Essential Questions

How do you think Odysseus feels during his journey?
Is Odysseus a hero by modern standards?

The Rhapsodist’s Task

In a “freaky Friday” body swap, you have become the epic hero, Odysseus! As you journey across the Aegean Sea, you will catalog your trials, tribulations, and feelings about each episode in a postcard home to your wife, Penelope. Create your postcards just like the two-sided postcards we send to our friends and family. On the front, provide a colorful illustration of what occurred in the episode (colorful drawings or photo shop are preferred, but clip-art is acceptable). On the backside, type your letter to Penelope, where you include:

• A detailed, vivid account of what occurred
• Your reflections about how the event affected you and your crew
• At least one quote from the Odyssey, followed by a professional citation

The Final Touch

Type your postcards. Make sure each episode has a title and a picture. Create an eye-catching cover for your postcard collection. Then, number your postcards and create a table of contents. Presentation is important for this project, so make sure you allow ample time to type and display it.

Teacher Reflection

Students were asked to create a collection of postcards from the perspective of Odysseus to his beloved wife Penelope documenting his trip through the Aegean Sea. The assignment helped students become more involved in the story because it asked them to express, in writing, the range of emotions Odysseus may have felt while battling one eyed giants, traveling to the frightening underworld, and witnessing the deaths of his men. Not only did students develop a deep appreciation for the Odyssey, but they also came to understand tone and perspective in their writing.

—Angela Guerrero

For more on this project and others visit
http://dp.hightechhigh.org/~aguerrero/