The Odyssey Lesson Plan

Holding Out for a Hero

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

To formulate complex ideas about virtue and lack thereof, and how the virtues we value shape our culture

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.6 ; CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.3

Structure:

Have a classwide discussion about what makes somebody a hero. Determine which characters in the Odyssey fit this definition. Is Odysseus actually the hero of his own story? Or is he simply the protagonist? Students should be able to talk about the character of Odysseus and what kind of culture would value his particular skills and virtues.

As a group, students should come up with lists of qualities that...