Blogger #16 - Emily Lin - Period 9 - 5/3/21 - Day C

 In the beginning of our class, Ms. Peterson went over the updated syllabus, the postcard project, and our homework.

Aim: How do Odysseus' actions in "The Cyclops" support or refute his epic character?

Class Discussion:

1. As previously discussed, the term, “Xenia” is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, the generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from home and/or associates of the person bestowing guest-friendship. The rituals of hospitality created and expressed a reciprocal relationship between guest hosts.

Therefore, based on your understanding of the term, how important do you believe this attribute or behavior is to exemplify? Why?

• During the class discussion, we discussed how xenia is extremely important in ancient Greece as people then believed that you will be punished by Zeus if you treat guests with no hospitality. In today’s world, xenia has lost its importance as we know the possible danger of letting a stranger into our homes. However, instead of treating strangers, we would still give hospitality to guests/friends we let into our homes. (Xenia is evolving.)

2. Reflect on the heroes you have encountered throughout your life, in various forms: literature, movies or TV.  Identify any weaknesses the  hero(es) may have, and explain how it impairs their ability. 

• During the discussion, our class talked about some examples of heroes that have weaknesses. Some examples are Superman - who holds back his power in order to not hurt anyone, in addition to kryptonite - Captain America, Iron Man - who have conflicting mortals.

Terms: 

• Homeric Similes - 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 to the audience and something that is more familiar. A Homeric Simile 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 

• Foreshadowing (link)- where future events in a story, 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. 

• Hubris (link) - excessive pride or over-confidence. It 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 and are looked down upon in Ancient Greece)

• Tragic Flaw - trait in a character that often leads to their downfall.

“The Cyclops” (link)

By the end of our class, we finished reading “The Cyclops” and were told to go over these questions:

1. Based on your understanding of foreshadowing, review lines 153-156.  How is foreshadowing

 used, and what exactly is being foreshadowed?

2. What heroic qualities does Odysseus display thus far?

(Heroic Qualities: Intelligence/Resourcefulness, Strength, Bravery and loyalty, Weakness)

1. What does the fact that he doesn’t want to attack the Cyclops reveal about his character?

3. Refer to line 232-243. How does Homer use figurative language to create imagery? (identify examples and explain their effect)

4. How should we judge the heroic qualities of Odysseus based on his actions with the cyclops? 

5. Contrast Polyphemus’ values and the values of Odysseus (hospitality [xenia], respect for the gods, protections for his men). 

1. Can you identify any qualities/characteristics that both Odysseus and Polyphemus share?

2. 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?

6. 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)

Summary:

During this class section, I learned many new vocabulary words like homeric similes, foreshadowing, hubris, and tragic flaw, and how these themes are used in Greek mythology, and in “The Cyclops” in terms of today. We also review the term xenia (giving hospitality to strangers/guests) and how it progressed over time. We also read “The Cyclops”, a story about Odysseus and his mens’ encounter with a cyclops, how they end up escaping, and the cyclops who turns out to be Posiden’s son, and how it affects Odysseus’s journey home. The story also made connections with the terms today. For example, Odysseus, who decided to go into the Cyclops’s home because he believed that the cyclops will also practice“xenia”. He also had many flaws in his personality; he is overconfident and arrogant, which caused his mens to be eaten by the Cyclops. Although,he is also very quick-witted;thinking of the name “Nohbdy” to trick the Cyclops. To wrap it all up, today I learned a lot more about Odysseus and his stories and new vocabulary better understand Greek mythologies.