she failed to thank Athena for her gift. In addition, she said that she was a better weaver than Athena.
• Athena and Poseidon both wanted Attica as their city-state. The people decided they would select their patron god based upon a gift they offered the people. Athena gave the people an Olive Tree, and Poseidon gave the people a spring of salt water. The people selected Athena as their patron deity; consequently, Poseidon detested Athena.

I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday; you have NO HOMEWORK!

September 10th, 2012

Dear Mythology Kids,
 HOMEWORK:
1. Visit with someone else regarding your "HANDOUT" assignment. Each student was given one of the 13 Olympians to research. In addition, I gave each student information regarding their particular god. Your assignment requires that you have a minimum of two sources (I gave one to each student), and then you are to locate another source (Internet, your book, etc.) A valid website is "ENCYCLOPEDIA MYTHICA." This assignment is due on Friday, September 14th. You should have two copies of your handout. One will be used in class, the other will be given to me. In addition, please make a copy of your additional source (the Internet, book, etc. ), as I want to see the other source you used to obtain information.

2. Start prepping for your quiz covering the gods (Greek and Roman names, symbols and domains). This quiz will take place on Wednesday, September 14th.

PRACTICE QUIZ for "The Olympians" NOTE: I did not find an image of Hades that I felt was "accurate." Please be aware of this when taking your quiz. Good Luck.....



For each image, please identify the Greek and Roman names, the other symbols not present in the image, and all of the god's domains. Please follow this structure for your responses.

1.

2.

3..

4.

5.

6.

.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Posted by Mrs. Crampton at 11:04 AM