Day 57: Socratic Seminar on “The Beggar and the Faithful Dog”

1. Sentence diagramming practice. Students diagrammed the following sentences:

1. It was Argos.
2. Odysseus reveals himself.
3. A unique scar marks his leg.
4. “I will marry the best shooter.”
5. Horror swept through the suitors.

2. Review of diagrams.

3. Socratic Seminar. Students discussed “The Beggar and the Faithful Dog” in an attempt to reach a common understanding of the text. Students had the opportunity to ask their own discussion questions. Students were graded on their participation and on taking notes on what others said.

HW: Read p. 703-709, “Death at the Palace” and “Odysseus and Penelope” by Wednesday. Take notes on stickies and answer the reading questions (reposted below).

“Death at the Palace” p. 703-705

Reading and questions due Wednesday 11/18

1. Draw a cartoon of dead Antinous. Include what he was doing when he died and where Odysseus’ arrow landed. (703)
2. What does Eurymachus suggest Odysseus do (or not do) after seeing Antinous killed? (704)
3. How does Odysseus respond to Eurymachus’ request? (705)
4. What does this response show about Odysseus’ character?
5. Make up your own question and try to answer it. The question should either be about something you don’t understand or a probing discussion question with no clear right answer.

Honors: 6. Look at the description of Antinous’ death: “did he dream of death? How could he?” How does asking these questions heighten the importance of this killing?

“Odysseus and Penelope” p. 706-709

Reading and questions due Wednesday 11/18

1. How is Penelope’s response to Odysseus’ identity similar to Telemachus’ response? How is it different? (706)
2. Draw Odysseus’ bed. (708)
3. Once Odysseus proves his identity to Penelope, how does she react to him? What does she do? What does she say? (708)
4. Do you think this reaction is appropriate? Choose one line from her speech to support your answer. (708-709)
5. Make up your own question and try to answer it. The question should either be about something you don’t understand or a probing discussion question with no clear right answer.

Absentees: Diagram the five sentences above. Turn in to the make-up work basket tomorrow. Do HW for Wednesday.