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Background to the Odyssey. Possibly written by Homer, a blind poet in 8 th century BC. Takes place after the Trojan War War began because Paris (a Trojan) captured Helen, the wife of the king of Sparta Praises heroes, but emphasizes the pointlessness of war (all this over one woman)
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Background to the Odyssey • Possibly written by Homer, a blind poet in 8th century BC. • Takes place after the Trojan War • War began because Paris (a Trojan) captured Helen, the wife of the king of Sparta • Praises heroes, but emphasizes the pointlessness of war (all this over one woman) • Odysseus has tried to use diplomacy and tried to avoid going to battle
The Odyssey is a 10 year journey home http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Live/Writer/Images/blueseahomermap.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Maps.htm&h=467&w=754&sz=19&tbnid=B8jrxrjmefgsEM:&tbnh=76&tbnw=123&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bancient%2Bgreece%2Btroy%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=map+of+ancient+greece+troy&docid=aJRFRaDVV7HbtM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=nASfToD8Iq3YiQLv8KjMCQ&ved=0CCkQ9QEwAQ
Major Characters • Odysseus – Hero of the Trojan War • Telemachus – Odysseus’ son • Penelope – Odysseus’ wife • Poseidon – Sea God
The story thus far Odysseus has been shipwrecked trying to get home. His current hosts, the Phaeacians, expect entertaining stories in exchange for hospitality. Odysseus begins to tell the story of his adventures… Meanwhile, inspired by Athena, his son Telemachus is out looking for him in Sparta.
Chapter 9 – Lotus Eaters and Cyclops • As we read, take note of the following themes: • Use of guile and trickery as opposed to force • Rules of civilized behavior? What does it mean, to the Greeks, to be civilized? • Importance of hospitality • Value of home
What is our monster? • Consider the Greek rules about civilized behavior? • How are these rules different than our own? • How are they the same?
Create a Monster • With a group of 3 or fewer, design a monster to be our equivalent of a Cyclops. Consider the following: • What should the monster look like? • What does this monster do to make a living? • What types of behavior does this monster exhibit? One poster per group, but you each need your own 1-2 paragraph reflection How does this monster reflect a lack of civility?