Blogger #17 - Vallerie Jimenez - Period 2 - 4/29/21 - Day A

 Blogger #17, Vallerie Jimenez, Period 2, 4/29/21, Day A

Aim: How do Odysseus’ actions in “ The Cyclops” support or refute his epic character?

We started off class by reviewing the syllabus as it had been updated. Ms. Peterson did this as a reminder to all students so they could understand the assignments and she stressed the importance of us checking the syllabus and planning accordingly. It is expected that every student checks the student on their own time and gets things done on time. Then she went on to explain how over the next few weeks we’re going to be doing a lot of work in class which is why the postcard project isn’t as intensive as our poem anthology. Adding on to that, she described what we have to do for our postcard project. Ms. Peterson wanted us to understand what we’re doing so we could maybe get a head start on it and if we had questions it would be easier to get that out of the way first. Lastly she explained our virtual debate that is due next class and made it clear that we have to make a statement and respond to someone else’s statement if we want full credit.

Do Now: Whole Class Discussion

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 host.

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

For the Do Now, the class was asked to consider how and why Xenia is so important then and now, based on what we have learned so far. This is important because we are going to be seeing a lot about how the theme of Xenia ties into everything. When asked to share, Ayah responded first by saying it was really important than and still is now. Based on what we read for homework the night before, she remembered that when odysseus arrived in a place unknown to him, the people treated him with kindness and gave him goods like clothes. She also mentioned how even know, when someone is invited to your house, you’re kind of expected to treat them as best as possible. Ms. Peterson added on by saying that she agreed but back then it was more of a crucial thing, because strangers would just allow other strangers into their homes but now it’s dangerous to do.

Class Discussion

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. 

For the next class discussion we brought up heroes and we were asked to identify a weakness that impairs their abilities as hero’s. Fiona responded first by saying that Superman’s weakness is kryptonite and that impairs his powers a lot. Jerry noted that family or friends is a big weakness especially if the villain uses them to their advantage and blackmails the hero. Julia and Ayah both brought up personal or internal problems such as having an identity crisis and having to juggle personal life plus hero life. I think I agree with this one the most because hero’s are often thought of as selfless when in reality they have their own lives and would rather choose to be shellfish at times but the pressure of others makes it harder. Adding on, Chloe said that a lot of superheroes are really impatient and they often jump into things without thinking of the consequences. Ms. Peterson then told us that we should keep all of this in mind moving forward because there are heroes in this story and although they might not have superhuman powers, they are still going to have flaws and it’s important we watch for those things because it makes the characters who they are. 

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]

Although we all know about foreshadowing, Ms.Peterson wanted to give us a more in depth understanding of what it is because it is something that we will be seeing a lot of. We were also given additional information that will help us distinguish foreshadowing from predictions. Foreshadowing almost always means something bad is going to occur. Prediction is more using clues to something might happen. A flashback is sometimes used 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

What Is Hubris | Its Greek Origin & Usage In Modern Literature | Definition and Examples of Hubris [2:51]

Hubris is not something that I had learned before but it is important to understand because it is often a trait that affects a character in a negative way. This is often found in mythology or greek theatre. The character gets prideful and it leads to their downfall. Example: julius cesar.

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 . 

Towards the end of class we went on to reading half of “The Cyclops” and we were given a bunch of questions and resources that will help us on our journey with the Odyssey. 

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)

Reflection:

Throughout this cycle I learned more about the Odyssey. Specifically what techniques Homer uses and why they’re important to the development of the stories. I also learned more about some traits that are important to look out for in characters that can be considered weaknesses and lead to their downfalls. I definitely think it’s better when we read in class because hearing the teacher’s input makes it easier to understand but the enrichment videos were also quite helpful. Overall, the things we learned in this lesson will definitely help me in the future.