The Odyssey Character Project (100 points; test grade)

You are about to step into the life of a famous character from The Odyssey. As a class we will go to the library on 10/7 and 10/8 to research our characters. You will need to answer the following questions as prewriting, and then turn your prewriting into a narrative essay.
1. Who was your character and what was he/she famous for in The Odyssey? Read the book (chapter) in which your character appeared. Take notes and paraphrase as you read. Research your character in the library. Write a summary your character’s involvement in the book.
2. How do you pronounce your character’s name? Check p. 597 in Adventures.
3. What is a symbol for your character? If your character is a mortal, you may create a symbol for him/her. Most of the gods are associated with a symbol.
4. Based upon what you learned about your character’s personality, under which astrological sign was he/she most likely born? Cite text.
5. What story(s)-other than The Odyssey-is your character known for?(For example, Odysseus also played a huge role in The Iliad.)

Please take notes-summary, paraphrase, direct quotes-on the working notes and bibliography forms available in the library. Attach your notes to the back of your Narrative Essay. You also need to create an MLA formatted bibliography and attach it to the back of your essay.

Narrative Essay
After you have taken notes and answered the five questions above, you will need to write a first-person narrative essay from the point of view of your character. First introduce yourself and what you are known for. Next, explain the role you played in The Odyssey. Be sure to describe any symbols associated with you and explain what they represent. Finally, describe your personality and attribute it to your astrological sign. You need to use three quotes from your research in your essay, citing them correctly using MLA documentation.

Your essay should be double-spaced, typed or neatly written in ink, edited for content and MUGS. Your essay should be 11/2 to 2 pages in length.

Finally, you will make a brief presentation to the class using a visual aid to enhance your performance. You will assume the role of your assigned character to give an explanation of your role in The Odyssey, any symbols attributed to you, and your astrological sign. Be sure to pronounce the name of your character correctly during the presentation.

The grading rubric is attached.
Notes on 1-5 due Wed., 10/14. Papers due Fri., 10/16 Presentations on Tues. 10/20.

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 Book/Chapter
Achilles Bravest fighter of Trojan War with just one weakness 11
Aeolus God of the wind who helps Odysseus 10
Agamemnon Commander of the Greeks in Trojan War 11
Alcinous King of Phaeacia to whom Odysseus tells tale; gives ship 6,7,8
Aphrodite Goddess of love
Apollo God of poetry, music, and prophesy
Athena Goddess of wisdom and war; aids Odysseus 1,2,3,7,13,15
Calliope Muse of epic poetry
Calypso Sea nymph Odysseus lives with 7 years 4,12
Circe Witch-goddess who transforms Odysseus’ men into beasts 10
Eurymachus Suitor who tries to bargain with Odysseus for his life
Helios Sun god with herd of cattle 7
Hera Queen of the gods
Hermes God of travelers; gives Odysseus magic plant against Circe 5,10,24
Homer Wrote Iliad and Odyssey narrator
Laertes Father of Odysseus 24
Odysseus Protagonist; name means to cause pain 5-24
Penelope Wife of Odysseus 1,17,18,19
Polyphemus Cyclops, son Poseidon 9
Poseidon God of the sea; father of Cyclopes 1,5,13
Scylla Six-headed monster by whirlpool Charybdis 12
Telemachus Son of Odysseus 1-4,15,16
Tiresias Blind prophet who advises Odysseus on how to get home 10
Zeus King of the gods 1, 12

Other possible characters:
Nestor – bk. 3
Eumaeus – 14
Helen – 4
Menelaus – 4
Nausieaa - 6

English 9 Odyssey Project Rubric Name_____________

Notes (25 points, 5 points each step) ______
• Follows directions on steps 1-5 of project