Friday, October 31st, 2014

Dear Mythology Kids,
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. We completed the handout regarding Hades. Please obtain the information from someone in class.

2. Each student received his/her "Is Mythology a Lie" essay back, along with a solid example of what each body paragraph should contain. Students were asked to completed the self-assessment and then  revise the first draft for TUESDAY! If you missed class, please stop by on MONDAY, so I can return your essay to you, and give you the example of a solid body paragraph.

3. Students were introduced to their "Underworld Assignment. " Students were asked to create a list of 7 sins and symbolic punishments to match the sins.  The list can be quite rough for TUESDAY!

4. DON'T MISS TUESDAY!

 Dante's "Inferno"

These are the sinners Dante chooses to place within his "Hell." Who will you place in your Underworld?

This is the citation for your "Is Mythology a Lie" source:
Stoddard, Amy. The Greek Myths. Penguin Book Publishing. NewYork, New York., 2009.

Monday, October 27th, 2014

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 today, 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.  Please read the handout given to you in class about "Tantalus."
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. 

3. Please read the myth entitled "Danaids" located on page 256 in your book. 

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.

Posted by Mrs. Crampton at 11:31 AM

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Dear Mythology Kids,

REVIEW FOR YOUR FINAL EXAM! 

Go through the questions on your "Exam #1 Review Handout." Consider your weak areas, and then I highly recommend that you take advantage of the 3x5 card option. MAKE SURE YOU REVIEW THE THEMES (pink sheet) ASSOCIATED WITH EACH MYTH!

I look forward to seeing you on THURSDAY!

Cheers,

Crampton

Tuesday, October 14th, 2014

Dear Mythology Kids,

I love your guts, but not like "Oedipus!"  Okay, if you missed class, you must communicate with someone that was in attendance, as you were given SO MUCH information! You were given the following handouts:

1. Antigone (it is in your textbook pg.273) Please read this myth for TUESDAY, the 21st. Annotate and notate the myth using all your colors!

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.  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.

2. Review for Exam #1


REVIEW #1

Mythology Exam

You will see 43 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 13. Dionysus 14. Persephone

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. Identify the significance of Greek drama to Mythology
17. Identify the importance regarding the Greek chorus.

NOTE: for18 30. you will need to be familiar with ALL the characters with
in each myth.
. Plotline for “Pandora’s Box”
. “Arachne”
. “Prometheus”
. “Demeter and Persephone”
. “Daphne”
. “Echo and Narcissus”
 
  “Oedipus”
. “Antigone”

. Creation myth (Aphrodite, Crone, Uranus, Rhea,)
.

2. "Mythology is a Lie" essay.....see the explanation below. THIS IS DUE ON TUES., the day you return from FALL BREAK!

IS MYTHOLOGY A LIE?

“Art is the lie that tells the truth.”—Picasso

Introduction: What is truth? Several of you indicated on the first day of school that you felt mythology was a lie. I have no doubt that you have a much different perspective, especially now that we have read and discussed the gods and their corresponding myths. There are several metaphorical truths found in mythological stories. In fact, few great literary works are true in a factual sense, bur their freedom from facts allows the expression of emotional truths in a way factual stories cannot.

Your Assignment:

1.Please respond to the question, “Is Mythology a Lie?” Your response will take the form of a five paragraph response.

2. Discuss truths found in three explanatory myths; you will randomly pull those myths in a few minutes. Those myths will act as the focus for each body paragraph. If you have recorded the information we have discussed in class, then writing your response will not be difficult for you.

3. You must have textual evidence to support your points. The text from the myths will be used to support the truths you choose to discuss for your paper.

4. Please remember MLA Format for your essay.

5. Please write using an ACADEMIC VOICE;  primarily in relationship to no passive verbs, no first or second person pronouns, and focus on strong word choices (NO DEAD WORDS).

May the power of Athena, Hephaestus , Hermes be with you! Please

let me know if I can assist you in any way.

Work Day: ___________________________________________________________

Writing Lab to develop first draft: ______________________________________________

Write your paper using PROMETHEUS, OEDIPUS, and ARCHNE!


 

THE FOLLOWING INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH may be used by each class!

     Many metaphorical truths exist within mythological stories. In fact, few great works of literature contain truth in a factual sense, as their freedom from facts allows the expression of emotional or philosophical truths in ways factually based stories cannot. Themes such as, “attempting to defy fate,” and “the consequences of pride,” offer the reader deeper insight into human characteristics and their faults. As Pablo Picasso stated, “art is the lie that tells the truth,” and myths, as with all art, are lies, and yet they reveal a profound and meaningful realism that helps the reader grasp concepts associated with human nature.

REMEMBER THAT ALL MISSING WORK IS DUE ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15th !

IN ADDITION, REMEMBER THAT OUR 7 a.m. REVIEW for the EXAM WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21st!  

ENJOY YOUR FALL BREAK! 

Friday, October 10th, 2014

Dear Mythology Kids,

THE END IS ALMOST HERE, and some of you are attempting to enter "HADES WITHOUT A COIN! " I am here to assist you, but you need to act as an advocate for yourself. COMMUNICATE! ALL MISSING ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE (with your coupon) on or before October 15th. Please visit with me during FLEX or AFTER SCHOOL! I am happy to ASSIST YOU!

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. Students were each given one of the four questions regarding "Oedipus." Please see the information regarding the quiz in the previous post. If you missed class, then you need to collect the quiz on MONDAY! MONDAY! MONDAY! The quiz is due on TUESDAY! We also discussed the literary device of irony, as it is essential to your quiz!

2. We continued discussing the elements associated the Greek Theater and why they are so essential to Mythology. Students in B1 and B4 had time to finish watching both films, MIGHTY APHRODITE and THEATER HISTORY! B2 only had time to view the first film, so we will complete the second film when you return to class on Tuesday!

NOTE: Please make sure you are here on TUESDAY, the 14th, as we only have one day prior to Fall Break, next week, my young friend!

HOMEWORK:

1. Oedipus Take-Home Quiz is due on TUESDAY!

Take care,
Crampton

Monday, October 6th, 2014

Dear Mythology Kids,

STOP MISSING CLASS, my young friends! I LOVE YOUR GUTS, but the more you miss class the harder it is for you to grasp the material! IF YOU NEED HELP, then COMMUNICATE, so that I CAN ASSIST YOU!

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. Each student submitted the revised edition of their "Comparison Analysis."
2. Students then worked in their groups and identified TWO THEMES and/or MOTIFS for "Arachne" and "Narcissus." Communicate with a member from your group if you were absent. I promise that all the discussions we have had about the NATURE MYTHS will come in handy.

3. Students were introduced to a new god...DIONYSUS...the god of WINE, MERRIMENT, and THEATER! His ROMAN name is BACCHUS1 Please obtain the information about DIONYSUS from a peer, as it involves a picture.

4. Students were then introduced to GREEK THEATER and their first aesthetic myth entitled "Oedipus" located on page 268 in your textbook. This is actually one of the most famous pieces of Greek literature that still remains in its entirety. It was first written as a myth, and then converted to a theatrical tragedy by a playwright named Sophocles. Students were given a handout in class covering GREEK THEATER. If you were absent, the handout is available in the "Mythology Make-Up Box."

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 8th! 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 6th) 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."

 

Thursday, October, 2nd, 2014

Dear Mythology Kids,
I hope you have a great weekend! If you missed class, we completed the following:

Journal #2 entitled   "Hope"
1.Please consider the following quote by Friedrich 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.  We completed a self-assessment for the "Comparison Analysis" and students were asked to take their essay home and correct the sections that needed to be revised. The revision is due on MONDAY!

3. Students were given two additional nature myths...."ARACHNE" and "NARCISSUS." Please annotate each myth using GREEN and one other color of your choice/ 5-7/page for MONDAY! 

4. We completed discussing the "TRUTHS" found within the myths of "Prometheus," "Pandora, " and "Demeter." If you missed class, then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU COMMUNICATE WITH SOMEONE IN CLASS, as what we did in class with be used on a future assignment!

HOMEWORK!
1. Please read "Narcissus" and "Arachne." I gave each student a copy of the myths, but you can also find the in your book! See information above for annotations/notations!

2. Correct your "Comparison Analysis" for Monday!  

Tuesday, September 30th, 2014

Dear Mythology Kids,

STOP MISSING CLASS! I love your guts, but I am going to "call you out!" If you are ill, then by all means stay at home, but many of you are not getting up in time for school, so you are missing first period, or you are going out for lunch, and failing to watch the clock. ARRIVE ON TIME, as it is SO RUDE when you are LATE! FIGURE IT OUT, my young friends. I don't have the time to repeat myself, even though I do that frequently in class. Seriously, I don't have an extra 80 minutes to offer you. VISIT WITH ANOTHER STUDENT IN CLASS, in order to find out what you missed! CHANGE YOURSELVES and if you need help then contact a psychologist! I am happy to act as your "psychologist!" I AM SICK 24 hours a day for the rest of my life, but I figure things out! 

1. Students took a few minutes to review for their "application" quiz covering the gods. 
2. Students took the quiz and then we corrected it. Those of you that missed class, please communicate with me, so we can decide on a time that will work for you to take the quiz.
3. We then discussed "Daphne." Students identified two THEMES within the myth and as a class we recorded those themes on the pink handout that each of you received last class period.
4. Depending on your class, we continued discussing the explanatory myths of "Prometheus, " "Pandora," and "Demeter"

HOMEWORK:
1. Remember that your Comparison Analysis is due on THURSDAY, October 2nd. In addition, remember to have your Works Cited with you, as well!

Cheers,
Crampton