Classical Literature
Monthly Parent Newsletter
Dear Parents, December 2023
We are finishing our study of Greek tragedy with the playwright Sophocles' masterful works, Oedipus and Antigone. In these plays, Sophocles raises important questions about self-knowledge, wisdom, justice and natural law. In class, the students have enjoyed acting out the plays -- a welcome change of pace from the lengthy feat of reading the Iliad. However, students are already reaping the benefits of their hard work on the Iliad as our epic journey through Greek mythology is all the richer with it.
Students may use the final exam study guide and additional resources posted under the Greek tragedy dropdown menu. They will receive a study guide in class and two full class periods of review. They may attend tutoring for additional study time.
Thank you for your continued partnership. I hope your family is enjoying the holiday season!
Kind regards,
Ms. Lind
Homework
Please view the discussion schedule below. This document lists the pages that are due for each day. Therefore, come to class ready to discuss those pages.
The Iliad
Guiding Questions - The Iliad
Epic Conventions - supplementary article
Essay requirements and prompts
Iliad Essay Workbook
Greek Tragedy (and final exam)
Bellwork - Oedipus and Antigone
Introductions to Greek Theatre, Tragedy and Sophocles (includes notes on Oedipus and Antigone)
The Odyssey
Introduction to Homer and the Odyssey (presentation)
Additional hard copy maps and charts will be provided in class. We will use these handouts for reviewing throughout the unit. Please visit the 'course handouts' tray on the supply table for extras.
The Aeneid
Introduction to Virgil and the Ancient Romans - Presentation
Aeneid Essay - Prompts and Writing Guide
Inferno
Extra resources:
Danteworlds - an textual, audio and visual exploration of Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso (very informative!)
Digital Dante - free online text with notes from Columbia University.
To read the text, click the Inferno Canto you want > click "Text and Translations" tab > click Longfellow translation. Feel free to explore their numerous other resources on Dante!
Students should read and annotate Fellowship of the Ring (IBSN 978-0547928210) for their summer assignment. Books will be collected for an annotation check on the first day of school, Monday, August 28th. For further assignment details, please refer to the assignment posted on our school website.
Essay Writing
Please use the following resources to assist with your essay process:
Course Syllabus and Guides
Email Etiquette Guide
Annotation Guide
Style Guide