Journal Topic The ways technology makes life better…and worse!

Review: Review: Paperless Day and Technology in the classroo m  Helpful  Problems

Journal Topic “A time I fooled someone” or “A time someone fooled me”

Journal Topic “The Biggest Threat to My Future”

What does the reader learn about Greek culture from the story of The Cyclops? Lesson 32

Review  Odysseus – Epic Hero  The Trojan War  Odysseus – a man in search of home  His story is the story of man’s search for his place in the world  Odysseus – a man facing obstacles and temptations  Life involves overcoming barriers to our goals

Review  Greek Culture and Values  Intellect  Resisting temptation  Humility (not pride)  Hospitality  Education  The Odyssey illustrates Greek values  “Train up a child in the way he should go…”  Ithaca…”A rocky isle, but good for a boy’s training.”

Web Assignment  Assigned page  Per. 1 – “I am Laertes’ Son”  Per. 2 – “The Cyclops”  Per. 4 – “The Enchantress Circe”  Posting to Discussion Tab  First Name, Last Initial – Per. _  Ex.: JohnS-Per1  Scoring  3 sentences – 70  5 sentences – 80  7 sentences – 90  9 sentences – 100

Today’s Assignment  Be sure you have posted your reaction to “I am Laertes’ Son” on the Web-Site  Read “The Cyclops” pp  Complete Quiz and turn in before you leave  Post your reactions to this section and “I am Laertes’ Son” (for homework)

 Odysseus and his men are trapped in a cave by Polyphemus – a one-eyed Cyclops (son of Poseidon)  Cyclops is strong, proud, cruel and feeds on Odysseus’ men  Odysseus and his men make a spear from an olive wood pole and blind the Cyclops  Odysseus comes up with clever plan to escape  Once safely on board, Odysseus reveals his true identity to the Cyclops and he and his men are cursed

 Cyclops violates the Greek custom of xenia (hospitality)  “Here we stand beholden for your help, or any gifts you give—as custom is to honor strangers.”  “We Cyclops care not a whistle for your thundering Zeus or all the gods in bliss…”  Cyclops demonstrates excessive pride (called hubris)—a character flaw

 Symbolism: The spear made from olive wood  According to myth, Athena and Poseidon competed for sovereignty (rule) over Attica by offering giftsmyth  Poseidon gave water to the barren land  Athena gave olive trees  Athena’s gift was deemed best Attica becomes Athens  The olive wood pole used by Odysseus to blind Polyphemus represents another victory for Athena over Poseidon

Character  Odysseus’ character  Not deceived by Polyphemus and lies about his ship’s whereabouts  Smart – doesn’t kill Polyphemus while he sleeps  Clever – gives his name as Nohbdy (the Greek word is ‘outis’—sounds a bit like Odysseus)  A strategist – comes up with the plan to escape the cave  Pride– shouts out his name to Polyphemus

Key ideas in the story  Kleos - the glory or renown that one earns in the eyes of others by performing great deeds  Odysseus announcement of his name (act associated with xenia):  “Ransacker of cities” – description of his deeds  “Laertes’ son” – paternal heritage  “Whose home is Ithaca” – reference to homeland  By blinding Polyphemus and announcing his name he is proclaiming his greatness (kleos)  Story further illustrates the Greek view of the superiority of intellect over physical strength

Comparison Comparison Polyphemus  Pride  Overestimates his own strength/power  Underestimates his opponent  Blind to Odysseus’ cunning Odysseus  Pride  Overestimates his own wisdom/power  Revelation of his name is foolish (lacks foresight/wisdom)  Telling the son of Poseidon his name is an act of hubris