Mythology Unit Self-Check
If you did NOT submit an extra credit packet, you must still turn in:
q Final copy of a hero’s journey chart
q Paragraph comparing a non-Greek myth to your definition of myth?
q Paragraph comparing “The Odyssey” to your definition of myth?
The three items above are due BEFORE 11:45am on WEDNESDAY
Even though I built in a “cushion” day for film viewing, we are still not finished viewing and discussing “O Brother …” For this reason, you have a simple assignment over the Thanksgiving weekend. You are not required to complete the Odyssey-O Brother project, but I want you prepare for the finished product with some writing.
Write two paragraphs this weekend, DUE THE FIRST CLASS AFTER BREAK (counts for 20 points):
1. One will compare and contrast an aspect of the film and poem you think is so obvious that most people will include it on their final project.
2. One will compare and contrast an aspect of the film and poem you think is not so obvious – it is unlikely that most people will include it in their final project.
Ideas for paragraph one:
q The challenge of the sirens
q The link between Everett and Odysseus
q The challenge of the Cyclops
Ideas for paragraph two:
q Pete’s death and resurrection (twice!)
q The link between the lawman w/ the hound and Hades
q The interference of George Nelson as “supernatural”
If you have trouble, use the following outline to help you with the paragraphs:
1. One sentence that clearly states the link between the poem and film
2. 2-4 sentences: A brief summary of simply what happens in the scene(s) in the film
3. As much explanation of how the scene(s) in the film relate to the poem “The Odyssey”
4. As you explain links, continuously ask yourself this question: “How is this part of the film similar to or different from the poem?”
Poor explanation (in fact, no explanation at all):
Everett in the film is Odysseus in the poem. …
Getting better:
Everett in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” is similar to Odysseus in “The Odyssey.” Both men have a goal of returning to their families. …
Even better:
Everett in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” has similarities to Odysseus in “The Odyssey.” To begin, both men have the same name, as Everett’s first name “Ulysses” is Latin for “Odysseus.” They also have similar goals. Odysseus wishes to return to his wife Penelope after serving in the Trojan War, and Everett wishes to find and win back his wife before she marries another man. …
Really cooking:
The two main characters in the film “O Brother, Where Art Thou” and “The Odyssey” have many similarities that bind them together, yet there are a few key differences between the men as well. To begin, both men have the same name, as Everett’s first name “Ulysses” is Latin for “Odysseus.” They also have similar goals. Odysseus wishes to return to his wife Penelope after serving in the Trojan War, and Everett wishes to find and win back his wife before she marries another man. The difference in their goals appears when we consider their respective wives. Penelope has waited for Odysseus’ return, refusing to take another husband, whereas Penny in “O Brother…” has abandoned Everett for another man, and has even gone so far as to suggest to her daughters that Everett has been “hit by a train” so the children will forget their original father. This shows that not only are the wives different, but the men are as well. Penelope waits for a strong, honorable husband she is proud of, while Everett has been convicted and sent to prison for practicing law without a license. Even though both men are “heroes” in their respective stories, Everett has committed a crime that separated him from his wife. …