1. Bellringer
Choose 1
Why does the author anthropomorphize Ithaka, or in other words, make it humanlike? Does Ithaka, A Worn Path, and Half a Day have any similarities?

2. The Odyssey
Lesson 1

3. Objectives Explore the major features of the epic poem. (9-10.RL.CS.5)
Read and annotate the invocation of The Odyssey, a section that introduces readers to characters, conflicts, and themes present in the epic.
(9-10.RL.KID.2, 9-10.RL.KID.3)
Read excerpts from The Odyssey.
(9.RL.RRTC.10)
Analyze the main characters and their responses to conflict.
(9-10.RL.KID.3)

4. Today we will begin reading the Invocation of The Odyssey.
Has anyone ever heard the word invocation before?
An invocation is an opening prayer; you might have witnessed an invocation at a graduation ceremony or religious service.
Invocation to the Muse

5. Let’s take a moment to read about the text features of an epic at the top of page 10 in your purple packet.
You WILL need to know these concepts moving forward, so make sure to take note.

6. Activity One: Step 1
Using our context clues, let us determine the words in bold.
Hallowed--honor as holy
Comrades--companion who shares one's activities or is a fellow member of an organization
Strove--made great efforts to achieve or obtain something
Bewitching--enchanting and delightful
Nymph--a mythological spirit of nature imagined as a beautiful maiden inhabiting rivers, woods, or other locations
Seething--filled with intense but unexpressed anger

7. Activity One: Step 2
Using our glossary on pg d and or the books provided, define the words in bold.
Muse--A source of inspiration to a poet or other writer, usually represented as a female deity, and conventionally called upon for assistance in a poet’s invocation . In ancient Greek religion, the muses were nine sister-goddesses, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (the goddess of memory), who presided over various arts and some branches of learning. 
Troy--the city of King Priam, besieged for ten years by the Greeks during the Trojan War
Sungod—helios
Zeus—king of the gods
Calypso—goddess nymph
Poseidon—god of the sea

8. Let’s walk through these questions together!
Activity One: Step 3
Let’s walk through these questions together!

9. Independent Practice

10. Let’s share our responses!

11. Objective Summary Sample Answers
Who is the text about?
The text is about Odysseus, a great warrior.
Where is this story taking place?
Odysseus is still lost on the open sea.
When does the action begin?
The action begins after the Trojan War.
What seems to be the problem?
Odysseus cannot get home.
Odysseus is being detained by a goddess named Calypso.
Why is there a problem? Is there any background information?
He is all alone because his fellow soldiers have died because they ate the sun god’s cattle and were punished by death.

12. Objective Summary Sample Answers
1st Draft: The text is about Odysseus, a great warrior. Odysseus is still lost on the open sea. The action begins after the Trojan War. Odysseus cannot get home. Odysseus is being detained by a goddess named Calypso. He is all alone because his fellow soldiers have died because they ate the sun god’s cattle and were punished by death.
2nd Draft: After the Trojan War, Odysseus, a great warrior, is still lost on the open sea. He is alone because his men ate the sun god’s cattle and were punished by death. Odysseus cannot get home because Calypso, a goddess, is detaining him.
Objective Summary Sample Answers

13. Let’s Continue Reading…
Look at “Characters” on page 1046 of the literature text.
What do you notice about the characters we will see in The Odyssey?
Let’s read “Sailing from Troy” on pages of the literature text.
Discussion Questions

14. The Land of the Lotus Eaters

15. Homework GUIDING QUESTION: Do heroes have responsibilities?
Respond to the following using the
CCC format:
In this episode, does Odysseus prove himself to be a hero? What responsibilities does he demonstrate—if any?
GUIDING QUESTION:
Do heroes have responsibilities?
Homework