English I Honors – Group 2 (pp. 835 to 855)
Cover the following items. You may use the computer, Elmo, etc. to project visuals of your
presentation. Explain these items in your own words and use examples in your explanations. Be
sure to utilize the audio pronunciation guide (http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/mycenaean) so that you correctly pronounce the names and words during
your presentation!
Introduction:
Why were the people of Ancient Greece isolated? (p. 837)
To what or whom did the people of Ancient Greece feel loyalty toward? (p. 837)
Which was the largest city-state of Ancient Greece? How many people? (p. 837)
ASK STUDENTS TO TURN TO THE CHARACTER LIST ON PAGE 838 OF THEIR
TEXTBOOKS AND REVIEW THE CHARACTERS IN THE ODYSSEY.
Read the Invocation (lines 1 to 18). Point out the two purposes to the Invocation:
1.
2.
Where is Odysseus’ home? How is it described?
Explain specifically how the story begins “in medias res.” (English translation: “in the middle
of things) Explain using specific examples how this story does indeed begin “in medias res”.
The Lotus-Eaters—
As you explain what happens in the land of the Lotus-Eaters, please be sure to tell the story to the
class in your own words. Keep in mind the Freytag Pyramid and summarize the exposition, rising
action, climax, falling action, resolution, and moral or lesson of the story in your own words.
Here are some questions about The Lotus-Eaters to keep in mind:
What happens in the land of The Lotus-Eaters and why might Odysseus oppose his men’s eating
of the lotus? Do the Lotus-Eaters coerce Odysseus’s men into eating the lotus? How does the
lotus taste? What can you tell about Odysseus’s character by the way he treats his men? What
traits of a leader does he display?
RESEARCH—“The Lotus Eaters” (1832) by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Remember him! He wrote
“Charge of the Light Brigade.” Read “The Lotus Eaters” by Tennyson and then summarize it for
the class. Does it stay true to Homer’s depiction of The Land of the Lotus Eaters? (Please note the
themes of the two are different.) Offer to the class interesting facts regarding Tennyson’s retelling
of this tale. How are they different?
The Land of the Cyclopes—
As you explain what happens in the land of the Cyclopes, please be sure to tell the story to the
class in your own words. Keep in mind the Freytag Pyramid and summarize the exposition,
rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and moral or lesson of the story.
1 Here are some questions about The Land of the Cyclopes to keep in mind:
Why does Odysseus take 12 of his best fighters and go ahead to this land? What does this tell us
about Odysseus’s character? How is it at odds with his ultimate mission? So why does he do it?
What does Odysseus suggest about the misfortunes that occur on a journey? (line 160) Why does
Odysseus tell the Cyclops his name is “Nohbdy”?
Irony occurs when an outcome is the opposite of what is expected to occur. Explain the irony in
Polyphemus’s words in lines 363 to 378. What emotion does the Cyclops express in this passage?
Contrast his character with that of Odysseus. Point out lines 395 to 399. What is Odysseus feeling
after the narrow escape? Why does Odysseus behave this way, and how does it contradict with
what he told his men a few moments ago?
How would you characterize Odysseus’ judgment in lines 424 to 428? What human failing does
he exhibit?
In conclusion—
How is Odysseus both ordinary and extraordinary in your section?
What are the two distinct sides to Odysseus’ personality? Back this up with a specific example of
each.
Using specific examples from this section, explain how The Odyssey
Entertains—
Inspires—
Teaches—
2