The Odyssey and “Penelope” Poem
Directions: Create two of your own compound sentences.
Create one of your sentences using a FANBOYS conjunction,
and create the other sentence using a semicolon.
*Don’t forget the comma before the conjunction and the
semicolon rules!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Compound
Simple
Compound
Simple
Compound
Simple
Compound
Compound
Simple
Simple
3
Perceptive and insightful idea that goes beyond the literal (provides an
interpretation, not just a "what happened")
Demonstrates a deep understanding of the text(s)
Clear connection between thesis and evidence
Specific and well-chosen text evidence
You get it, and you can explain it in detail to a partner.
2
Reasonable idea that goes beyond the literal (provides an interpretation,
not just a "what happened")
Explained clearly and specifically
Text evidence directly supports the thesis
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the text(s)
You get it and you can clearly explain it to a partner.
1
Reasonable idea that goes beyond the surface level (thesis) but no text
evidence
Text evidence is not clear or specific
Not enough text evidence
Answer only presents a literal meaning ("what happened"); no
interpretation offered
You kind of get it, but you can't explain how you know it.
0
Does not answer the question
Not based on the text(s)
Too unclear or general
Only repeats the question
No answer - just text evidence
You don't understand the question, so you can't really give a clear
answer.
 If the prompt refers to two different texts, your thesis,
evidence, and analysis should refer to both pieces.
 You will need two pieces of evidence instead of one.
 When quoting your evidence, be sure to address the
title of the piece since there are two possibilities.
Option One:
Option Two:
Thesis (addressing both texts)
Thesis (addressing both texts)
Blended evidence from text 1
Blended evidence from text 1
Analysis
Blended evidence for text 2
Blended evidence for text 2
Analysis for both texts
Analysis
If you are contrasting (showing the differences), option 1 is often the best
choice. However, if you are comparing the two texts (focusing on
similarities), option 2 works well.
In the pathway of the sun,
In the footsteps of a breeze,
Where the world and sky are one,
He shall ride the silver seas,
He shall cut the glittering wave.
I shall sit at home, and rock;
Rise, to heed a neighbor’s knock;
Brew my tea, and snip my thread;
Bleach the linens for my bed.
They will call him brave.
 Do you appreciate bravery that does not require facing
physical danger?
 How is the last line of the poem ironic?
 The power of the poem derives from its
understatement. Do you think the understatement is
effective in revealing the suffering that Penelope
endured during her husband’s long absence?
 Understatement – a figure of speech in which the writer
says lessens or minimizes the importance of what is
meant
 For example, if you were in a desert where the temperature was
125 degrees, and you described the thermal conditions by saying
"It's a little warm today."
The characterization of Penelope in the Odyssey is similar to the
Penelope portrayed in Dorothy Parker’s poem because both women are
underappreciated for their bravery. In the Odyssey, Odysseus chastises
his wife for being standoffish even though she has had to “arm [herself]
long ago against the frauds of men,” which reveals her perseverance.
Similarly, in Parker’s poem, Penelope “sit[s] at home, and rock[s]” and
continues her normal routine of chores, yet people “will call [Odysseus]
brave.” Even though the Penelope in both poems has not had to face
physical dangers, she is still courageous in her efforts to both stay faithful
to her husband and guard her heart against doubt. For twenty years
Penelope has faced life as a single parent to her son, and yet she does not
receive any affirmation from those around her for her dedication to her
family. All the while she maintains an unwavering hope that her husband
will return home, a truly heroic accomplishment.
How is the portrayal of
Calypso in the Odyssey
different than her
portrayal in the song,
“Calypso”? Explain
your answer and
support it with
evidence from both
selections.
Homework – Due Tuesday, Oct. 14
My name is Calypso
And I have lived alone
I live on an island
And I waken to the dawn
A long time ago
I watched him struggle with the sea
I knew that he was drowning
And I brought him into me
Now today
Come morning light
He sails away
After one last night
I let him go.
Salt of the waves
And of tears
And though he, pulled away
I kept him here for years
I let him go
My name is Calypso
My garden overflows
Thick and wild and hidden
Is the sweetness there that grows
My hair it blows long
As I sing into the wind
My name is Calypso
And I have lived alone
I live on an island
I tell of nights
Where I could taste the salt on his skin
And my song in the wind
The sand will sting my feet
And the sky will burn
It's a lonely time ahead
I do not ask him to return
I let him go
I let him go
My name is Calypso
I have let him go
In the dawn he sails away
To be gone forever more
And the waves will take him in
again
But he'll know their ways now
I will stand upon the shore
With a clean heart
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