Friday, December 11, 2015

Dear Mythology Kids,

PREP FOR YOUR 'Caught in the Labyrinth" Quest for Tuesday.
1. Communicate with a friend that was in class regarding the storyboard and the symbolism journal (#14)

2. Read "Theseus" in your text....pg. 155
3. Notate the myth for RED (questions) ...you should develop a total of 10.
4. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Please let me know if you have any questions?
Cheers,
KC

The week of 7/12-11/12

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, I missed you! For whatever reason you were gone, I look forward to your return!

This is what we completed....
1. We finished the "history lessons" regarding the Minoans and the Myceneans.
2. Students then watched a 20 minute History Channel regarding the Minoan civilization. This is Journal #13. If you missed class, we can arrange a time for you to come in and watch the movie in order to make up the journal entry?
3. We then started discussing the myth by completing the storyboard that is included with your handout.

HOMEWORK:
1. Please read the "Theseus" myth pages 155-165 for Friday.
2. Respond to the following four questions for Friday. Please support your answers with textual support from the myth. These questions will be useful for your "Theseus" quest!

A. Consider the archetypal heroic patter in relationship to the "Theseus" myth. Begin with his "birth" and go on from there........
B. The labyrinth is symbolic for something else. Remember that it is full of "twists" and "turns" causing those that enter to change their direction. Consider this when you evaluate the symbolic meaning.
C. The minotaur is an interesting monster. It has the head of a bull and the body of a human. What do you think the minotaur symbolizes?
D. The twine given to Theseus helps him escape from the labyrinth. What does it symbolize.

Did I miss anything?
No, we did nothing! We never do anything in class! Of course you missed something!  We started discussing the history behind our next hero called THESEUS!
What do I need to do?
Stop by the room and collect the "storyboard" that outlines all the information regarding the history and the myth itself.

Look up the following in relationship to the storyboard:

•  Crete
• Knossos
• Minoans
• Minos
• Labyrinthian 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Friday, November 20th, 2015

Dear Mythology Kids,

THANKSGIVING BREAK is almost here....YOU CAN DO THIS! 

If you missed class, we completed the following. 

1. Students completed Journal #11 entitled "Interesting Medusa. " You can find the clip on the History Chanel; it is called "Medusa." Please view it and record a minimum of 10 interesting points regarding the information shared with you regarding Medusa. 

2. Students were introduced to a new  assignment (indicated below). Please read through the instructions and come prepared on Tuesday to type your response in the lab. It is due at the end of class! Choose your art work, and locate text to support your points within the "Perseus" myth found within your book.

3. Student completed a quiz covering the "Perseus" myth. The myth is located on page 146 in your book, or page 205 if you purchased your own addition.  

“Damaging Self”

 “Hercules and the Nemean Lion”   By: Baldassarre Peruzzi

1.      Identify the subjects indicated in the piece of art work.

In the piece entitled “Heracles and the Nemean Lion,”by Baldassarre Peruzzi, Heracles, the greatest of Greek heroes, is grappling against the Nemean lion.  The lion was the first of twelve seemingly impossible tasks completed by Heracles

2.      In order to understand the piece, does the audience need some schema regarding past events?

Hera, queen of the gods, detested Heracles, because he was the child of Zeus, her husband, and a mortal woman named Alcemene.  Hera was so jealous of Zeus’s constant infidelities that she chose to retaliate against his lovers; however, Hera did not choose to take her anger out on Alcemene, as Alcemene was a faithful follower to Hera. Instead, Hera took her fury out on the child, who Alcemene named Heracles, after the goddess she worshipped.  Hera wanted to destroy the child, as he was a constant reminder of Zeus’s infidelity.  So, to carry out her revenge, Hera caused the young Heracles to go insane.  While playing with his three young sons and his wife, Megara, he temporarily went mad. According to Edith Hamilton "Hera who never forgot a wrong sent the madness upon him. He killed his children and Megera, too, as she tried to protect the youngest. Then his sanity returned. He found himself in a blood bathed hall; the bodies of his wife and children beside them" (Hamilton, 168). Once his lucidity returned, and he saw the bodies of his family,  he knew that he must accept any fate the gods prepared for him, as this was the only way he would be forgiven of his horrible crime.  Hera, naturally thrilled that he had destroyed his family, decided that she would determine his fate and punishment.  She said the only way he could be forgiven involved the completion of twelve impossible tasks.  The first labor was to kill the Nemean Lion; an impossible task, because the lion’s skin was impenetrable.

3.      What is taking place in the art work?

Heracles is able to defeat the Nemean lion by using his own strength against it.  Hamilton states, " The first was to kill the lion of Nemea, a beast no weapons could wound. That difficulty Heracles solved by  chocking the life out of him" (Hamilton, 171). After choking the lion, Heracles realizes that the skin would be an ideal form of armor, since it is impenetrable.   Initially, he is lost for a way to sever the skin from the lion’s body.  He finally decides to use the lion’s claw as the “tool” to complete the job.  He rips one of the claws from the immense paw, and uses it to cut through the steal-like skin, finally obtaining the impenetrable armor. From that moment on, he wears the skin as a form of protection against other monsters and weapons that he will encounter in the future.

4.      Explain the symbolic meaning concerning the myth depicted in the piece.

The “claw” used to sever the lion’s skin represents the “damage” individuals cause themselves. The lion's claw was the only way Heracles could obtain the lion's hide; basically, the lion then severed its own skin.  The symbolism behind this action indicates that people act as their greatest enemies; consequently, they cause the most damage to themselves.  It is not outside forces that destroy individuals, but their own flaws.

 THIS ASSIGNMENT IS DUE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH! IF YOU ARE LEAVING EARLY FOR THE BREAK, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SUBMIT A HARD COPY PRIOR TO STARTING YOUR HOLIDAY!

 1. Select a piece of art located below for your assignment entitled " Myth in Art"

 2. Follow the example above, by thoroughly responding to the included questions:

• Identify the subjects indicated in the piece of artwork
• In order to understand the piece, does the audience need some schema regarding past events?  
•  What is taking place in the art work?
• Explain the symbolic meaning concerning the myth/character depicted in the piece.

3. Textual support must be used in questions #2 and #3. Please see the example above.
4. Please use MLA format, evn though the example given to you in class, and above, is single spaced.

"Denae" by Susan Lawson

 "The Grey Witches" by John Waterhouse

"Perseus with the head of Medusa"  by Bernini

"Danae in Box" artist unknown 5th Century B.C.

"Perseus and Medusa in Polydectes Court" by Sebastiano Rici

Tuesday, November 10th, 2015

Dear Mythology Kids,

We completed the following today in class:
1. Students completed the analysis for "Demeter" by Longfellow, and submitted it during class.
2. Students completed the quiz covering the "Greek Underworld."We will correct the quiz on Thursday.
3. Students were introduced to the characteristics of the "Mythological Hero."

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, but they suffered for selfish reasons.


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

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

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

•8. Their deaths are usually violent.

•NOTE: Heroes experience at least 6 out of the 8 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. Expect a quiz covering the archetypal qualities of a hero and the article that we read in class entitled "The Heroes Journey."
2. Please read/annotate/notate the article entitled "The Hero's Journey" for Thursday.v Collect it from me if you missed class.
2. MOSAIC subject chosen and copies on transparency for Frday, November 20th.!

Friday, November 6th, 2015

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following objectives:
1. Students will self-assess their own work, and then evaluate the work of their peers.

We worked in pairs to review the "Comparison Essay." Students did this on an individual basis, and then they evaluated the work of their peers.

2. Students will extrapolate a poem working with a partner, and then analyze the piece on their own. Students were given time to write the analysis in class. We did not complete the analysis, so time will be given on Tuesday to complete the writing portion. If you missed class, the following poem was used as the basis for the analysis.

THIS NEEDS TO BE COPIED and then placed in your journal as JOURNAL #8! THE QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ANSWERED in association with the poem.

Child, when thou wert gone. 1.
I envied human wives and nested birds,
Yes, the cubbed lioness...I went in serch for thee. 2.
"Where is my loved one?"
I asked three grey heads.3.
"Where?" and I heard one voice from all three, We
know not for we spin the lives of men." 3.
Then I cursed the gods of heaven, and He...He brother
 of this darkness, He who is still hightest glancing from his height. 4.
On earth a fruitless dungeon, and prayers from me, for 5.
nine white moons of each whole year with me, three
dark ones in the shadow of they king. 6.

1. Identify the allusion to "child."
2. The phrase nested birds and cubbed lioness are appropriate for the subject. Explain.
3. Identify the allusion, and why the speaker would even consult these "three?"
4. Identify the allusion.
5. Why is the description "fruitless dungeon" appropriate?
6. Explain this allusions in relationship to pomegranates.

After students worked in groups to answer the above questions, each then worked on an individual basis to analyze the poem using the following prompt: "What is the poet's purpose in using Demeter and Persephone to exemplify mother/child relationships.?"



HOMEWORK:
1. Be prepared for a quiz covering the Greek Underworld and "Orpheus and Eurydice" for Tuesday.
2. Work on obtaining and printing your subject for the mosaic! 


PRACTICE QUESTIONS:
1. Identify the fates.....
2-5. Identify the sinners in Tartarus, and then justify why their punishment is appropriate (Symbolic) of the sin. (There are four).
3. You will have  questions perfaining to vocabulary that originates from Hades. Focus on the following:

• Sisyphus
• Tantalus
• Pool of Memory
• Somnus, God of Sleep  

 









 

Completed Hades/ Introduction of the mosaic

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. Tantalus
2. Ixion

Please communicate with someone in class regarding the two characters indicated above, or refer to my last post regarding Hades.

YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ COVERING HADES ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH. "ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE" WILL BE PART OF YOUR QUIZ.

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.

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!

 

 

Welcome to Hades....11/2.2015

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class, we completed the following:

1. Everyone submitted their Analysis regarding the poem "Titan" by Lord Byron. Please make sure you submit this upon your return.

2. You were introduced to Hades!

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 ahandout, 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.  Your comparison essay is due on Friday!
2. Please read "Orpheus and Eurydice" pg. 107 in your text. This myth illustrate how just Hades actually was.

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' s 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

Literary Analysis 10/29/2015......Happy Halloween!

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class today, I missed you! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding your homework.

1. We reviewed the requirements for ACADEMIC VOICE when writing. Please communicate with someone in class to obtain this information.

2. We then reviewed your "Comparison Essay" that is due on Friday, November 6th. Students asked questions concerning areas of concern. Please remember to READ through your entire assignment, and the example given to you on the back of the blue handout entitled "Modern Day God." This is located in the homework section of your notebook, as it was included in the packet that you received for first term.

3. TWO NEW VOCABULARY WORDS were introduced to you!
Venerate and Laconic ........communicate with a friend in order to obtain the etymology and definition. These words are also easily accessible via the internet. BE PRO-ACTIVE!

4. Students then discussed allusions within the poem "Titan," that caused confusion. We alleviated questions and confusions as a class.

5. We then proceeded to write an analysis together of the poem, "The Jar," that we extrapolated last class period. I have included the analysis for you below. USE THIS AS AN EXAMPLE for each analysis assignment offered to you from this point, until the end of the year. 

 

“The Jar”

Alfred Lord Tennyson

What of the end Lady? Was it thine the deed

That set the fiery pinions free? Wherefore upon

Jupiter’s demand did Vulcan make thee so divine?

Hug the wretched casket now.

If hope is pent therein alive or dead?

          The poem, “The Jar,” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, offers the reader significant questions concerning the mythological character of Pandora. Tennyson creates the poem by posing questions to Pandora, who he refers to as “Lady.” He states, “What of the end, Lady? Was it thine the deed that set the fiery pinions free?” Due to the allusions to Pandora’s identity through questions, and the fact that Pandora is also alluded to as “Lady,” the reader recognizes that great emphasis is placed on the audience identifying her. The reader must decipher clues through past knowledge. For example, the line “….set the fiery pinions free,” gives the reader insight into the fact that the “Lady” has released aspects that cause pain. Pandora does not simply open a jar containing ills, phobias, complexes, and desires to torment mankind, but she also gives mankind the opportunity to grasp opposition. Without this action, man could not obtain or perceive opposing forces, and why they are such a necessity for man’s well-being. In addition, when Pandora releases all the “pinions” that cause pain, Hope also exists within the jar, but according to the myth, she slams the lid, trapping Hope before it can escape. Tennyson ends the piece with a question, “If hope is pent therein alive or dead?” By ending this way, he offers the reader a choice. Is it possible that Hope was able to escape the confines of the jar; therefore, giving mankind the opportunity to feel the positive and negative effects of hope? Or did Hope remain in the jar forever? If this is the case, then man would never have the opportunity for motivation when he feels distressed. The reader may never know Tennyson’s intent with his questions, but what is clear, is that Pandora made a choice that affected mankind forever.


This is the poem that you are asked to analyze for Monday. Use the example above to guide you.

"Titan"
by George Gordon, Lord Byron

Titan! To whose immortal eyes
The suffering of mortality,
Seen in their sad reality.
Your silent suffering and intense;
The rock, the vulture, and the chain,
All that the proud could feel of pain.

Thy god-like crime was to be kind,
To render with thy precepts less,
The sum of human wretchedness
And strengthen man with his own mind.

Titan! To thee the strife was given
The wretched gift of eternity
Was thine--and thou didst so well forsee,
His fate thou didst so well forsee,
But would not to appease him tell. 
And in the silence was his sentence,
And in his soul a vain repentence,
And evil dread so ill dissembled,
That in his hand the listenings trembled.
HOMEWORK:
1. Comparison Essay is due on Friday, November 6th!
2. Analyze "Titan," by Alfred Lord Tennyson, for Monday. You are welcome to hand write your response, but please use ink. Thanks! Use the example above to guide you. I recommend that you focus on the following question: What is Byron's purpose in using the mythological character Prometheus to illustrate the theme of "sacrifice?" 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

October 21st, 2015 ANTIGONE

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 FRIDAY, the 23rd. 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 Jocasta.  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 YOUR EXAM WILL OCCUR ON FRIDAY, the 23rd!


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,)

October 12th, 2015 OEDIPUS

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 their homework regarding IRONY in "Inja, the dog!"

2. 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 on Wed, October 14th! 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 12th) 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, you will respond to ONE of THREE 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." You may need to go "back in time."  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."

   

EXAMPLE from a former student, Sarah Collins, 2014

"No one suffered more than Oedipus. He regarded himself as the father of the whole state; the people in it were his children; the misery of each one was his too."

            "Oedipus,"by Sophocles, represents an incredibly strong piece of literature due to the element of dramatic irony present within the play.  Dramatic irony occurs when the audience has information that characters within the work do not.  The dramatic irony present within the play causes the audience to feel strong emotion, and consequently, pity for Oedipus, the primary character. For example, the following quote, "No one suffered more than Oedipus. He regarded himself as the father of the whole state; the people in it were his children; the misery of each one was his too," acts as a strong dramatic example in that Oedipus has no idea that the reason his subjects are suffering is due to the fact that he has killed his father and married his mother. In essence, as the "father" to the people he loves his "children," but he does not realize that he has "given birth" to their pain.    The audience is aware of his choices and the consequences that have occurred due to a direct result of his fate; yet, Oedipus has no idea that he is entirely responsible for the plague that has fallen upon Thebes.  Oedipus learns  from the Delphic Oracle that the suffering will stop if "whoever murdered King Lauis is puinshed. "  Oedipus receives satisfaction in knowing that the suffering will cease; however, he does not realize that he is the cause. The "father" must "destroy" himself in order to save his "children." The audience recognizes the dramatic irony associated with this section of the play, as it causes them to feel anguish and  dispair for Oedipus who has no idea what he has done.

Thursday, October 8th, 2015

Dear Mythology Kids,
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I would take advantage of "College Day" which is scheduled for tomorrow.

This is what we accomplished:

1. Each student completed their "QUEST!" Some students still needed additional time, so I suggested that we finish the assessment on Monday. IF YOU MISSED CLASS, then I recommend you stop by on Friday AFTER school. If you don't ,then you will be further behind.

2. Students reviewed the literary tool of IRONY! WHY? Well, from this point until the end of the year, the myths all have elements of irony within them; consequently review this literary device is essential.

IRONY is  a literary tool that causes the audience to question possible attended outcomes.

• Verbal Irony:  when a speaker speaks something contradictory to what he intends to. It is an intentional product of the speaker and is contradictory to his/her emotions and actions. 
• Dramatic Irony:  when the audience has information that characters within the literary text do not. THIS IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF IRONY!
• Situational Irony: when the audience's expectation is completely different than the outcome.

3. Students were introduced to DIONYSUS/BACCHUS! Please communicate with a friend in order to obtain the information regarding Dionysus.Dionysus is the Greek god of performance(theater), wine, and merriment. He is also referred to as the "TWICE BORN!"

HOMEWORK:
1. Please read the myth entitled "Dionysus" located on pg. 55 in your book. This is due on Monday!
2. Please view the film "Inja" (the dog) found on YOUTUBE. The film is approximately 15 minutes in length. Notice the image below. Watch the film once just for pleasure, then view it again, and as you do so, make a list of the irony examples found within the film. Use a sheet of notebook paper, and divide it in half vertically. On the left side write "EVENTS" and on the right side write "IRONY EXAMPLES and WHY."
When you watch the film a second time, record examples of irony located within "Inja." Write the event and then explain what irony is falls under.  Be aware that there are NO VERBAL IRONY examples; however, DRAMATIC and SITUATIONAL are prevalent. THIS IS DUE ON MONDAY!

PRACtiCE QUEST for Gods

PRACTICE QUIZ
(include Greek and Roman names for each question)
 1. Venerate, Vigil, Valuable, Vigilante, Volume, Viscous...I love words that begin with the letter V. ______________/______________
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 grand larceny (look this up). ___________/____________
6. I would do well working in a floral shop, as I have a "magic touch" when it comes to flowers.

_____________/_______________
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 ____________________________________________

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

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13. I failed to ask my wife's mother for her hand in "marriage." _________/_________
14. "Make me the most beautiful land animal." __________/____________
15. I gave my father a terrible headache the day I was born. ____________/___________
16. I was in the delivery room when my brother was born. ______________/______________
17. I am "cuckoo" for cuckoo birds_____________/_______________
18. "Beauty" is in the eye of the beholder. _______________/_______________
Justify your response for #18 ______________________________________________________
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19. Payment is needed to enter here. __________/__________
20. Two eagles "found" my truth