Literature of Ancient Greece
Greece is a small mountainous country, yet it gave birth to some of the most cherished ideas of Western civilization. The Greeks championed individual freedom, developed an early form of democracy, and demonstrated the power of rational thought. Greek ideals of beauty and justice have spread throughout the world. Greek literature, especially poetry and drama continue to inspire writers today.
Literary Analysis: Epic Hero An epic hero is a larger-than-life figure whose actions are central to an epic poem. Epic heroes take part in dangerous adventures and accomplish great deeds that require courage and superhuman strength. In the Iliad, both Achilles and Hector may be considered epic heroes. As you will see, however, there are major differences between these two characters. from the Iliad by Homer
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Literary Style: Epithets
Epithets are descriptive words of phrases that characterize persons and things. For example, the adjectives "brilliant" and "godlike" frequently appear before Achilles' name. He is also identified as "the swift runner," "the headstrong runner," and "the proud runner." Literary Style: Epic Simile As you know, a simile is a comparison that contains the word like or as. An epic simile is a simile that extends over several lines. Often epic similes serve to increase the dramatic power of the passages in which they occur. Partner Paraphrase Working with partner (or trio) paraphrase your assigned lines (approximately 30). Use modern, standard English to paraphrase the lines of the epic poem into prose. Use the italicized opening at a model. As you paraphrase your section, record at least two epithets, an epic simile, and three examples of imagery - language that appeals to the reader's senses. Finally, compose one "quiz" question taken from your section. The question may be multiple choice, T/F, fill in the blank, or short answer. Turn in your question to Mrs. coy. You and your partner(s) will present your paraphrase in the order of the story, then direct the class to the literary techniques you identified. |
from the Odyssey by Homer
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Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
Of all Sophocles' tragic characters, the one who has touched the hearts of audiences most deeply is Oedipus. Sophocles himself was fascinated with this king and his family. Two of his surviving tragedies - Oedipus the King and Oedipus at Colonus - are about Oedipus, and Antigone centers on one of his daughters. These three plays are sometimes called the Theban plays. Thebes, an ancient city in central Greece, was once among the most powerful of Greek city-states. The city is important in the legend of Oedipus and in all three plays.
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Intro to Oedipus PreziAs you view the Prezi or Crash Course, use a 3-2-1 Reading Strategy
Note 3 Things You Found Out Note 2 Interesting Things Note 1 Question You Still Have
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Literature of Ancient Rome
The Roman Empire was one of the largest and greatest empires of Western civilization. The Romans united the diverse peoples of the Mediterranean world under one political system. Moreover, the Romans maintained the longest period of peace that Western civilization has ever known. Their language, Latin, developed into such modern languages as Italian, French, and Spanish. The literary heritage of Rome reflects the values cherished by this civilization.
from the Aeneid by Virgil
Book 2: The Fall of Troy
Perspectives on Helen of Troy
"Helen of Troy" by Sara Teasdale
"To Helen" by Edgar Allan Poe
"The Face that Launch'd a Thousand Ships" by Christopher Marlowe
from the Metamorphoses by Ovid
The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe
The Story of Daedalus and Icarus
from the Aeneid by Virgil
Book 2: The Fall of Troy
Perspectives on Helen of Troy
"Helen of Troy" by Sara Teasdale
"To Helen" by Edgar Allan Poe
"The Face that Launch'd a Thousand Ships" by Christopher Marlowe
from the Metamorphoses by Ovid
The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe
The Story of Daedalus and Icarus