English 1 The Odyssey Webquest

 

TASK 1: The History of Homer

Visit the following link: http://library.thinkquest.org/19300/data/homerhist.htm

On notebook paper, answer the questions on slide #2. Click on each slide and read to find the answer. Craft a response of one to two sentences.

1.      Who was Homer?

2.      Where did he live?

3.      When were these epics composed?

4.      Why does Homeric literature still survive today?

TASK 2: Epic Elements

Visit the following link: http://www3.dbu.edu/mitchell/epic.htm

The Odyssey is an epic. An epic is a long narrative poem on a great and serious subject, related in an elevated style, and centered on a hero on whose actions depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race. The traditional epics were shaped by a literary artist from historical and legendary materials which had developed in the oral traditions of his nation during a period of expansion and warfare (Beowulf, The Odyssey, The Iliad)

5.      Copy the enumerated characteristics of an epic into your notes.

TASK 3: The Journey of Odysseus

Visit the following link: http://maptal.es/tales/15#step14

Click on the right arrow key to read a summary of the events in The Odyssey. For each page, write the title of the event and one bullet point about the plot, which has been summarized for you. Begin with the “Troy” page and end with “Ithaca.” When you have finished, you should have a total of fourteen entries for TASK 3.

TASK 4: Extension and Enrichment Activities

Visit the following link: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/hero-journey-30069.html

Complete your own interactive hero’s journey!