9/CP
Ninth Grade COLLEGE-PREPARATORY English
Summer Reading Assignment 2016-2017
Read Edith Hamilton’s Mythology. Please purchase your own copy: Edith
Hamilton’s Mythology ISBN 978-0-3162-2333-1. Since we will be discussing and
writing with the summer reading text, it is crucial students purchase the edition
noted by this ISBN number.
At least three major grades will come from your summer reading.
In the first week of class, you will receive a homework grade for your lists,
which are due the second day of class.
You will also have a reading comprehension test over the novel,
as well as an in-class essay assignment that will count as a composition grade –
both of which will occur the first week of school.
ASSIGNMENT #1: MYTHOLOGY
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
* Follow specific instructions when given. For the most part you will be identifying gods,
goddesses, creatures, and places in list format.
* Read the following sections/chapters.
* With the exception of the 12 Great Olympians, compile your list on notebook paper.
* Please use only one side of the notebook paper, and skip one line between each item.
* Begin each new list on a new page (A new list is designated by bold, underlined type).
* Write in blue or black ink.
* Read only the following sections/chapters:
PART ONE: The Gods, the Creation, and the Earliest Heroes
Introduction to Classical Mythology (pages 3-18). This will provide important background for
the rest of your reading (This is for you to simply read; there are no listings for this section.
CHAPTER 1: The Gods
The Titans and the Twelve Great Olympians
*Identify each of the following TITANS in a list format. Write the name, and beside it, list any
important characteristics Edith Hamilton offers on pages 21-22.
Cronus
Zeus
Ocean
Tethys
Hyperion
Mnemosyne
Themis
Lapetus
Atlas
Prometheus
*Create a chart for the 12 GODS OF OLYMPUS. Print the handout entitled “The 12 Great Gods
of Olympus” and compile your information there. Include the Roman name, the realm of reign,
the symbols, and any unique description/fact about each god/goddess. Be as thorough as
possible, for you will use this chart to help prepare for the test once we return in August.
CHAPTER 2: The Two Great Gods of Earth
*Identify each of the following in a list format. Write the name, and beside it, identify the character
or place and describe his/her/its significance within the myth.
Demeter
Persephone
Dionysus
CHAPTER 3: How the World and Mankind Were Created
*Identify each of the following in a list format. Write the name, and beside it, identify the character
or place and describe his/her/its significance within the myth.
Chaos
Night
Erebus
Love
Light & Day
Earth
Cyclops
Titans
Giants
Erinyes
Typhon
Prometheus
Epimetheus
Pandora
PART TWO: Stories of Love and Adventure
CHAPTER 1: Cupid and Psyche
*Identify each of the following in a list format. Write the name, and beside it, identify the character
or place and describe his/her/its significance within the myth.
Cupid
Psyche
Venus
Zephyr
Love
Soul
PART THREE: The Great Heroes before the Trojan War
CHAPTER 3: Hercules
*Identify each of the following in a list format. Write the name, and beside it, identify the character
or place and describe his/her/its significance within the myth.
Hercules
Theseus
Amphitryon
Alcmena
Princess Megara
Eurystheus
The First Labor
The Second Labor
The Third Labor
The Fourth Labor
The Fifth Labor
The Sixth Labor
The Seventh Labor
The Eighth Labor
The Ninth Labor
The Tenth Labor
The Eleventh Labor
The Twelfth Labor
Prometheus
Admetus
Deianira
*********************************************
ASSIGNMENT #2: NARRATIVE ESSAY AND PICTURE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Because the Greeks and Romans included aspects of their ethical codes in their myths,
these stories provide a glimpse into their views of morality. Kindness and humble hospitality are
two traits they viewed as important.
In a 4-6 paragraph essay, describe a time in your life when you or someone you know
showed kindness to another.
Specifications:
1. Type your essay in black ink on white paper.
2. Double space the essay in 12 point, Times New Roman font.
3. Your heading should be at the top left, in MLA format.
4. Include a creative title, centered below the heading.
Tips for writing a narrative essay:
In Short Takes: Models for Composition, Elizabeth Penfield writes, “Shaping narrative
draws on some of the same skills used in description: keen observation, careful selection of
details, and coherent sequencing. But to turn description into narration, you have to add two
other elements: conflict, and resolution. A story with no point is indeed pointless. One with no
conflict is no kind of story at all, and one with no resolution leaves the reader up in the air.”
In drafting your essay,
1. Know your purpose: to inform your reader of a time in your life when a less-thandesirable character trait created some kind of challenge for you and/or others. What
valuable life lesson did you learn from going through this?
2. Establish the setting and time of action. When in your life did this happen? Where?
3. Introduce the characters: what people were important to the scenario.
4. Determine the idea behind your sequence of events: Do you want to stress time,
place, gradual change, sudden realization? Consider this as you build to the climax
of the story you are telling.
5. Don’t forget to add a concluding paragraph. Every story has an ending.
Questions? Email Mrs. Mann at [email protected]