The Odyssey and the Hero's Journey

Step 1:  Define the following terms using an online resource.  These terms will help you in your understanding of The Odyssey.  Terms must be handwritten.  The following sites will be helpful for defining the terms:

Britannica Online:  www.britannica.com

Online Dictionary:  www.dictionary.com

TERMS:  Achilles, ambrosia, Apollo, Athena, Circe, Cyclops, Helen, Hercules, Muses, Olympus, Orion, Penelope, Persephone, Sirens, Styx, Telemachus, Troy, Zeus, epic

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Step 2:  Take time to read and analyze the information about the hero's journey on the following sites.  Refer back to this information as needed.

Site 1:  Read this site...do not take notes.

Hero's Journey:  A Summary of Steps:  http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/smc/journey/ref/summary.html

Site 2:  Read and take notes over this site.  Use bullet points (words and phrases).

The Stages of a Hero's Journey:  http://members.tripod.com/~ma_belle69/stages.html

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Step 3:  Read the detailed modern version of The Odyssey and take notes on the main events. 

SITE 1:  http://www.mythweb.com/odyssey/book01.html

SITE 2:  Shorter Version:  http://www.mythweb.com/odyssey/index.html

SITE 3:  http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/section1.rhtml

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Step 4:  Your assignment will be composed of three parts. 

First, you will write a letter from the perspective of Odysseus telling about 5 stages he had to overcome while on his journey.  Choose and define 5 stages of the hero's journey from a website listed above.  Find examples of the stages you choose in The Odyssey.  Explain Odysseus' experiences as he is challenged and how he overcomes the challenges in that stage.  Underline the term for each stage as you discuss it.

Second, create a colorful and eye-catching original movie poster (8 1/2 x 11 inch size) to illustrate a scene from the poem. 

Third, write or type an original song of any genre (rock, rap, country, etc) that is 25-30 lines long telling the story of Odysseus.  The song does not have to rhyme.

Letter format:  http://wiz.cath.vt.edu/tw/TechnicalWriting/corresp/letters/formatexamples/fullBlock.html

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When you have completed the project, you will submit the assignments in the following order:  (1) Terms (2) Stages Letter (3) Movie Poster and (4) song.

A Self-evaluation Checklist must be filled out and stapled to the front.  Please put your name, date, and period on this sheet.