Download Tell me, O Muse

The Odyssey
English 9
Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
2
Storytelling Video
What is a good
performance
7
Book Review Due
Introduction to Greek Gods
HW: Work on storytelling
What is an Epic—handout
Read Invocation &
Cyclopes
8
HW: Work on storytelling
14
Spring Break
Finish Cyclopes
HW: Work on storytelling
15
Spring Break
3
Select stories
Begin storyboarding &
memorizing
9
4
Work on stories and book
reviews
10
Read Grace of Witch &
Read Sea Perils
Land of the Dead (handout) Cattle of the Sun God
(handout)
HW: Work on storytelling
16
Spring Break
Friday
HW: Work on storytelling
17
Spring Break
11
18
Spring Break
21
22
23
24
25
Read Return of Odysseus, Read Test of Bow
Storytelling Performances
Storytelling Performances
Storytelling Performances
Argus, Penelope
Death in the Great Hall,
EVERYONE must be
Olive Tree
prepared to present today.
HW: Work on storytelling
HW: Work on storytelling
Storytelling: The Assignment
This is your chance to polish your public speaking skill and learn a little more about Greek Mythology. Greek
Mythology is full of exciting stories about the Gods and Goddesses and the mortals (humans) who hang with
them, and each of you will perform one of these stories to the class so we can all learn a little more about
these rapscallions.
This is a performance, not a speech, so please note that you are expected to memorize and perform (not
just retell or say) your story to the class. A performance involves creating characters (through voice—known
English 9
The Odyssey
as oral interpretation), movement (if necessary and well-executed), sound effects (when appropriate), and a
level of enthusiasm that engages the audience.
Preparation
1. Read through the story thoroughly once and figure out who the main players are and what is going on in
the story.
2. Reread the story and highlight or underline all the key ideas and events that should be retold in the
performance.
3. Fill out the storyboard to help you memorize the story and to help you organize the performance.
The story does not need to be memorized word for word. It may be easier to memorize the key
points and then practice a lot on the specific details that fill in between the events. You may want
to memorize key phrases and lines of dialogue. If, in the end, you feel like you need the storyboard
to help you through the performance, you may use it, but points will be deducted.
English 9
The Odyssey
4. Script the performance. This is where you will make notes about how you will use your voice to convey
the meaning of the text. Pay attention to the state of mind of the characters and be sure to find
ways to show your audience this.
Costumes and other props are allowed for creative purposes, but make sure the delivery of the story is
your primary focus.
Practice
Please practice your story - A LOT. Start off telling it to yourself, but as performance time approaches,
please find an audience to listen to your performance. A positive attitude will take you far on this
assignment. Tackle it with gusto and believe in yourself. Then do the hard work necessary to get your
performance together.
Performances will be evaluated on the delivery (no verbal tics, volume, pace, fluidity), oral interpretation
(vocal variety), memorization, and creativity of the performance (movements, facial expressions, audience
engagement).
I have extremely high expectations for your performance - think Academy Awards. Please deliver an
impressive, invigorating, and inspirational performance!