Odyssey Character Mini-Project
You are about to step into the “life” of a famous character from The Odyssey. Look over the characters and decide before we go. We will go to the library so that you may research the following questions:
1. Who was your character and what was s/he famous for in THE ODYSSEY?
2. How do you pronounce his/her name?
3. What is a symbol of your character?
4. Based upon what you can learn about his/her personality, under which astrological
sign was he/she probably born?
You must take notes using the Working Notes and Bibliography Forms. All notes should be in your own writing and in your own words. All notes must be attached to the back of your paper when you turn it in.
After you have found the answers to these four questions, you will need to write a narrative essay in the voice of your character [first person narration]. In your journal, introduce and describe yourself.. Next, explain the role you played in The Odyssey. Be sure to describe any symbols associated with you and explain their meanings. Finally, describe your personality and, if possible, attribute it to your astrological sign. Be creative and write in the voice of your character. You can frame the above information in the form of a journal that recounts a difficult day, for example. Just be sure you have included all of the required information in your account.
Your journal should be double-spaced, typed, edited for grammar, mechanics, usage, spelling, and content. Your essay should be one to two pages in length. You must attach your notes.
You will also need to make a brief presentation to the class using a visual aid of some sort. You will assume the role of your assigned character and must give a brief explanation of your character’s role in The Odyssey. Also, describe symbols and your astrological sign. You must pronounce the name of your character correctly during your presentation. Please provide a visual aid in support of your presentation. A visual could be a costume, a symbol, or another, creative support.
Internet:
Ancient World Online: Enter your character’s name
in the search box.
Passwords:
UserName: walnut
Password: hills
http://www.fofweb.com/Direct2.asp?ItemID=WE49&ID=17890
Encyclopedia
Mythica – An online mythology encyclopedia with information
on Greek heroes, gods and goddesses, as well as images.
http://www.pantheon.org/mythica.html
World
Book Online – From the Infohio website choose “Grades
9-12”, then click the World Book Advanced button. Put in the name
of your character. Passwords: UserName: think
Password: infohio
http://www.infohio.org/
Odyssey
Online – An online book with a keyword index to important
people in the Odyssey.
http://www.mythweb.com/odyssey/index.html
English 9 Odyssey Project
Odyssey Role
Achilles Bravest fighter of Trojan War with just one weakness
Aeolus God of the wind who helps Odysseus
Agamemnon Commander of the Greeks in Trojan War
Alcinous King of Phaeacia to whom Odysseus tells tale; gives ship
Aphrodite Goddess of love
Apollo God of poetry, music, and prophesy
Athena Goddess of wisdom and war; aids Odysseus
Calliope Muse of epic poetry
Calypso Sea nymph Odysseus lives with 7 years
Circe Witch-goddess who transforms Odysseus’ men into beasts
Helios Sun god with herd of cattle
Hera Queen of the gods
Hermes God of travelers; gives Odysseus magic plant against Circe
Homer Wrote Iliad and Odyssey
Laertes Father of Odysseus
Odysseus Protagonist; name means to cause pain
Penelope Wife of Odysseus
Polyphemus Cyclops, son Poseidon
Poseidon God of the sea; father of Cyclopes
Scylla Six-headed monster by whirlpool Charybdis
Telemachus Son of Odysseus
Tiresias Blind prophet who advises Odysseus on how to get home
Zeus King of the gods
ENGLISH 9 ODYSSEY MINI-PROJECT GRADING RUBRIC
JOURNAL (40 POINTS) __________
• Covers
role in Odyssey accurately and thoroughly in first person voice?
• Describes any symbols attributed to character and explains why?
• Describes personality and assigns an astrological sign appropriately?
• Double-spaces paper, typing or writing neatly with notes attached in
support?
• Edits well for mechanics, grammar, usage, and spelling?
PRESENTATION (35 points) __________
• Pronounces
character name correctly?
• Gives brief, accurate account of role in Odyssey?
• Describes any symbols attributed to character and explains them?
• Tells audience which sign s/he was born under and explains why?
• Supports presentation by using a creative visual aid?
TOTAL PROJECT SCORE (75 POSSIBLE) __________