The Wanderings of Odysseus Blog 3

Respond to the following questions and then comment on at least one other person's response.  Make sure you use evidence from the novel to support your answer.

When we read about Odysseus's experience with the Cyclops, we talked about the "Road of Trials"  and the series of tests that occur in the journey of a hero.  How are "tests" an important part of the novel from the chapter "Return to Ithaca" to the end of the novel?  Do these "tests" have a similar or a different purpose in the journeys of both Odysseus and the other significant characters?

The Wanderings of Odysseus Blog 2

The chapters "Telemachus Seeks His Father" through "The Phaeacian Games" takes place after Odysseus has lost all his men.  Considering the events and the characters who experience the events, is this section of the novel about hope or is it about despair? Respond both individually and to at least one other person's response.  Be sure to use evidence from the novel to support your answer.

The Wanderings of Odysseus Blog 1

Respond thoroughly to the following question using evidence from the novel.  Make sure to individually answer the question and thoughtfully consider at least one other person's answer and respond.

Question:  Considering both favorable and unfavorable events so far in the novel, from Odysseus's departure from Troy to his men's experience with the Hyperion's cattle, is the outcome of these various events a result of "luck" or man's own doing?

Black Ships Before Troy - Part III

After finishing the novel, answer the following question and also respond to at least 1 classmate's commentary by Friday, Dec. 16.  Be sure to use evidence from the novel to support your answer.
Question:  Considering the events from the beginning of the novel to the end and also the outcome of the major characters' lives in this story, was it the right decision on the part of the Greeks to send in the Trojan horse?

Black Ships Before Troy - Part II

Respond to the following question about your reading of Black Ships Before Troy (pages 40 - 91) by Friday, December 9.  First respond to the question, then respond to at least one other student's commentary.

Question:  Is Achilles strong or is he weak?  Make sure to use lots of evidence to support your answer.

Black Ships Before Troy - part I

Read pages 1-39 of Black Ships Before Troy and answer the following question by Friday, December 2nd.  Respond to my question using evidence from the novel first, and then respond to at least one other person's commentary.  The goal is to develop a thoughtful conversation among your classmates.
Question:  On page 27, the old men murmur among themselves that it would be a fine thing for Troy if Helen were to go back to her first lord and her own people.  Considering the events of the novel so far, from the "Golden Apple" to "The Women of Troy", is it best if Helen returns to her people? (Make sure to use evidence from the novel to support your answer.)