The Odyssey Journal Assignments

1. Students will set aside 3-4 pages dedicated to tracking Odysseus’s journey. These pages will be titled Travel Log. It will be updated after every section we read. This two column page will have one column smaller in width than the other. The smaller column will have the heading of Destination, and the second, larger column will have the heading Trip Details. Here we will keep track of places along our hero’s journey and the delights/perils faced there.

2. You will title a page Epic Hero Traits. Search the Internet for traits of an epic hero, or download the handout on my site to make a bulleted list of these characteristics in your journal. YOU WILL USE THESE FOR ANOTHER ASSIGNMENT!

3. CDW ENTRY! After reading pgs 746-757 (story of the Cyclops), analyze this section. It contains the theme of how pride can negate something good that has been done. In the section, how does Odysseus’ and the Cyclop’s pride get in the way of their accomplishments and what are the consequences?

4. CDW entry - Aeaea – This book illustrates the theme of how trust and looks can be deceiving. How does the witch Circe gain the trust of Odysseus’ crew? How are looks deceiving in this section? In our society, it is common that looks are used to deceive someone and to gain his/her trust. Explain one such tactic that is used and how it succeeds or fails in its attempt to win over the trust of others.

5. CDW entry - Lotus Eaters and The Sirens- Here we have theme of how temptation can lead to disaster. What is the disastrous effect of temptation in these sections? How do Odysseus and his crew survive these temptations? Explain your beliefs as to why temptation is such a strong force.

6. In the purple book, read 986-992 (a detailed account of what happened on Thrinakia), and in a one page CDW paragraph, explain whether Eurylochus’s persuasive speech is a valid argument. What major point does he use to convince the crew to side with his ideas?

7. Death at the Palace -Hhow/when does a punishment fit the crime? Odysseus, with the help of his son and a few loyal servants, inflicts a severe punishment on the men who have come for the “test of the great bow.” Consider the “crime” that these men have committed, and explain if you feel the punishment fits or exceeds the crime. Explain. One page response.

8. Write a two page personal response to the entire epic poem, The Odyssey. Did you enjoy it? Validate your responses with well-reasoned statements.

9. This epic was used as part of Greek children’s education for centuries after the poem was written down. How could the adventure of the Lotus Eaters teach them about the appeal to “forget” one’s troubles by dropping out? How could the Cyclops adventure be used to teach the dangers of violence and curiosity? ONE PAGE RESPONSE.

10. In Homer’s time, Greek society had very clear ideas about the proper role of women in society. Based on your reading of The Odyssey, what were these ideas? CDW -Cite examples from the text to support your opinion.