1. Activator: Commit, Pass, Share
INSTRUCTIONS: On your index card, respond to the following questions:
What does the word “epic” mean?
What makes something “epic”?
DO NOT WRITE YOUR NAME ON THE INDEX CARD!

2. Activator: Commit, Pass, Share
INSTRUCTIONS: Pass your index card around the room multiple times. You should not know who has your index card and whose index card you have.

3. Activator: Commit, Pass, Share
INSTRUCTIONS: I will pick random numbers that match the numbers on the index cards. If the number I call matches the number on the index card you have, then read the response written there.

4. Introduction to the epic genre and the text
The Odyssey
Introduction to the epic genre and the text

5. Epic: Definition and Facts
An epic is a long narrative poem that tells about a larger-than-life hero, who represents the values of his society.
The epic is the oldest literary form or genre.
Epics were passed down orally for generations by storytellers (bards) before they were written down.

6. Conventions of an Epic
Many epics share standard characteristics and formulas known as epic conventions, including:
an invocation, or formal plea for aid, to a deity or some other spiritual power to inspire the poet
the action beginning in medias res, meaning in the middle of things, and then a flashback that depicts events that took place before the narrative’s current time
epic similes, which are elaborate, extended comparisons, relating the epic’s heroic events to simple, everyday events
an elevated, formal style of writing
gods and goddesses having an active role in the story

7. The Odyssey In Medias Res
The Odyssey begins “in the middle of things.”
In the middle of Telemachus’s life:
He is 20 and powerful men are threatening to take his inheritance and mother, Queen Penelope.
In the middle of Odysseus’s life:
He is stuck on an island having a “mid-life crisis.”

8. The Epic Hero Supernatural abilities or qualities Charged with a quest
He receives help and hindrance from divine beings along the way
Reaches a low point where he nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated
Gains restitution, usually by regaining his rightful place
Typically travels to a supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred from entering
The hero embodies the values of his culture

9. Odyssey: A Definition and Examples
An odyssey is a long series of adventures, especially when filled with memorable experiences, hardships, etc.
Examples:
The Hobbit
Forrest Gump
The Lion King
The Wizard of Oz
Star Wars

10. Conventions of an Odyssey
Personal journey transformed into a cultural journey
Call to adventure
Supernatural forces that help or cause problems to hero
A series of tasks or trials
A victorious or defeated hero
A homecoming

11. Odysseus is an epic hero.
Summarizer: Constructing Support INSTRUCTIONS: Copy the graphic organizer below and fill in the three spaces for evidence with examples from The Odyssey that support the statement that “Odysseus is an epic hero.”
Odysseus is an epic hero.
EVIDENCE