Journalists

Journalists
__Task 1, Books I-IV__ As the gossip columnists for the //Ithaca Gazette//, you are assigned to report on the latest details of the town’s celebrities. This week, your editor asks you to profile of Telemachos, future King of Ithaca and, therefore, the town’s most eligible bachelor. Create his profile, including "show me" examples to prove his attractive qualities.

........................................................The Ithaca Gazette......................................................... __Tele“macho”s: Get Him While He’s Hott!__

> ** Physically Attractive: Telemachos is a hott young man whose looks aren’t matched by even Ryan Reynolds. “you must come of a line of princes ruling by divine right, since no bad stock would produce men like you” (45). **
 * Telemachos, son of Odysseus and Penelope, is the future King of Ithaca and the city’s most eligible bachelor. Additionally, he displays some very important qualities that make him so desirable. **
 * __Attractive Qualities__: **
 * ** Brave: When he was considered a boy, he went on a quest to find his father Odysseus. Athena spoke to him after he prayed to her, "'[...] But since you will lack neither courage nor sense in the future, and since the mind of Odysseus has not wholly failed in you, there is hope for the future, and i tell you that you will succeed [...]'"(28). Athena describes that his bravery will eventually help him succeed. **
 * ** Caring: Telemachos protects his mother when the suitors are trying to overtake his house. Also, he believes his father is alive after the four years he has been missing and presumed dead. “Telemachos answered with his usual good manners: ’Sir, I thank you for your kindness; you might be a father speaking to his own son, and i will not forget one word of what you say’” (18). Even under extreme duress from his mother’s suitors, he remains kind to all the entire time. **
 * ** Adventurous: He sets off on a journey to find his father Odysseus, not knowing of any of the possible dangers he could face. “For I am off to Sparta and sandy Pylos, to see if I can hear any news of my father” (30). **
 * ** Confident: His confidence is evident whenever he confronts the Council about his two troubles.“[...] and there is no other public matter which I wish to bring before you. This is my own private need, trouble which has fallen upon my house- two troubles, indeed[...]” (23). **
 * ** Empathetic: Telemachos is a man that is completely in touch with his emotions. “Now the young man could not restrain himself; tears dropped from his eyes to the ground as he heard his father’s name, and he held up the purple robe before his eyes with both hands” (46). **
 * ** Determined: Even after the people of the council told him he could not lead the voyage to find his father, Telemachos decides he will go anyway. “Ah, but who knows? Once aboard ship he may be carried away and perish just like Odysseus!” (29). **
 * ** Intelligent: Telemachos has learned everything he knows from the wise gods and has a great abundance of knowledge that can aid him in his journey. “Why, Telemachos, you must have gone to school with the gods! They have taught you their fine rhetoric and bold style!” (19-20) **

__ Task 2, Books V, VI, and IX __

Boats and Huo's Inc.

Recently, the published a news story, recounting the events/details of Books V-IX. As the “Etiquette Editor” charged with commenting on citizens’ behavior and providing advice for a proper civilization, you have been receiving many letters, asking for your evaluation of Odysseus’ behavior and that of his various hosts. Considering proper customs and culture of the time, what advice/commentary would you give to your readers? Consider a creative format for your response.

ITHACA ADVICE COLUMN

 Dear Editor,

I've become somewhat concerned about the actions of Odysseus throughout his voyage. What do you think about his adding insult to injury and shouting threats and mockery at the blind Polyphemus, even though he was already safe from the Cyclops's wrath? Do you think that might be spiteful or cowardly?

Σ

Dear Σ,

I believe that Odysseus' behavior in this incident was unacceptable; the Cyclops was already harmless at that distance, and taunting him from the safety of his ship was just dastardly. He had previously blinded the Cyclops by stabbing through his one eye with a spear, so this is indeed adding insult to injury. However, I believe that since the Cyclops had thrown Odysseus' friends' brains to the ground before, this was his revenge: stabbing through the white of Polyphemus' eye and insulting him from afar. In general, it was not a good idea. He should have known that mocking a Cyclops is never wise, even if it is seemingly docile. His pride will be the end of him one day.

Love, The Amazing Etiquette Editor



Dear Editor,

What is your opinion of the occasion when Odysseus appeared in front of several maidens, while he was indecent? I mean, I know he was stranded at sea for almost three whole weeks, but that's no excuse to at least get dressed before flirting with girls. And how could he beg them to help him? What kind of presentation was that?!

Dear Anonymous,

What do you expect from the man? He was clinging to a broken beam, buffeted by waves and thunderstorms for eighteen whole days. Give the dude a break. His raft got royally messed up during a huge storm that Poseidon //personally sent// so he had to hold on to a //piece of wood// for //eighteen days.// He had no food or water. He was tired. He was far from home. I'm surprised that he didn't die from exposure, but he made it somehow, probably due to divine intervention from grey-eyed Athena. As for the "begging for help" part, again, a hundred miles of ocean separated him from his home in Ithaca. And you know the Phaeacians. They're pretty darn generous.

Yours Truly, The Incredible Etiquette Editor



Dear Editor,

Do you think that Calypso was justified in keeping Odysseus away from his loving family, which was greatly suffering without him? His household was a complete mess, with all of the suitors trying to woo his wife. I think that, despite the fact that he's just a mortal and she, an immortal, it was kind of a jerk move to keep him on her island like that.

From, Snoop dawg

Dear Snoop dawg,

Well, Calypso is an immortal goddess, so it is exceedingly difficult to parse what was going through her mind. They follow different rules than us piteous mortals. She does what she wants, and such it has always been. Besides, apparently his son is pretty hot, so maybe it runs in the family. I wouldn't blame her for desiring Odysseus as her own. He is a war hero, conqueror of Troy. Everybody loves war heroes.

From, The Really Quite Awesome Etiquette Editor

__ Task 3, Books X-XII __ The Associated Press releases a report that a man similar to Odysseus has been spotted crossing over to the Underworld – looking very much alive! Upon hearing the news, your boss, the editor of //Ithaca Weekly//, dispatches you to the scene for the scoop. The public wants to know if Odysseus is in fact dead, and if he’s not, what he’s doing in the Underworld. Write an article, including eyewitness accounts and quotations from participants. Make sure to take your photographer with you! Your editor limits your article to 550-750 words due to space constraints, as Apollo has been raining down plague again, and this event has taken front page.