[Editor's Note: I am re-blogging a post from three years ago, when I was basically Harry Potter ignorant, to demonstrate that The Odyssey is relevant to literature, the literature you read today. The Odyssey is about the human experience. Odysseus's experience just so happens to have occurred three thousand years ago, if you believe Homer and his scholars! This student's impassioned response is re-posted below this one. Wish you all could have been there.]
Well, maybe just when it comes to The Odyssey. Thanks to the Harry Potter movies and the Internet, I remembered and then confirmed that Harry has a lightning-bolt shaped scar on his forehead. Guess who else has a scar that is important to his story? That's right - Odysseus!
Book XIX, Lines 449-451
" . . The boar, too quick, attacked;
he charged aslant, his tusk tore one long gash
above the knee, but left the bone intact."
This scar is how Eurycleia, Odysseus' nurse during his youth, recognizes him when he returns to Ithaca. The tale of receiving the scar is presented in more detail, but its importance is unmistakable.
Also, are there not omens or signs of prophecies and fate that occur in the Harry Potter series? Anyone use a disguise in the series, as Odysseus and Athena do? Ha!
I discovered this because I was flipping through The Odyssey again, looking at all of the passages I had underlined and the comments scribbled by me in the margins. This is an excellent practice to adopt for all books you read (assuming that the book is yours). As proof, I offer this post. Thank you, thank you!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Francesca Puts Mr. Matluck In His Place
[Editor's Note: This post from three years ago has been used once again to demonstrate how we can connect The Odyssey to our world. See the post above for more information.]
(See previous Harry Potter post and its comments)
Okay. Here comes my retaliation. You may have found the main similarities, but mine will delve deep into the inner-workings of the Potter world. This will truly show that I am unbeatable. I trust this will not be pretty.....
In both books, you will find....
1. final confrontations between the hero and his foe(s). (Odysseus vs. Suitors, Harry vs. Lord Voldemort)
2. faithful dogs who love their masters above anything else. (Fang with Hagrid, Argos with Odysseus)
3. the unnecessary deaths of characters who risked their lives for their leader. (see everyone who died in Deathly Hallows, and Odysseus' men)
4. a woman who is the caretaker of the hero, sticking with him until the end and fulfilling any need he has. (Mrs. Weasley for Harry, Eurycleia for Odysseus)
And, finally...
5. Love. Love for his parents, friends, school, Dumbledore, and Ginny is what keeps Harry going throughout the entire series. It is even what thwarts his enemies in the end. The same goes for Odysseus: His LOVE for Penelope, Telemachus, and Ithaca is what stays in his mind and eventually what keeps him sane and alive.
Take that, Mr. Matluck. Take that.
~Francesca J.
(See previous Harry Potter post and its comments)
Okay. Here comes my retaliation. You may have found the main similarities, but mine will delve deep into the inner-workings of the Potter world. This will truly show that I am unbeatable. I trust this will not be pretty.....
In both books, you will find....
1. final confrontations between the hero and his foe(s). (Odysseus vs. Suitors, Harry vs. Lord Voldemort)
2. faithful dogs who love their masters above anything else. (Fang with Hagrid, Argos with Odysseus)
3. the unnecessary deaths of characters who risked their lives for their leader. (see everyone who died in Deathly Hallows, and Odysseus' men)
4. a woman who is the caretaker of the hero, sticking with him until the end and fulfilling any need he has. (Mrs. Weasley for Harry, Eurycleia for Odysseus)
And, finally...
5. Love. Love for his parents, friends, school, Dumbledore, and Ginny is what keeps Harry going throughout the entire series. It is even what thwarts his enemies in the end. The same goes for Odysseus: His LOVE for Penelope, Telemachus, and Ithaca is what stays in his mind and eventually what keeps him sane and alive.
Take that, Mr. Matluck. Take that.
~Francesca J.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Ulysses - By Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Ulysses is the Roman version of Odysseus' name. Below, Lord Alfred Tennyson, one of the greatest English poets, from the 19th century, speculates upon what Odysseus, I mean Ulysses, would do after finally returning home. It is an interpretation, and a continuation, of Homer's example of the human spirit and human experience. Tennyson just might be saying that if Ulysses was a college student, he would dare to journey forth to yet another party, because he just has to. Maybe. Your interpretations should be shared in the comment section, although I doubt whether this invitation will result in any student reading this actually participating on this blog. But I should not complain. It is Summer break. Ahhh.
It little profits that an idle king,
By this still hearth, among these barren crags,
Matched with an agèd wife, I mete and dole
Unequal laws unto a savage race,
That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.
I cannot rest from travel: I will drink
Life to the lees: all times I have enjoyed
Greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those
That loved me, and alone; on shore, and when
Through scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vexed the dim sea: I am become a name;
For always roaming with a hungry heart
Much have I seen and known; cities of men
And manners, climates, councils, governments,
Myself not least, but honoured of them all;
And drunk delight of battle with my peers,
Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy.
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
As though to breathe were life. Life piled on life
Were all too little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this grey spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.
This my son, mine own Telemachus,
To whom I leave the sceptre and the isle—
Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfil
This labour, by slow prudence to make mild
A rugged people, and through soft degrees
Subdue them to the useful and the good.
Most blameless is he, centred in the sphere
Of common duties, decent not to fail
In offices of tenderness, and pay
Meet adoration to my household gods,
When I am gone. He works his work, I mine.
There lies the port; the vessel puffs her sail:
There gloom the dark broad seas. My mariners,
Souls that have toiled, and wrought, and thought with me—
That ever with a frolic welcome took
The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed
Free hearts, free foreheads—you and I are old;
Old age hath yet his honour and his toil;
Death closes all: but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note, may yet be done,
Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods.
The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks:
The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep
Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends,
'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Check out http://www.portablepoetry.com/poems/alfredlord_tennyson/ulysses.html for more information. I look forward to your comments after you study this dramatic monologue that captures the voice and spirit of Odysseus. (Ulysses is the Roman/Latin representation of the Greek name of Odysseues.) Thanks.
Mr. Matluck
It little profits that an idle king,
By this still hearth, among these barren crags,
Matched with an agèd wife, I mete and dole
Unequal laws unto a savage race,
That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me.
I cannot rest from travel: I will drink
Life to the lees: all times I have enjoyed
Greatly, have suffered greatly, both with those
That loved me, and alone; on shore, and when
Through scudding drifts the rainy Hyades
Vexed the dim sea: I am become a name;
For always roaming with a hungry heart
Much have I seen and known; cities of men
And manners, climates, councils, governments,
Myself not least, but honoured of them all;
And drunk delight of battle with my peers,
Far on the ringing plains of windy Troy.
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
As though to breathe were life. Life piled on life
Were all too little, and of one to me
Little remains: but every hour is saved
From that eternal silence, something more,
A bringer of new things; and vile it were
For some three suns to store and hoard myself,
And this grey spirit yearning in desire
To follow knowledge like a sinking star,
Beyond the utmost bound of human thought.
This my son, mine own Telemachus,
To whom I leave the sceptre and the isle—
Well-loved of me, discerning to fulfil
This labour, by slow prudence to make mild
A rugged people, and through soft degrees
Subdue them to the useful and the good.
Most blameless is he, centred in the sphere
Of common duties, decent not to fail
In offices of tenderness, and pay
Meet adoration to my household gods,
When I am gone. He works his work, I mine.
There lies the port; the vessel puffs her sail:
There gloom the dark broad seas. My mariners,
Souls that have toiled, and wrought, and thought with me—
That ever with a frolic welcome took
The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed
Free hearts, free foreheads—you and I are old;
Old age hath yet his honour and his toil;
Death closes all: but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note, may yet be done,
Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods.
The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks:
The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep
Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends,
'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Check out http://www.portablepoetry.com/poems/alfredlord_tennyson/ulysses.html for more information. I look forward to your comments after you study this dramatic monologue that captures the voice and spirit of Odysseus. (Ulysses is the Roman/Latin representation of the Greek name of Odysseues.) Thanks.
Mr. Matluck
Friday, July 22, 2011
Luke, I Am Your Father
One of the most memorable lines from Star Wars, when Darth Vader reveals his true identity to his son. Anything like that happen in The Odyssey? Yup. Check out Book XVI, Line 191: "I am your father." Odysseus reveals his true identity to his son, Telemachus. Coincidence? I think not. The father-son relationship is very popular in stories from all cultures. Might there be some similarities within The Harry Potter series? Maybe not Harry's dead father, but his father figures? Yes, plural.
Athena
Why does Athena help Odysseus so much? I never really thought about this before. I needed to do some thinking and research. I even went into my garage, rummaged through boxes of old books, and finally found a twenty year old copy of Cliff's Notes for The Odyssey. Between what I read in these "notes" and my contemplation of this question the past few days I learned that Athena is a very important part of this story in many ways.
Before, to me, Athena was simply one of the gods from Greek mythology. Now, she is a female god (aka a goddess). Not only is she a female god, she is the goddess of wisdom. This is a very important distinction. Homer remains non-judgmental about characters in the narrative, preferring to allow them to speak for themselves. Readers encounter a fair amount of misogyny spoken by male characters in The Odyssey, but Athena's vital role in this epic firmly establishes the important roles played by females in Ancient Greek civilization.
Now, about Athena's affinity for Odysseus. Odysseus is the wisest of men in The Odyssey. Also, he respects and honors the gods properly throughout his life, something that causes these gods to favor such human beings. One way to think about this is to compare the relationship between these gods and the human characters to how we humans think about characters in stories we read or follow on television. We grow to like certain characters and wish good things for them. In The Odyssey, the gods use their powers to make good things happen to those humans whom the gods individually favor. I find this to be a reasonable explanation for Athena's favoring of Odysseus.
Before, to me, Athena was simply one of the gods from Greek mythology. Now, she is a female god (aka a goddess). Not only is she a female god, she is the goddess of wisdom. This is a very important distinction. Homer remains non-judgmental about characters in the narrative, preferring to allow them to speak for themselves. Readers encounter a fair amount of misogyny spoken by male characters in The Odyssey, but Athena's vital role in this epic firmly establishes the important roles played by females in Ancient Greek civilization.
Now, about Athena's affinity for Odysseus. Odysseus is the wisest of men in The Odyssey. Also, he respects and honors the gods properly throughout his life, something that causes these gods to favor such human beings. One way to think about this is to compare the relationship between these gods and the human characters to how we humans think about characters in stories we read or follow on television. We grow to like certain characters and wish good things for them. In The Odyssey, the gods use their powers to make good things happen to those humans whom the gods individually favor. I find this to be a reasonable explanation for Athena's favoring of Odysseus.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Alliteration and One of Its Effects
Let me expand upon the brief overview of alliteration in the previous post. In Book IV, lines 778-782, after the many suitors of Penelope, Odysseus' wife, discover that Telemachus, Odysseus' son, has sailed off to find his father, these evil suitors plot to kill Telemachus when his ship returns to Ithaca. After they devise their evil scheme, Homer writes:
"That said, he chose their finest men - a score.
They rushed to their swift ship along the shore.
They drew their black boat to a deeper spot,
then stepped the mast and set the sail and strapped
the oars in leather thongs. Their sturdy squires . . ."
I highlighted all of the initial "s" sounds (there are "s" sounds contained within some words, along with two similar sounding initial "sh" sounds, too). As we all remember, Alliteration is the repetition of the sound of the initial consonant of two or more words in close proximity to each other.
Just as I asked in my youth: "Yeah, and 'Sally sold seashells by the seashore.' So what?" While the Sally example is a good introduction to alliteration, poets utilize such figures of speech not only to add a musical quality to their poetry, but also to add depth and meaning to what they write. We all agree that these suitors are evil. A universal symbol of evil is the snake. And what sound is a snake known to make? That's right, a hissing sound. The repetition of the "s" sound mimicks the hissing of the symbolically evil snake and, thus, reinforces the notion that these suitors are themselves evil. Imagine, all of that from the repetition of a simple sound!
"That said, he chose their finest men - a score.
They rushed to their swift ship along the shore.
They drew their black boat to a deeper spot,
then stepped the mast and set the sail and strapped
the oars in leather thongs. Their sturdy squires . . ."
I highlighted all of the initial "s" sounds (there are "s" sounds contained within some words, along with two similar sounding initial "sh" sounds, too). As we all remember, Alliteration is the repetition of the sound of the initial consonant of two or more words in close proximity to each other.
Just as I asked in my youth: "Yeah, and 'Sally sold seashells by the seashore.' So what?" While the Sally example is a good introduction to alliteration, poets utilize such figures of speech not only to add a musical quality to their poetry, but also to add depth and meaning to what they write. We all agree that these suitors are evil. A universal symbol of evil is the snake. And what sound is a snake known to make? That's right, a hissing sound. The repetition of the "s" sound mimicks the hissing of the symbolically evil snake and, thus, reinforces the notion that these suitors are themselves evil. Imagine, all of that from the repetition of a simple sound!
Winged Wings Bring a Question
A student once asked about the phrase "winged words." Before we get to an explanation, let us first learn how to pinpoint words or lines in The Odyssey, or any major poem.
Thhis student referred to Euryalus giving Odysseus a sword and what he spoke as he did so. This event in the book is on page 159. That is one way to direct a reader to a specific passage, but it is lazy and imprecise when used with an epic poem (or a drama). When asking a question about or discussing a particular passage in this poem, use this system: Book VIII, Line 14 - this is exactly where the phrase "winged words" can be found. Use "Book VIII, Lines 12-19" to identify the entire passage Emily is asking about.
"Winged words" means that Euryalus was speaking in a lofty, noble manner. He apologized to Odysseus for being rude, presents him with a sword, and wishes that Odysseus returns safely to his home.
Also, "winged words" is an alliteration, one of our rhetorical terms from last year. The successive "w" sounds make the poem more musical. Just like I made the previous sentence more musical with an alliteration of the "m" sound.
Thhis student referred to Euryalus giving Odysseus a sword and what he spoke as he did so. This event in the book is on page 159. That is one way to direct a reader to a specific passage, but it is lazy and imprecise when used with an epic poem (or a drama). When asking a question about or discussing a particular passage in this poem, use this system: Book VIII, Line 14 - this is exactly where the phrase "winged words" can be found. Use "Book VIII, Lines 12-19" to identify the entire passage Emily is asking about.
"Winged words" means that Euryalus was speaking in a lofty, noble manner. He apologized to Odysseus for being rude, presents him with a sword, and wishes that Odysseus returns safely to his home.
Also, "winged words" is an alliteration, one of our rhetorical terms from last year. The successive "w" sounds make the poem more musical. Just like I made the previous sentence more musical with an alliteration of the "m" sound.
A Dog Demonstrates the Compassion of Homer
Dogs have been companions of humans for tens of thousands of years. And I am sure that the big, round eyes of cute, little puppies have caused untold numbers of humans to express the sound of "Ahhhh" throughout our species' time in the universe. Hey, I'm a sucker for a puppy, no apologies. The scene in Book XVII, Lines 289-329 is perhaps one of the most moving in the entire epic. Odysseus' old dog, Argos, is the only living creature to recognize Odysseus, in disguise, when he returns to his home. The dog, in miserable shape, sitting in mud and dung, "wagged / his tail and dropped his ears" at the sight of his master. For those unfamiliar with animal psychology, Argos the dog not only recognizes but also respects his master. Sadly, Argos dies immediately after. If you read this episode closely you must be touched by it. And what does it say about animals versus humans? This is a scene to remember.
Mr. Matluck
Mr. Matluck
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Harry Potter Blog - You Are Invited!
In addition to our blog about Homer's The Odyssey, I am working on another blog about Harry Potter. You will find references and connections to books we read during our eighth grade class, along with commentary by my colleagues, friends, and some of your former teachers. This effort has been in the planning for over one year. Please join me, if only for a while.
Please share this web site with Harry Potter enthusiasts, particularly ones that were my students (but everyone is welcome!).
Here is the web site:
http://www.harrypotterhermeneutics.blogspot.com/.
Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
Please share this web site with Harry Potter enthusiasts, particularly ones that were my students (but everyone is welcome!).
Here is the web site:
http://www.harrypotterhermeneutics.blogspot.com/.
Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Telemachus and the Suitors
What are your thoughts, feelings, impressions regarding Telemachus?
Do you agree that the suitors have a right to stay at Odysseus' home until Penelope chooses one them to marry? Don't forget that Penelope tricked the suitors with her promise to choose one of them when she finished weaving a certain cloth, all the while unweaving each night what she had completed during the day.
Care to make any predictions?
Please make your comments for this post. Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
Do you agree that the suitors have a right to stay at Odysseus' home until Penelope chooses one them to marry? Don't forget that Penelope tricked the suitors with her promise to choose one of them when she finished weaving a certain cloth, all the while unweaving each night what she had completed during the day.
Care to make any predictions?
Please make your comments for this post. Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
Odysseus and the Sirens
Odysseus represents more than just the intelligent hero in the Western literary tradition. There is also a desire for experiencing all things, a need for adventure and discovery of everything that there is to know. A representation of this drive can be found on the cover of our edition of The Odyssey. The scene of Odysseus listening to the irresistible song of the Sirens while tied to a ship mast, his crew's ears stopped with wax so as not to be tempted by the Sirens' deadly song, is reproduced there because a great painter found enough inspiration in this story to concentrate his talents upon re-creating this scene. Study it closely. What can you learn from this physical interpretation of Homer's words? I think this is an important point to remember when thinking about the character of Odysseus and why The Odyssey is an important story. In fact, the goddess Circe even exclaims about this core quality of Odysseus:
Book XII, Lines 116-117
" . . . Can't you curb
your zeal for torments, wars, ordeals - and yield
even to the immortal gods? . . ."
No, Odysseus can't. Nor can the human spirit.
Mr. Matluck
Book XII, Lines 116-117
" . . . Can't you curb
your zeal for torments, wars, ordeals - and yield
even to the immortal gods? . . ."
No, Odysseus can't. Nor can the human spirit.
Mr. Matluck
Monday, July 11, 2011
Harry Potter and Odysseus
Let's have a little fun this week with the opening of the last Harry Potter movie. There are many similarities that the heroes of these two epic tales share. I did this type of question a few years ago and one student in particular responded most awesomely to my taunts and claims. Here is the opportunity for you to share your discoveries in the comment section (or via email: matlucm@martin.k12.fl.us).
This little contest amongst Rowling and Homer readers can be fun - but that depends upon you guys. Do not be daunted by this challenge. You will share similarities, not exact comparisons that are above and beyond all dispute! If you think of a similarity, then please share it. No one will ridicule any one else too much. ;-)
Mr. Matluck
This little contest amongst Rowling and Homer readers can be fun - but that depends upon you guys. Do not be daunted by this challenge. You will share similarities, not exact comparisons that are above and beyond all dispute! If you think of a similarity, then please share it. No one will ridicule any one else too much. ;-)
Mr. Matluck
An Answer for Mason
I typically answer questions asked in the comment sections by leaving an answer in the comment section. For some reason I am unable to do so. Whatever.
Here is my answer for Mason's question from the Dramatic Irony post:
Hi Mason! My answer to your question would be to leave the book behind at the end of your concluding paragraph. Hospitality is very important to the Greek culture shared by Homer. Is it important today? Is there a lesson for humanity to learn or remember? After all, why do human beings continue to read The Odyssey? My recommendation is that you bring the reader of your essay into today's world, connecting what Homer has to say about hospitality to our world, the present day.
Mr. Matluck
Here is my answer for Mason's question from the Dramatic Irony post:
Hi Mason! My answer to your question would be to leave the book behind at the end of your concluding paragraph. Hospitality is very important to the Greek culture shared by Homer. Is it important today? Is there a lesson for humanity to learn or remember? After all, why do human beings continue to read The Odyssey? My recommendation is that you bring the reader of your essay into today's world, connecting what Homer has to say about hospitality to our world, the present day.
Mr. Matluck
BBQ Time!
Perhaps some of my readers are aware of my love for BBQ. There is a great passage in Book XIV that illustrates the method Greeks used back then to cook their pig. Over twenty lines, Homer details building the fire, the sacrificial ritual to the Gods, killing the hog, prepping it for cooking, and the roasting of the meat upon skewers over an open fire. Today there are millions of web sites that instruct viewers on very similar methods. I wish Homer covered spice rubs in more details, along with temperature and cooking time information, but the description of roasting a pig was cool enough.
Book XIV, Lines 419-439.
Mr. Matluck
Book XIV, Lines 419-439.
Mr. Matluck
Everyone HAS to do Laundry!
Most Martin County residents are fortunate enough to have a washer and dryer within their residences, or at least to have such facilities nearby to take care of the essential need of clean clothing. This technology is a 20th century occurrence. How did human beings do their laundry before then? Thanks to Homer, we are provided with the method for washing clothes that was used for thousands of years beforehand.
Book VI, lines 92 - 98:
" . . . They took
the clothes down from the wagon, in their arms,
then plunged them down into the stream's deep flow;
without delay they trampled them again,
again, within the washing trenches; each
young girl competing with her friend, they beat
those clothes to cleanliness. . . . "
Fabric softner, anyone?
Mr. Matluck
Book VI, lines 92 - 98:
" . . . They took
the clothes down from the wagon, in their arms,
then plunged them down into the stream's deep flow;
without delay they trampled them again,
again, within the washing trenches; each
young girl competing with her friend, they beat
those clothes to cleanliness. . . . "
Fabric softner, anyone?
Mr. Matluck
The Price of Pride
The episode with Polyphemus the Cyclops is central to The Odyssey for two main reasons. First, Odysseus is a man of intelligence. Homer's first epic poem, The Illiad, starred Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior and a human being with intense passion, of which anger figured prominently. Odysseus, on the other hand, thinks through his decisions in order to take the best path. The manner in which he tricked Polyphemus by getting the huge Cyclops drunk on wine and telling Polyphemus that his name was "No-one" is pretty cool, along with his idea of clinging to the underbellies of the Cyclops' sheep so his men and he could escape the cave they were imprisoned within. The second reason is that pride, aka hubris, comes with a price. There was absolutely no need for Odysseus to taunt Polyphemos after the Greeks escaped on their ship. Yet, Odysseus makes a bad decision and reveals his true name to the Cyclops. The Cyclops, being the child of Poseidon, God of the Seas, lets his father know what Odysseus did to him. Hence, Odysseus's long, long journey home to Ithaca from the battlefields of Troy. The Gods punished him for his pride.
You can find this episode in Book IX.
Mr. Matluck
You can find this episode in Book IX.
Mr. Matluck
Ancient Greek Technology
The Odyssey shares with us more than just some warrior's long journey home. Here is a snippet of the technological means of survival also contained in Homer's epic:
Book V, lines 488-491:
"Just as a man will hide a brand beneath
dark ashes on a lonely farm - to keep
the seed of flame alive and not have need
to trudge far off for fire to feed his heart - "
This extended simile (similes can be much, much more than simply "running as fast as a cheetah") details a proven method for preserving the heat necessary to rekindle a fire. In a world where gas and electric stoves and ovens are not currently available, this information just might prove itself vital for survival. It is not a coincidence that such information is contained within Homer's poem. This information pertains to today, too - ever been camping?
Mr. Matluck
Book V, lines 488-491:
"Just as a man will hide a brand beneath
dark ashes on a lonely farm - to keep
the seed of flame alive and not have need
to trudge far off for fire to feed his heart - "
This extended simile (similes can be much, much more than simply "running as fast as a cheetah") details a proven method for preserving the heat necessary to rekindle a fire. In a world where gas and electric stoves and ovens are not currently available, this information just might prove itself vital for survival. It is not a coincidence that such information is contained within Homer's poem. This information pertains to today, too - ever been camping?
Mr. Matluck
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Dramatic Irony
Irony is inescapable. I often think it to be the one true thing in our world. After a bout with Animal Farm and the three types of irony, let us have a little echo or review of dramatic irony.
Dramatic Irony is a situation within a text, narrative, play, movie, or any type of story where the audience or reader knows something that a character (or characters) do not know. Our example from The Odyssey is from Book I, Line 176 (although the entire stanza qualifies as an example):
Telemachus asks the disguised goddess Athena: "For surely you did not come here on foot?"
The reader knows how Athena arrived at the island of Ithaca (home of Odysseus, Telemachus, etc.), Book I, Lines 93-95:
"That said, Athena fastened on fine sandals: / these - golden, everlasting - carried her / with swift winds over seas and endless lands." This is how she arrived at Ithaca. The reader knows, but Telemachus does not.
Task #2 - Please share other examples of dramatic irony in the comment section. Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
Dramatic Irony is a situation within a text, narrative, play, movie, or any type of story where the audience or reader knows something that a character (or characters) do not know. Our example from The Odyssey is from Book I, Line 176 (although the entire stanza qualifies as an example):
Telemachus asks the disguised goddess Athena: "For surely you did not come here on foot?"
The reader knows how Athena arrived at the island of Ithaca (home of Odysseus, Telemachus, etc.), Book I, Lines 93-95:
"That said, Athena fastened on fine sandals: / these - golden, everlasting - carried her / with swift winds over seas and endless lands." This is how she arrived at Ithaca. The reader knows, but Telemachus does not.
Task #2 - Please share other examples of dramatic irony in the comment section. Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
How to Read Poetry - Assonance
Reading poetry is different than reading prose. The wording is much denser, each and every word, every sound, even the position of a word or sound within a line, can wield much meaning. So let us examine poetry, The Odyssey, using the rhetorical device named assonance.
Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound within a line or lines of a poem to create internal rhyming (internal means within a line) and, thus, adding weight or emphasis upon these such sounding words. Remember what I repeat in class - "How does a good author emphasize something? By repeating it."
For example, Book I, Lines 101-102:
"befORe / Odysseus' dOOR, the threshold to his cOURt." I all-capped the repeated sounds in these lines. (BTW - a slash, such as the one that follows "before" above, indicates the end of a line of poetry)
Three words are emphasized by the repitition of the "or" sound. By emphasizing these words, the writer informs the reader in this case, about the most important information contained within these lines. Athena's position at this moment in the story is clearly indicated - before the door of his court. While this particular emphasis is extremely minor regarding the plot, it serves as an example of the word play and exactness demanded of and exhibited by great poetry.
Here is our first task - please identify other examples of assonance and attempt an explanation of its use. Please leave your replies in the comment section. Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound within a line or lines of a poem to create internal rhyming (internal means within a line) and, thus, adding weight or emphasis upon these such sounding words. Remember what I repeat in class - "How does a good author emphasize something? By repeating it."
For example, Book I, Lines 101-102:
"befORe / Odysseus' dOOR, the threshold to his cOURt." I all-capped the repeated sounds in these lines. (BTW - a slash, such as the one that follows "before" above, indicates the end of a line of poetry)
Three words are emphasized by the repitition of the "or" sound. By emphasizing these words, the writer informs the reader in this case, about the most important information contained within these lines. Athena's position at this moment in the story is clearly indicated - before the door of his court. While this particular emphasis is extremely minor regarding the plot, it serves as an example of the word play and exactness demanded of and exhibited by great poetry.
Here is our first task - please identify other examples of assonance and attempt an explanation of its use. Please leave your replies in the comment section. Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
"Dawn's Rose Fingers Touched the Sky"
I am sure you have noticed that this line is repeated throughout The Odyssey. It is a beautiful personification of the break of day. I so easily see the individual shafts of pinkish rays of light rising over the horizon as the sun of a new day approaches human eyes. But why is it repeated? When this epic poem was created the technology for writing and printing was extremely limited. As Greek society advanced it became possible for individuals to specialize in how they contributed to their society. Agriculture was productive enough that not everyone had to spend all of their time and energy on procurring food and shelter. Some humans became bards. They specialized in memorizing and reciting from memory this poem and many others. Because of the repetition of lines, the task of these bards was made easier - they did not have to remember as much and had an easier time preserving the poem for future generations of listeners, thinkers, and poets. Can you imagine memorizing this entire poem? I cannot. But when human beings judge that some task is worth their while, they do it as well as it can be done. As I will point out in future posts, this epic poem contains much more than just the tale of Odyssues, the man of many wiles. All of Greek culture is preserved within its words. A way of life, ways to survive, live within this poem. An entire world has been preserved for all of humanity.
Mr. Matluck
Mr. Matluck
Friday, July 1, 2011
Another Question from a Student!
A question has been posited by one of my scholarly students. Mason inquired as to the extreme hospitality shown to strangers/travellers throughout The Odyssey. He did so in the comment section of our first post.
Upon my first reading of this epic poem I, too, was confused by this. But there are explanationa, many of them.
I favor the explanation of humans' fear of the gods. I believe Athena, goddess of wisdom, appears to humans in disguise a number of times. Would you want to anger a Greek god with disrespect? The answer is no.
Also, one must recognize the fact that there were no hotels, restaurants, lodgings, tacverns, or inns available to travellers back then. People relied upon one another when travelling.
www1.union.edu/wareht/gkcultur/guide/8/web1.html
This web page provides a detailed explanation of your question about hospitality in the ancient Greek world. Please share your thoughts.
Upon my first reading of this epic poem I, too, was confused by this. But there are explanationa, many of them.
I favor the explanation of humans' fear of the gods. I believe Athena, goddess of wisdom, appears to humans in disguise a number of times. Would you want to anger a Greek god with disrespect? The answer is no.
Also, one must recognize the fact that there were no hotels, restaurants, lodgings, tacverns, or inns available to travellers back then. People relied upon one another when travelling.
www1.union.edu/wareht/gkcultur/guide/8/web1.html
This web page provides a detailed explanation of your question about hospitality in the ancient Greek world. Please share your thoughts.
A Question from a Student!
A former student asked - "What are they doing when they sail to the other island? What is the goal of their journey?"
First, when asking a question, please be specific, using characters' names. Knowing that the student had read the first four books, I can surmise that he was asking about Telemachus' voyage to Pylos, where he consults with Nestor, then heads to Sparta to speak with Menelaus, another important ruler in the Greek world.
The Odyssey is an epic, and epics contain many storylines. Telemachus becoming a man is one of them. Telemachus' voyage was suggested by Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom. She plays a very important role in this epic poem. In this instance, Athena is helping Telemachus to become an adult male, heir to the throne of his father, Odysseus, on the Greek Island of Ithaca. Telemachus is asserting himself as a man with the aid of Athena. By speaking with Nestor, and then Menelaus, Telemachus is no longer acting as a child, a child who has been suffering not only the absence of his father, but also the greed and insolence of the many suitors seeking his mother's hand in marriage (Penelope). As a child, Telemachus was unable to confront the suitors. As he grows during his travels and gains the confidence of an adult male through his interaction with important ruling figures in the Greek world, Telemachus is becoming the man he needs to be in order to take his rightful place as a ruler in Ithaca.
Now is the time to begin thinking of text-to-text, text-to-world, and text-to-self connections with this storyline in The Odyssey and every where else you are familiar with a child achieveing adulthood. Please share your connections in the comment section.
KEEP ASKING ME QUESTIONS!!!
Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
First, when asking a question, please be specific, using characters' names. Knowing that the student had read the first four books, I can surmise that he was asking about Telemachus' voyage to Pylos, where he consults with Nestor, then heads to Sparta to speak with Menelaus, another important ruler in the Greek world.
The Odyssey is an epic, and epics contain many storylines. Telemachus becoming a man is one of them. Telemachus' voyage was suggested by Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom. She plays a very important role in this epic poem. In this instance, Athena is helping Telemachus to become an adult male, heir to the throne of his father, Odysseus, on the Greek Island of Ithaca. Telemachus is asserting himself as a man with the aid of Athena. By speaking with Nestor, and then Menelaus, Telemachus is no longer acting as a child, a child who has been suffering not only the absence of his father, but also the greed and insolence of the many suitors seeking his mother's hand in marriage (Penelope). As a child, Telemachus was unable to confront the suitors. As he grows during his travels and gains the confidence of an adult male through his interaction with important ruling figures in the Greek world, Telemachus is becoming the man he needs to be in order to take his rightful place as a ruler in Ithaca.
Now is the time to begin thinking of text-to-text, text-to-world, and text-to-self connections with this storyline in The Odyssey and every where else you are familiar with a child achieveing adulthood. Please share your connections in the comment section.
KEEP ASKING ME QUESTIONS!!!
Thanks,
Mr. Matluck
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