4.28.15+and+4.29.15

Who is the "monster" debate: Odysseus or Polyphemus

To engage with point of view in Book 9, we are going to stage a debate in order to answer the question: Who is more of a “monster”-- Odysseus or Polyphemus? What single stories do each utilize against the other? What problems does this create for each?

Using the textual evidence you collected in your Image Study Assignment, and digging into the diction that Homer uses in constructing Odysseus’ story, prepare a collection of evidence that supports your “side”. Be prepared to vocalize your side of the argument and prove yourself to be “innocent”.

Use the images you created, and the quotes you selected in your image study with your highlighted word choice that you will unpack to prove your argument.

Rules: Session 1: > > > > Session 2: > > Rules: > > >
 * 1)  Each side has 10-15 minutes to work as a team to combine evidence and nominate key speakers.
 * 1)  Each side will have 5 minutes in the debate to argue their case in small groups.
 * 1)  Each side must use visual and textual evidence to persuade the listeners, and in the first session, each person in the group must speak.
 * 1)  Each side will have a five minute follow-up after both groups go to ask questions or stage arguments.
 * 1)  Each group nominates a speaker to represent their “side”.
 * 1)  Each speaker approaches the document camera and has 2 minutes to make their group’s case and set up any counter arguments. Speakers should use both textual and visual evidence to make their case.
 * 1)  Language must be appropriate and professional--you can disagree without being mean/inappropriate.
 * 1)  While one group is presenting, the other may not speak or verbally react.
 * 1)  When someone is speaking, he or she has the floor without interruption.

Reflection:

After participating in the debate, what thoughts do you have about the Polyphemus/Odysseus scene? Do you feel sympathetic toward one character over the other? Did you agree with your own arguments in the debate? Why or why not? Have any of your opinions changed regarding either character or the scene as a whole? Do you see single stories at play? How could both characters have acted differently to improve the situation? What can we learn from this conflict? How does this scene connect to other texts we’ve read this year or ideas we’ve discussed?

Read: Book 10--add Aeolus' Island, Laestrygonians, and Circe's Island to your Map Assignment

HW: Read an online source to summarize Book 11, OR read it! Update map for the events in Book 9 and 10.