First and fifth periods took a break from the Nightjohn unit to work on some critical thinking by working through a logic puzzle. These puzzles promote the kind of critical thinking that is important for analyzing complicated texts and working through real-life issues.

First and fifth period logic puzzle

Second and fourth periods went over the Calypso section of the Odyssey. We began the long search for Homeric similes and two of the major themes in the epic:

1. the importance of hospitality and
2. the importance of a hero’s ability to think quickly on his feet.

We finished up by comparing what we’d read in Homer’s version with the vision of Calypso presented in Suzanne Vega’s song “Calypso.”

Calypso and Odysseus

Homework

• First and fifth periods: none.
• Second and fourth periods: read “I Am Laertes’ Son”