Monday/Tuesday:
Bring your Norton's (I & II--orange) books to class. We will discuss books XI-XIII. We will probably read book XIV in class and then you are to finish book XV for homework. NO READING QUIZ UNTIL AFTER AP & SOL TESTS. But there will be one on "The Odyssey"--where we will go farther. 17/18 (along with pages assigned--when they are assigned--in Slaughterhouse Five).
Wednesday/Thursday:
We will also read and discuss Tennyson's "Ulysses." It is already available on my student-shared folder, but I have also created a hand-out. We will also (if we have not already as in first period) read Book XVII of "The Odyssey." Read Book XVIII for homework.
Then I will distribute Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five. I may not have enough for all students, so if you already have a copy of the novel, please bring your own. If you have your own, you may also write in it. Begin reading the novel. I have not come up with a schedule yet, but you should probably finish the novel by May 21st. There will be benchmarks, however, that you will be expected to meet.
I am keeping in mind the strange SOL schedules and the fact that several of you will be taking APs.
Friday:
Bring novels. Brief discussion on the novel. Continue reading the novel. Read assigned chapters (I need to access the book at school in order to give you chapter numbers) by Monday/Tuesday.
Next week, we'll watch "O Brother Where Art Thou?"--a contemporary movie about "The Odyssey." It also includes some pop culture figures from the depression years.
"Odyssey" figures to look for in the film:
"Ulysses" McGill--played by George Clooney. "Ulysses" is another name for Odysseus.
The blind seer--a Tiresias figure who is blind and who drives a small hand-propelled rail cart.
Poseidon/the Devil: a corrupt police official / sheriff who tries to track Ulysses and his friends down.
The Kyklopes/Con-man (and Bible salesman)--played by John Goodman with an eye patch.
Sirens (also could represent the other seductresses / nymphs encountered along the way)
Penelope--goes by "Penny," played wonderfully by Holly Hunter.
Pop-Culture / Historical References:
Robert Johnson (different first name in the movie): famous musician who supposedly sold his soul to the devil for musical abilities. The real Robert Johnson was supposedly killed by a jealous husband. His music continues to be performed by famous artists.
There is a ku klux klan rally that imitates the scene in "The Wizard of Oz" when the evil witch's minions march.
Baby-Faced Nelson: famous bank robber the "Soggy Bottom Boys" encounter.
Banks foreclosing on poor farmers.
Corrupt politicians with "populist" views.
Famous southern politician "Pappy O'Daniel."
Old-fashioned radio station. You can see one just like the one we see if you ever drive down German School Road on Richmond's south side.
Bringing electricity to the country--and flooding out lands to do so.
Great music!
