Exploring The Odyssey Pt. One

I feels like forever since I've seen my classes. These two weeks have been ridiculous.

But enough whining.

Classes began today with a quick review of Epic Poem lit terms: Invocation of the Muse and in medias res.

Here is a link to the review .pptx that we looked at in class.

Here's the same information, in a .pdf file, in case the powerpoint isn't working for you.

Students were quick to tie the idea of in medias res back to a flashback. Which is how Homer presents Odysseus' story: when we meet him, he's sitting in a king's royal court, explaining the many adventures that brought him there after the end of the Trojan War.

We discussed Odysseus' first two adventures in depth: Sailing from Troy, and The Lotus Eaters:

• On the coast of the Cicones, Odysseus and his men generally behaved like a bunch of pirates. They landed, plundered, killed, and enslaved women. The crew decided to celebrate with a victory feast, despite Ody urging them back to the boat. The army from the next town over showed up and killed a bunch of Greek soldiers. Everyone was sad. Question: Does Odysseus' crew always obey his orders? And when they don't what happens? Answer: FORESHADOWING.
• Odysseus and his men almost get stuck on the island of the Lotus Eaters. The people of the island show the crew no ill will (re: they don't attack the sailors), but offer them some lotus. The lotus is just a plant. And yet...it's dangerous:
• It grows naturally.
• It robs people of their hopes, dreams, goals, and strength (for the crew, that is their desire to get home.)
• Those who ingest it forget about everything...
• Except eating more lotus.
• The danger of the lotus is a danger of temptation.
• This literary concept has an analogy in our own modern world.
• It's drugs. The lotus is a drug. It is just a plant, but can destroy Odysseus' and his men's dream of going home.

Many students referenced Percy Jackson:

This scene is from the Lotus Casino. The heroes lose 5 days of time, and nearly fail their quest. 

And those students were absolutely correct.

I extended the reading of The Cyclops by one more day, for students to read it again, and ask me questions. Because there's a quiz on it tomorrow.

HW:

Quiz on The Cyclops tomorrow.