The Penelopiad Lesson Plan

Comparing The Penelopiad with The Odyssey

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will compare The Odyssey with The Penelopiad and understand how Atwood is retelling it from a feminist perspective.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7

Structure:

Because this novel uses Homer's Odyssey as its inspiration, it's important that readers have an idea about what that epic poem was about. To begin this activity, show the class video 1, video 2, and video 3 that summarize the story of The Odyssey.

After finishing the videos, begin a classwide discussion that focuses on why they think...