We started the class by reviewing the updated syllabus. Ms. Peterson explained how important it is to check the syllabus and plan according to it. Students are expected to check the syllabus often and get things done on time. She then went on to explain the work that’s due by next class, the virtual debate where we’re required to choose between Polyphemus and Odysseus. We are also required to respond to one of our fellow classmates if we want to receive full credit. Ms. Peterson also explained that our postcard project is not as extensive as our poem anthology and informed us about what is required for the project.
For the do now the class was asked why Xenia is important then and now, based on what we’ve learned about so far. Gabriel answered saying, back then it was pretty likely for you to have a god that’s disguised as a guest in your house and you would not want to upset them. It is important now as well since you want your guests to feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. Daniel added on saying that most people you invite over to your house are your acquaintances/ friends and if you don’t make them feel welcomed and comfortable, they wouldn’t want to stay friends with you or ever visit again. Allison bought up the saying “treat others the way you want to be treated” and said that it applies to both the past and currently.
For the next class discussion, we bought up heroes and what weaknesses they have. Mariah responded with Superman who has a weakness for kryptonite since it harms him. Ms. Peterson added on by saying that it makes Superman vulnerable by taking away his strength. Since Superman is more vulnerable without his strength, it makes him more likely to get harmed or even killed.
We did some spirit reading for the next few slides:
Homeric simile
Epic similes in The Odyssey, also known as Homeric similes, give Homer’s narrative depth and force.
Homeric simile, also known as Epic Similes, are elaborate comparisons, consisting of many lines, between two different objects using “like”, “as”, “so”, or “just so”. It is a comparison made between something unfamiliar or strange to the audience and something that is more familiar to them.
We often use short similes in everyday speech, like the example, “She’s tough as nails.” A Homeric Simile, however, is used to redirect the reader’s attention in unexpected, humorous, gruesome or heroic ways.
Why might Homer choose to use this technique?
Uses objects of comparison that were familiar with his audience
Meant to ensure that you understand the visual that is being shown
Used to glorify his characters, enrich his text, deepen the readers’ understanding
While reading the Cyclops, keep an eye out for elaborate similes that Homer creates.
What is Foreshadowing?
Foreshadowing is where future events in a story, or perhaps the outcome, are suggested by the author before they happen. They are usually considered to be ominous, warning signs, or signs of bad things to come. Foreshadowing can take many forms and be accomplished in many ways, with varying degrees of subtlety. However, if the outcome is deliberately and explicitly revealed early in a story (such as by the use of a narrator or flashback structure), such information does not constitute foreshadowing.
Foreshadowing | Definition & Examples of Foreshadowing [2:31]
Even though we’ve all been exposed to foreshadowing and know what it is, Ms. Peterson wants us to have a more in depth understanding of it since we’re going to see a lot of it. We often mistake foreshadowing with prediction. Foreshadowing is usually signs of bad things to come while prediction is using clues to find out something that might happen. A flashback is used as a way to foreshadow but it is not foreshadowing.
What is Hubris?
Hubris is a Greek term meaning excessive pride or over-confidence (think arrogance)
Can cause the character to disregard reality or offend the gods, often leading to their downfall
A character flaw often seen in the heroes of classical Greek tragedies
Committing hubris was very much looked down upon in Ancient Greece
I have personally never heard much about hubris but it is important to know that it is often a trait that affects the character negatively. In most cases it is a character that has too much pride which eventually leads to their downfall. One example of that would be Julius Ceasar.
What is Tragic Flaw (AKA: Hamartia)?
Tragic Flaw: A trait in a character that often leads to their downfall. In Greek Mythology, the trait of Hubris is often used .
Near the end of the class, we read “The Cyclops”. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to finish reading and we did not have the chance to discuss the questions provided for group discussion.
Based on your understanding of foreshadowing, review lines 153-156. How is foreshadowing
used, and what exactly is being foreshadowed?
What heroic qualities does Odysseus display thus far?
(Heroic Qualities: Intelligence/Resourcefulness, Strength, Bravery and loyalty, Weakness)
What does the fact that he doesn’t want to attack the Cyclops reveal about his character?
Refer to line 232-243. How does Homer use figurative language to create imagery? (identify examples and explain their effect)
How should we judge the heroic qualities of Odysseus based on his actions with the cyclops?
Contrast Polyphemus’ values and the values of Odysseus (hospitality [xenia], respect for the gods, protections for his men).
Can you identify any qualities/characteristics that both Odysseus and Polyphemus share?
If Odysseus represents civilization, and Polyphemus represents nature, what do you think Homer is saying about the relation of man to nature?
i. Can you see potential dangers (that are becoming increasingly evident, especially in the modern era) in this position taken by Homer?
As previously discussed, the story is told through flashback (Odysseus is revealing the past events of his journey), therefore, how has Polyphemus’ curse impacted the course of Odysseus’ future.
ENRICHMENTS:
Odysseus and the Cyclops Part I [4:51]
Odysseus and the Cyclops Part II [5:13]
A odisseia - Cíclope ( The odyssey - cyclops ) [8:41]
Athena: The Goddess of Wisdom - The Olympians - Greek Mythology - See U in History: Watch (2:38)
The Odyssey by Homer | Book 8 Summary and Analysis [2:04]
The Odyssey by Homer | Book 9 Summary and Analysis [3:06] (Sailing from Troy, the Lotus Eaters & Polyphemus)
Reflection:
I learned about the techniques Homer uses and how they are important when developing the stories. I enjoyed learning about xenia, hubris, hamartia, etc and how they are incorporated into Homer’s works. Xenia and hubris allowed me to understand ancient Greek values more, which also helped me understand the Odyssey more. I believe that learning about figurative language and the concepts we’ve covered allow me to write better works of literature.
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