Week 7 Syllabus: May 5
THE HERO ARRIVES HOME, AT ITHACA. In an almost textbook example of the symbolic transformation of self, death and rebirth, Odysseus returns in disguise, literally changed into an old, homeless beggar. No longer is he the boastful, arrogant general of the Trojan War. Tempered by suffering, Odysseus has learned to keep his cards close to his chest, will not reveal his true self until the suitors doom is sealed. Pay careful attention to the helpers on his hero journey: Telemachus, who is on a journey of his own; Penelope, who provides a nobler role-model for the returned king; Eumaeus and Philoetius, the swineherd and cowherd respectively, who supply the king and prince with information and weapons.
MONDAY, May 5
After reviewing the syllabus, we will watch the film version of Odysseus’s visit to Circe’s island.
In small groups, developing three paragraphs about the symbolism of Odysseus’s travels and the lesson learned on his island visits/encounters at sea..
In same small groups, working on two questions on books 13 and 14, as Odysseus returns to Ithaca.
HW: Read book 15. If needed, finish the aforementioned worksheet. Due Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 7
“A balance is best.” Short lecture on Menelaus’s comment to Telemachus about xenia and extremes, the ancient Greek view of women and hospitality.
Writing a 200-400 word narrative that has, at the center, the lesson, “Balance is best.”
It should contain character description, setting detail, conflict, and a symbol of some sort.
Highlight each of the above in some distinctive color, to indicate where it occurs in your narrative.
Remember, this is FICTION. Made up. And NOT connected to the Odyssey.
HW: Read book 16.
Thursday, May 8
In small groups, reading your narrative aloud for other scholars.
Vocabulary lesson on connotative and denotative words.
Using visualthesaurus.com and other thesaurus to develop imagery in your narrative.
HW: Revision is due Monday. You should also read books 17 and 18 over the weekend.