Aim: How can we use the theory of neuroplasticity to analyze Odysseus as a dynamic character?
The do now consisted of a simple question to determine how open you are to try new things. Most of my classmates answered that they enjoy stability and would not really like to try new things. Others said they would try new things, but be very cautious of what they will be doing. After this we went over the basic concept of neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity- The ability of an individual to adapt to change in their environment, leading them to develop new neural connections.
With that, we continued on to read an article about learning agility and applied it to greek heroes. Learning agility is basically how fast one can learn a new concept and how they can apply it to themselves. Learning agility is really dependent on one's mindset and how you view your abilities.
We went further on the lesson and discussed dynamic characters and static characters.
Dynamic character- A character who grows and changes at the end of the story from some kind of conflict. This change can be both positive and negative, as it is not limited to only one
Static character- A character who does not change whatsoever throughout the story, the complete opposite of a dynamic character.
We did a chart about how Odysseus was a dynamic character and his growth mindset. For the most part, the chart showed that he got rid of his hubris to become a better leader for his crew. He learned to be more cautious and less confident.
We moved on from there and learned the concepts of Nostos and Kleos.
Nostos- it is the greek word that means homecoming and return
Kleos- it means glory and fame won at war. Typically it would be at the cost of someone's own life.
Concluding the subject of Nostos and Kleos, we learned about motifs.
Motif- (pronounced different from motive) is something, an image or words, spoken or written, that is recurring. The motif has a symbolic significance.
To finish off, we read and analyzed a text from “The suitors”, where Odysseus talks to Antinous:
“…Antinous / hit me for being driven on hunger - / how many bitter seas men cross for hunger! / if beggars interest the gods, if there are Furies / pent in the dark to avenge a poor man’s wrong, then may / Antinous meet his death before his wedding day!”
We discussed the “natural order” where everyone has a place in society and how there is a natural hierarchy, or “order”. Antinous has disrupted the “natural order” where he talked lowly and disrespected Odysseus in Odysseus's own castle. On top of that, Antinous had broken the practice of “xenia” where you were supposed to respect your guest, for they might even be god in disguise.
Reflection:
Overall, I was able to learn new ideas and vocabulary that can apply to my better understanding of the “Odyssey” and see Odysseus’ growth as a character. I learned about “learning agility” which was a new concept for me. It applies to more things than just the Odyssey, as it is applicable to real life as well. I learned about dynamic and static characters, as well as motifs, nostos and kleos. All these concepts will help me point out things when they happen and improve my ability to better analyze “The Odyssey”.
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