The Hero's Journey--English 9

As we continue reading The Odyssey and the many adventures of Odysseus (Oh-dis-EE-us) We need to look at the journey a hero must take in order to find his way home. A hero is not created from the same "clay" as mere mortals, they are different and the expectations on their life are different. I think if you look at the diagram of The Hero's Journey it will be a little easier to understand and follow. We will build a diagram of Odysseus' own heroic journey so print out the diagram and keep it with you in class so you can easily refer back to specific steps.

The Crucible--Act III

Welcome to Act III of Arthur Miller's The Crucible. It's starting to get juicy isn't it? There is witchcraft, betrayal, anger, drama and innocents being tortured until they falsely confess that they had dealings with the devil. I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when she sang out: "Lions, tigers and bears, Oh My!" And we're only going into the THIRD act WOW!

Poor Abigail, that girl can't catch a break! Just teasing. I feel as if she is the true evil [insert horns on her head here] and has easily manipulated and bended the village to her will that she can shamelessly and boldly accuse anyone...well almost anyone of witchcraft.  What do you think? Am I wrong? Is Abigail just misunderstood? More compelling yet, do you know an Abigail type of girl or guy someone who is obsessed and not willing to give up on what they want no matter what?

What do you think Whitman would have said to Abigail? If he wrote a poem about her what would that sound like?

As usual, I'm including this weeks Act III information here on the blog in case you lose yours or misplace it (not that that would ever happen to one of my darling eleventh graders): Act III Questions, Act III Standards Focus Irony and Act III Vocabulary.

Act II The Crucible

Well, that Abigail is a friendly girl isn't she? It's really now wonder that Mr. Proctor has decided it was better if they were just friends. As we begin Act II of The Crucible you will need the following handouts to help you keep everything straight. Here you can find: Act II Vocabulary , Act II Questions, and the Crucible Figurative Language Packet.

While we read here's something to mull over... is the Devil really in Salem? Is he there, but just not in the form of witchcraft? Hmmmm think it over and let me know.

The Odyssey Vocabulary Part One

Imagine the challenge of trying to find your way home both physically and metaphorically? Sometimes, we view the world around us as being the cause of us not getting what we want. Like Odysseus, we must face our own challenges and overcome them so that we may return "home" whether that is a place or a feeling.

As we read "The Odyssey" we'll see specific vocabulary throughout part one; so with that being said and in case you lost your handout--here it is again Odyssey Vocabulary Part One. You will have a vocabulary quiz on Friday and that is when the vocabulary handout is due.  You can find "The Odyssey"  here--just scroll all the way down to where it says EPIC. So far we have read pages one, two, three and part of page four (we stopped at the Witch Circe).

Remember: A myth is just a traditional story that explains a belief, ritual or mysterious phenomenon. Also, never eat a Lotus petal, you'll never want to phone home again.

Walt Whitman, "Oh Captain, My Captain"

We are on a mission in English 11! Not only are we going to read The Crucible, but we are also going to cover American Masters too! Starting with the Walt Whitman PowerPoint and discussing his poem "Oh Captain, My Captain". Read it, analyze it and try and find deeper meaning to the words that appear in front of you. We will discuss this in class. 

On a side note you may have heard this poem in the movie Dead Poets Society which of course only enhances the emotions felt and connection to the universal soul.

"Identity Crisis--Athena" Myth and Questions English 9

Here you will find the Identity Crisis-Athena myth so you can refer to back to the story in order to answer the following questions. (Remember to answer the questions in complete sentences and use MLA format)

1. Why do you think Metis eventually gave into Zeus' advances?
2. How was Athena born? Why is the way she was born significant?
3. Athena became the protectress of heroes. List some of the heroes she helped. Who is Orestes? What 
    is significant about Athena's help? What part of Orestes ordeal is still in use today in modern courtrooms?
4. Why was Athena considered 'superintelligent'?
5. Why do you think Athena so easily identified with gods and mortal men?
6. Was the outcome of the weaving competition just? Did Athena actually help Arachne in the end or create
     an eternal punishment for her boasting?
7. Please identify one theme in the myth and two character traits that Athena possess.

Act I The Crucible {English 11}

As we begin Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible keep in mind how history often repeats itself however indirectly it may seem. We've discussed McCarthyism and how easily mass hysteria can spiral out of control--especially when ego and pride are involved. In case you misplaced your Act I Homework Packet or Act I Vocabulary Chart you can get them here. Both are due Thursday, October 27. You will have a vocabulary and Act I quiz on the twenty-seventh as well.

The history of the Salem Witch Trials is very interesting, but macabre since so many were falsely accused. Check out The Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692 to view selected pictures, letters and actual arrest warrants.

Mythology Power Points English 9

Confused? Lost your notes? Well, then this is the post for you! Here you will find the Introduction to Mythology, Mythological Monsters and Mythology Origin Story Power Points. Review at your leisure and give a little shout out to the teachers who created the Mythology Origin Story and Mythological Monsters PowerPoint's.