Download THE ODYSSEY SUMMER PROJECT

THE ODYSSEY SUMMER PROJECT
This summer, you will go on a voyage with the Greek hero Odysseus as he returns
from the Trojan War to his beloved Ithaca, his faithful wife, and his loving son. Before
you begin, you should read the background information on the Trojan War included in
your copy of Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, “Part Four: Heroes of the Trojan War,”
including the chapters on “The Trojan War,” ‘The Fall of Troy,” and “The Adventures of
Odysseus”. As you read about each of Odysseus’ adventures, consider the trials he must
face. Odysseus’ character is portrayed in his ability to handle dangerous situations.
The trials illustrate more than just temptations that he must overcome; they show
a different man at the end of the book than at the beginning. His adventures in his
journey humble his pride, reveal his cleverness, and prepare him, by giving him selfcontrol, for the task of restoring order to his household and to Ithaca. In each of the
twelve adventures listed below, Odysseus is tempted to display a negative character trait
or to choose a false identity that he must reject, and he is encouraged to demonstrate a
positive trait. This is the basis of your summer project.
ODYSSEUS’ 12 ADVENTURES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Island of Ismarus (The Ciconians)
Lotus-eaters
Cyclops
Aeolus
Laestrygonians
Circe
7. Hades
8. Sirens
9. Scylla and Charybdis
10. Island of Helios
11. Calypso
12. Phaecians (Nausicaa)
PROCEDURE: Read the epic. Prepare a chart of the twelve adventures. For each of
the twelve adventures, type a short description of the adventure, a negative trait rejected,
and a positive trait demonstrated. (Please use specific character traits, either nouns or
adjectives.) You will be graded on the accuracy of your descriptions and the insights you
show about each negative and positive trait.
GRADE: One test grade. (Additionally, we will have a graded oral discussion of The
Odyssey sometime during the first three weeks of school that will count as a test grade.
No written test will be given.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is an INDIVIDUAL project, not a group
project. You are expected to complete this chart of adventures without consulting other
students or sources. I expect this project to be completely and solely your work.
DUE DATE: You may submit the chart to me via email at anytime during the summer
([email protected]), but you should bring a printed copy of the chart to school by
Friday, August 17.
Mythology Summer Reading
To become an educated, culturally literate person and to understand The Odyssey
fully, you must have an understanding of classical Greek mythology. This summer, you
will read and study the Greek myths. You will use Edith Hamilton’s Mythology to
complete the study guide.
MYTHOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
“INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY”
Read the “Introduction to Classical Mythology” and answer the following
questions in complete sentences. These are thought questions and require your reading
and understanding this chapter. Do not look for “quotes” in the book to answer these;
Your answers must be a synthesis of your understanding of the chapter.
1. Edith Hamilton speaks of “the miracle of Greek mythology.” EXPLAIN the
meaning of the “Greek Miracle”. How does the “Greek Miracle” relate to the
coming of Jesus into the world, as He came to save both the Jews and the Greeks?
2. From your reading, give your definition of mythology.
PART I, CHAPTER ONE: “THE GODS”
From your reading of Chapter 1, complete the two charts, “Who’s Who on Mount
Olympus” and “The Second String – The Lesser Gods”.
(See PDF’s online marked “10th Grade Additional Information.)
PART ONE, CHAPTER TWO: “THE TWO GREAT GODS OF EARTH”
DEMETER
1. Who was Demeter and what is her Roman (Latin) name?
2. How and why was Persephone punished?
3. How does the myth of Demeter and Persephone explain the change of seasons?
DIONYSUS
1. Who was Dionysus and what is his Roman (Latin)?
2. What did Dionysus have to do with the death of Pentheus?
3. Who are the “Mad Bacchantes”?