The Odyssey: An Epic Journey

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The Odyssey An Epic Journey

• Second Semester
• Marking Period Four
• The Epic Poem

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Students will consider

• How can epic heroes reflect the values of their
  society?
• Why might the epic poems always involve a long,
  difficult journey for the epic hero?
• To what extent is a myth an attempt to explain
  mankinds role in the universe?

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• Epic Heroes tended generally to be fearless,
  powerful and confident.
• Epic Poems were passed from one generation to
  the next by word of mouth.
• Myths are fantastic narratives that attempt to
  explain mankinds role in the universe.

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• Epic Poems included stock formulas for social
  rituals and common narrative situations. These
  were called epithets.
• Examples
• grey-eyed Athena and wine-dark sea
• The formulaic nature of certain scenes like
  preparing for battle, launching of ships, eating
  etc..the audience expected to be told a certain
  way.

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Students will understand that The Odyssey

• Presents an epic hero who is not typical
• Concerns the search for father
• Employs a journey metaphor about life
• Contains elements of myth as an attempt to
  deliver philosophical truths

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Assessments

• Quizzes and a Test on The Odyssey
• Flashcards on the Journey
• Group Presentation Part Two
• Classwork/Homework
• Classroom Participation in Discussion
• Believe Dream Act Two Sentences

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What is an Epic?

• An epic is a long, narrative poem that tells the
  adventures of a hero who in some way embodies the
  values of a civilization.

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Some examples of an epic
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Characteristics of an Epic

• Physically impressive hero of national or
  historical importance
• Vast Setting covering most of the known world as
  well as the underworld.
• Action involves a quest or journey in search of
  something of value
• Evidence of supernatural powers at work
• Glorification of hero at the end
• The story reflects society and culture

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The theme of the journey

• Moby Dick
• The Hobbit
• Wizard of Oz
• Star Wars
• Forrest Gump

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Who was Homer?

• Ancient Greek Epic Poet
• Traditionally considered the author of Iliad and
  The Odyssey
• Lived in the 8th Century on island of Chios at
  Smyrna
• Blind Bard

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Invocation to the Muse

• Sisterhood of nine goddesses who embody the arts,
  music and help to inspire the creation process.

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Epic starts in medias res

• Latin for into the middle of things
• Flashbacks are used to fill in details of the
  story.
• Examples
• Kill Bill
• The Scarlet Letter
• Pulp Fiction
• Memento

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Homeric Similes

• This is an extended simile between something the
  audience couldnt have seen (such as Odysseus
  boring out the Cyclops eye) and something they
  were familiar with (a shipbuilder drilling a
  plank) in nature or everyday life.

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Anticipation Guide

• Too much pleasure is a bad thing.
• Pride is an admirable quality.
• Intelligence is an important part of being a good
  soldier.
• Romance leads to trouble.
• Home is the best place in the world.
• It is just as important to be a gracious guest as
  it is to be a gracious host.