Unit 3 - Greek Mythology and the Hero's Journey

 

Thu-Fri, Dec 1-2

 

DUE: Your personal definition for "myth"

HMWK: n/a - to be determined by substitute teacher

TODAY: Compare/Contrast

 

Thu and Fri you will, with the aid of a group, compare and contrast aspects of the reading The Odyssey with the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Groups will write their observations on newsprint paper to be provided in class.

In the last half of class on Friday, groups will present their findings - the most credit will be given to the group with not only the most aspects compared/contrasted, but with the most in-depth explanation of those comparisons/constrasts.

 

 

 

Wed, Nov 30

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK:

TODAY: Roots of mythology

 

Three brief powerpoints about mythology will help you establish a personal definition:

• Intro to Myths (ppt)
• Myths and the Greeks (ppt)
• BuildingYourDefinition.ppt  (ppt)

 

After working on a definition for a few moments, take the six-questions mythology quiz:

 

1.       Generally speaking, a myth is …

a.       A fictional story about animals with human characteristics

b.      A story with magical creatures and heroes

c.       A story that attempts to explain the unexplainable

d.      A story with gods and goddesses who interact with people

2.       Myths can tell us about all of these except:

a.       Our relations with each other

b.      Our relations to the natural world

c.       Our relationships with the cosmos, God, or gods

d.      How to build a house

3.       What differentiates common from epic similes?

a.       Common similes talk about small things, while epic similes talk about big issues

b.      Whereas a common simile is brief, an epic simile takes time to create the comparison

c.       Common similes are said by humans, whereas epic similes are spoken by gods

d.      There is no major difference

4.       What characteristics might qualify Odysseus as “heroic?”

a.       Courage

b.      Cleverness

c.       Strength

d.      All of the above

5.       Odysseus warns the Cyclops that if he does not welcome the sailors as guests and treat them well, Zeus will take revenge on their behalf. What value of Greek culture is taught here?

a.       That Greeks should always welcome strangers and treat them well, as the gods command

b.      That Greeks should welcome friends yet treat strangers with suspicion

c.       That Greeks should ignore strangers, for they pose danger

d.      That Greeks should welcome the gods

6.       Which of the following should NOT be considered a test of Odysseus’ heroic qualities?

a.       The ordeal in the Cyclops’ cave

b.      His bargain with Circe

c.       His reunion with his son Telemachus

d.      His journey to Hades to get knowledge from Tiresias

 

Give quiz results to the teacher

 

Mon-Tue, Nov 28-29

 

DUE:

• At END OF PERIOD TUESDAY: Your "OBrother" project

HMWK:

• You might want to write at home and type at school?

TODAY:

• Two work days on OBrother project 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Create an "ENGLISH9" folder under your student folder 
2. Save your work in the new "ENGLISH9" folder so I can find it easily
3. Name your file using your LAST NAME and "OBrother" -- Ex: RiceOBrother or JonesOBrother 

 

HINTS:

• For the hero's abilities, be sure to:
• Name Everett's special talent/ability
• Describe a scene in the film where he used the talent/ability
• Explain how the talent/ability proved him "worthy" of hero status (how it helped his journey)
• For the Allies:
• You can't just say Pete and Delmar are allies - you must show how they aid in Everett's quest
• Describe a scene where they help Everett on his quest
• Explain how their help moves Everett closer to his goal
• For supernatural interference:
• Name the character(s)
• Describe a scene where they help or hinder Everett
• Explain HOW their involvement HELPS or HOLDS BACK Everett on his quest
• For the road of trials:
• Describe one of the trials Everett overcomes in the film
• Explain how he overcomes that particular trial
• CAUTION: Do not "double-up" this one with the discussion of his "ability" from above
• The "Belly of the Whale:"
• Is the point in the film when the hero is furthest from what is known; he is deep in an otherwise forbidden world, lost in darkness
• Describe the scene you think is the "Belly" 
• Explain how your selected scene meets the criteria for "Belly of the Whale"
• Apparent defeat:
• You should talk about the scene when the men face the noose at the old family cabin
• Once again, EXPLAIN how the hero appears defeated or even dead
• Magic flight:
• Explain how the miraculous "deliverance" from death occurs; analyze how the men are saved from the clutches of death
• Resurrection/restitution:
• Explain Everett's condition from start to finish - try as best you can to establish what he USED TO BE, then how he FELL FROM GRACE, and how he RECOVERED his "THRONE"
   

 

Wed, Nov 23

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK: Do pre-writing and planning IN WRITING for the O Brother/Odyssey assignment

TODAY: Assignment overview; reading a scoring guide

 

OBrotherVsOdyssey (PDF) assignment

 

PERIOD 2 NOTES

Trait of the Hero’s Journey	How it appears in the film
Hero has qualities beyond the norm	Problem-solver/quick-thinker Develops a plan to save Tommy from the Klan; plan works Disguises to gain access to Penny for Everett; plan works Radio booth – lies about how many musicians there are to get more money; helps them with $ Gift of “gab” – skill with language Able to confuse Delmar/Pete, and to appear like the leader; make them follow Gets them into trouble w/ Cyclops
Has a goal/quest/aim	Get back to his wife; yet early the film it’s the 1.2 million “treasure”
Allies	Pete/Delmar – help him as part of his plans – radio station, at Klan rally, at the political rally, Pete’s kin helps them get chains off
Supernatural interference	Cyclops – hindrance Power of language also – leads them away; strength – beats them and takes money Weakness = for money Pete’s nephew – help When group needs to escape, he crashes in, driving solo, helps w/ escape Prophet on railroad – help Helps escape the dogs/police Provides a vision of their future Tommy Johnson – help Appears at the crossroads and suggests singing for $ just when they need $ Skill in playing geetar Finds the rolltop desk w/ the ring George Nelson - help Helps when they have to transport to reach the “treasure” in time; also gives $$ Hades Sirens
Road of Trials/tests of the hero	Sirens – FAIL that test – tempted by song, alcohol, sexuality Cyclops – FAIL that test – tempted by $, beat up! Escape from Klan rally Disguises and music performance Radio gig
Deepest darkness/ belly of the whale	KKK rally – there’s fire (associated w/ death and hell) – confederate flag – they fall down a hill (deeper literally) – it’s a SECRET society – they aren’t members – the group is about to kill (death is near)
Apparent defeat	About to be hung at the cabin by the police – death is right there – the graves are dug – have to pray for salvation/miracle – would end/ruin the quest
Magic Flight	The flood comes at JUST the right moment to deliver the hero from death
Resurrection and Restitution	Emerge from the flood waters alive – roll top desk is found (has ring) -

 

 

Tue, Nov 22

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK: Read the assignment and come prepared with any questions about the O Brother vs. Odyssey writing assignment

TODAY: Belly of the Whale; Magic Flight; Restoration/Restitution

 

Our hero and his allies find themselves far away from what is routine, deep in the darkness and fires of ... “The Belly of the Whale” – furthest from the “light” of knowledge – a forbidden world (Hell, Hades, death)

 

New treasure: Trying to get back to his wife before she marries Waldrip. Penny – Penelope

 

Just after our hero recovers from apparent defeat, he is once again in danger of death. His "treasure" rejects him and the law is about to take him away. Just at the right time, he manages to escape again to re-take his "throne."

 

Mon, Nov 21

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK: n/a

TODAY: woman as temptress; cyclops; suitors; parallels "Odyssey" and "O Brother ..."

 

Whereas the previous day's viewing involved supernatural interference that AIDED the hero, today's interference HINDERS the hero and exposes his weakness.

 

1. Look for "the woman as temptress" - how are the heroes led astray by the washer-women? What "special powers" do the women have? (Hint: There are three distinct powers.) What weakness is exposed?
2. Look for the Cyclopes. What is his supernatural "gift" that allows him to overpower the men? What weakness is exposed in Everett?
3. Lastly: There is a parallel between characters in the film and characters in the Odyssey. HOWEVER, since this is a comedy, the film makers twist events from the Odyssey for humorous effect. How are the "suitors" from the original used for a laugh in today's scene w/ Vernon T. Waldrip?

 

 

Fri, Nov 18

 

DUE: RDF+E

HMWK: n/a

TODAY: Hero journey in non-print text

 

“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” is a Coen brothers’ comedy film loosely based on Homer’s “Odyssey.” The main character is on a quest, and with the aid of helpers and supernatural intervention, he makes his way through trials on his way to his goal.

 

To demonstrate you can identify the elements of the hero’s journey in a non-print text, you will watch the film and record observations about how the characters and events in the film “qualify” the main character for “hero” status – similar to how we evaluated Odysseus’ help from supernatural beings yesterday.

 

After watching the film, you will write paragraphs about how the film’s contents “qualify” the main character for hero status. Those paragraphs will appear either in an essay OR on a Powerpoint slide show.

 

DAY ONE:

Be prepared to take notes each day with:

• Notebook paper
• Pen/pencil
• Hero’s journey handout

 

QUESTIONS: 

1. Today you are introduced to characters – record names and guess who’s the hero
2. Listen for their goal/quest – what do they seek?
3. Magical intervention occurs – who do they encounter, and how do these encounters help and hinder the journey?
4. Who appears to be the vengeful god figure in the film? (A kind of devil/Hades figure?)

 

Thu, Nov 17

 

DUE: n/a

HMWK: Write your own combination of RDF+E for the sample paragraph in class

TODAY: Reminders of RDF/Expl

 

Goal: Write a paragraph about O and an aspect of the hero’s journey

Ideas:

• Abilities/qualities
• Different tests he faces along his journey
• Magical beings/animals/objects
• Entrance into supernatural worlds
• Low points
• Resurrection/restitution

 

PERIOD 2 NOTES: 

CHOICE: Presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, and human helpers/companions. HELP and HINDER.

• Cyclopes
• Athena – gives him the disguise
• Zeus
• Sirens
• Circe – gives info about how to get thru underworld
• Hermes – gives advice about Circe and the “moly”
• Poseidon – thrashes O, but still lets him wash ashore at Ithaca
• Charybdis
• Helios

 

REMINDER: Paragraph is a

• T.S. + RDF/Evidence + Expl/E’s

 

WE WANT TO: prove that the story meets a “hero journey” requirement - #4 on the handout

 

T.S. = claim/argument/purpose/main focus

Odysseus’ adventure includes many mythical creatures that both help and hinder his journey, which qualifies him for “hero” status.

 

RDF/Evidence = Athena, Hermes

 

RDF1 – When O washes ashore at Ithaca, he worries that his wife hasn’t been faithful, and his son reports the filthy habits of the suitors. Odysseus waits to go, and wonders what he can do. At this point, Athena appears and disguises him as a beggar.

Expl/E’s = Explanation, elaboration, evaluation

EXPL1 - Athena does this so that he can scout his home safely. If he were to appear suddenly as himself, the suitors may react in force and kill him. As a beggar, no one will suspect him as a threat; no attention will be given to him – he will be free to plan his next step. Her disguise helps him, because he was able to observe, plan, and in the end his plan results in the death of the suitors; he recovers his wife and throne. In other words, her magical transformation helps him accomplish his goal.

 

RDF#2 – Hermes

At another point in the story, O is helped by the messenger of the gods Hermes. Hermes appears when he is on his way to Circe’s palace, and brings him advice and a “moly.”

Expl how this was “magic” and helped:

The information H brings helps O prepare for the dangers of Circe and her deceptive habits. H tells O that he must make Circe swear not to use harmful spells. O in fact does make C swear, and because she does not use harmful spells, he is not only able to get some lovin’, it also helps him save his men – he later escapes. Hermes’ magical and sudden appearance helps O on his quest.

 

However, magical beings do not only help him – they also work against him, threatening his very life and eternal salvation.

 

RDF#3 – One mythical being that threatened the journey was the Cyclops, the giant shepherd with one eye and a taste for human flesh. The Cyclops traps O and his men in a cave, and begins to eat them.

Expl#3 – The giant rock the C uses to block the entrance of the cave prevents the men from escaping, and because they cannot escape, the C is free to eat the men. If the C continues to eat, and the men have no escape, clearly no one will make it back to Ithaca.

 

HOMEWORK: One combination of RDF + Expl with a mythical creature/being we did not use as an example

 

PERIOD 3 NOTES:

 

GOAL: Complete a paragraph using formal, academic language. In the paragraph, explain how part of O’s journey makes him qualify as an epic hero.

 

The paragraph we write must explain how parts of O’s journey qualify him for “hero” status. Some of these traits include:

• Hero has special skills and abilities beyond the norm
• Hero meets magical/mythical creatures/beings that help and hinder his journey
• Hero faces trials to test his abilities/skills
• Etc. (check out the others on the handout)

 

SO … I’ll model how to write the paragraph using the pattern of

• TS = Topic Sentence
• RDF/Evidence = what happened in the text
• E’s/Explain = explain how what happened qualifies O for “hero” status

 

Let’s say you feel that there are lots of mythical beings …

 

Okay – back to mythical beings …

• Circe - both
• Cyclops - hinder
• Scylla - hinder
• Lotus-eaters - hinder
• Hermes - help
• Helios - hinder
• Poseidon - both
• Charybdis - hinder
• Zeus - hinder
• Athena – help

 

T.S. – There are many requirements for “epic hero” status, and one of them includes mythological and magical beings. These beings should help or hinder the hero on their journey. In “The Odyssey,” O benefits from and is held back by these kinds of creatures, meaning he qualifies under this requirement.

 

RDF 1 = Athena 2 = Hermes 3 = Zeus

 

RDF#1 – The goddess Athena appears to help Odysseus when O has learned of the suitors in his home and whether or not his wife is still faithful. In this part, she transforms O into an old beggar.

 

Expl#1 – When she turns him into a beggar, O is able to enter the palace and take time to formulate a plan. Without the disguise, O would have been recognized and perhaps attacked by the suitors. A’s action helps him by making him unrecognizable and as a beggar, he is not seen as a threat – he will be ignored. This is when he formulates the plan to eliminate the suitors and reclaim his throne and wife.

 

Transition phrase. “Athena is not the only helpful magical being, however.”

 

RDF#2 – Hermes appears when O is on Circe’s island. Just as O is about to reach C’s palace, Hermes gives him a “moly” or potion to protect him from her dark power and suggests how to disable the witch.

 

Expl#2 – Without the potion and the advice from Hermes, it’s likely she would have turned him into an animal like she did to his men, and he would never have reached home. With the advice from Hermes, he gives C and ultimatum that prevents her from using harmful magic. In this way, he avoids harm. Hermes intervention helps O avoid magical harm and make his way through the test.

 

RDF#3 – When Z’s power appears; what Z’s power does. (at least 2)

 

Expl#3 – How does Z’s intervention HINDER the journey? (at least 3 sentences)



Tue, Nov 15

 

DUE: (by end of class) Polished replies to the assignments given so far this unit

HMWK:

• Finish the seven questions assigned in class (below)
• Fill out the "Epic Hero Journey" worksheet 
• Identify some lessons/themes you think the tale expresses. Ask yourself: "What do we learn about how to live and behave from this story?"

TODAY:  O's return to Ithaca; themes; hmwk submission

 

Watch Odysseus' return to Ithaca on video, with some questions:

1. How does Odysseus convince his son that he is his father?
2. Who has dirtied the palace with their presence? What do these people want?
3. Why is it good that Odysseus did NOT directly storm up to the palace?
4. How will the disguise given by Athena benefit Odysseus?
5. What is the lesson on anger given by Odysseus to his son?
6. What is Penelope's plan for selecting a new husband?
7. How does Penelope test Odysseus to make sure he truly is her husband?

 

Organize class work for submission

 

Mon, Nov 14

 

DUE: 10 reading questions from "The Grace of the Witch" in The Odyssey

HMWK: Prepare polished copies of:

1. All answers to reading questions from last week
2. Today's notes and question replies
3. The two questions assigned: 939 #2,3

TODAY: epic similes, epithets, monsters

 

Review of "The Grace of the Witch" questions

 

Reading of "Sea Perils and Defeat"

Dangers to be faced by O and his men - describe the danger of each in your own words:

• Sirens
• "Drifters" (dangerously drifting, destructive rocks)
• Scylla
• Charybdis
• Island of Helios' cattle

 

Reading of O's sailing past the sirens and other dangers

 

IN CLASS: Answer #2, 3 on pg 939

 

Thu, Nov 10

 

DUE: 

• Finish your two-column table as described under "Literary Analysis" on pg 914
• Now that you've seen examples of epithets, make one for yourself 

HMWK: Finish the reading questions given in class
TODAY: epithets, epic similes

 

Reading "The Grace of the Witch" from "The Odyssey" and answer the following:

Listen to an audio of Book Ten "The Grace of the Witch" and respond to these questions during class time:

1. Find the epic simile in the first stanza on 918
2. What happens to the men after they drink Circe’s magic potion?
3. How is it an example of heroism when Odysseus decides to go to Circe’s hall alone?
4. Find the epithet for Odysseus in the first stanza on 921
5. What is Circe’s invitation to Odysseus on 921, and what is his reply? Does she get what she wants?
6. Identify the string of epithets referring to Odysseus on pg. 922 
7. What is compared in the epic simile at the bottom of 922?
8. How long do Odysseus and his men stay in Circe’s hall? (924-925)
9. Circe reveals that in order to head home, Odysseus must first do what? (925)
10. What is O’s response to Circe’s directions? (925)

 

Wed, Nov 9

 

DUE:  

Read Pg 903 line 211 to Pg 907 line 324; find at least one of each:

• simile
• epic simile
• epithet 

HMWK: 

• Finish your two-column table as described under "Literary Analysis" on pg 914
• Now that you've seen examples of epithets, make one for yourself 

TODAY: simile, epic simile, epithet

 

A review of the assigned reading w/ examples of simile, epic simile, and epithet given

Simile

• Pg 904 line 227 “it was like a mast / a lugger of twenty oars” – the Cyclope’s club/staff
• Pg 903 lines 218-219 “he, behind / reset the stone as one would cap a quiver” compares how the C puts the stone in to block the men in to how an archer would put a cap on his container of arrows
• Pg 903 line 196 compares the C eating the men he smashed and grabbed to a mountain lion “gaping and crunching”
• Pg 906 line 286
• 903.218-219 – he, behind, / reset the stone as one would cap a quiver. The Cyclops sets the stone in place at the mouth of the cave as easily as … an archer would cap his container of arrows.
• 903.193-194 – compares the men grabbed by the C and their attempts to escape his grasp TO squirming puppies
• 903.196 – compares the C’s eating/crunching of the men’s bones to the way a mountain lion would eat
•  

epic simile

• Pg 906 line 292-295 – compares O leaning and turning the spike into the C’s eye with a shipwright turning a drill into planking
• Pg 903 lines 192-194 – the C grabs a handful of men and smashes them on the floor; the men are compared to “squirming puppies”
• 906.292-295 – O compares the way he drives and turns the red-hot spike in the C’s eye to the way a shipbuilder drills a hole in planking
• 907.300-303 – compares the way hot metal is plunged in water and hisses and spits to the way the way the eye is hissing and steaming from the red-hot POKER.
• 904.227-229 – C’s cane/staff and its size being compared to a mast on a ship
•  

epithet

• Pg 895 “that man skilled in all ways of contending …” = Odysseus
• Line 17 Muse = daughter of Zeus
• 904 lines 259-260 – unbearable, a bloody monster = C
• “Laerte’s son” = Odysseus
• “giants, louts, without a law to bless them” = C
•  

 

Reading aloud in class of the remaining segment of text from O's adventure w/ the Cyclops. Lots of pausing to check for comprehension and identification of new similes and epithets.

 

Last 10 minutes: When finished w/ the section, finish the "Literary Analysis" segment on page 914. 

 

Tue, Nov 8

 

DUE: BY END OF CLASS - Answers to the six questions:

1. The Odyssey is about a hero of ancient Greece. What are the expectations society has for a hero today? What makes someone heroic now? Provide names of people society considers heroes 
2. Pg 896 8-9 “Translate” what Odysseus means when he refers to himself in this way. For what is he famous and proud? 
3. Pg 897 39-47 How are the Lotus Eaters a threat to O and his crew?
4. Pg 898 56-58 Explain why O doesn’t respect the Cyclopes. What behaviors make the Cyclopes seem ignorant/backward to O 
5. Pg 898 71-75 How do these lines show some of O’s heroic traits?
6. Pg 899 87-92 What do you think the Greeks value in themselves based on how O talks about the Cyclopes in these lines?

HMWK: Read Pg 903 line 211 to Pg 907 line 324; find at least one of each:

• simile
• epic simile
• epithet 

TODAY: Using evidence from the text to make inferences; simile; epic simile; epithet

 

A look at questions one and two, assigned as homework yesterday

 

Reading of The Odyssey, Pg 895-903 line 210

 

Mon, Nov 7

 

DUE: Comparison of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men

HMWK: Complete the in-class questions given below

TODAY: Intro to Greek mythology and the world of The Odyssey

 

Preparation:

 

Read about "The Odyssey":

• Pgs 887-891
• "Build Background" pg. 893

 

Students record two items they learned about ancient Greece, Odysseus, The Odyssey, or epic heroes. Collectively, the class contributes to a master list of sorts to provide a background.

 

Transition to the traits of an epic hero. Epic hero's traits recorded on notes:

(Please copy class notes from a peer.)

 

Working in groups, students two introductory questions related to the first few pages of Homer's "Odyssey":

 

1. The Odyssey is about a hero of ancient Greece. What are the expectations society has for a hero today? What makes someone heroic now? Provide names of people society considers heroes 
2. Pg 896 8-9 “Translate” what Odysseus means when he refers to himself in this way. For what is he famous and proud?