Achilles: The Hero's Journey

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Greek Mythology - 

The Myth of the Achilles heel 

Learning Objectives 

• Explain the legend of Achilles' heel and its significance in Greek mythology
• Discuss the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus
• Describe the role of Achilles in the Trojan War
• Understand the concept of 'Achilles' heel' in the modern context

Discussion

Do you know what the expression "Achilles Heel" means? 

Do you know the origin of the expression?

which sportsclubs do you know that use the name of Greek heroes, places or gods? Who do they refer to?

Question 1.
In which contemporary country was ancient Troy situated?

Question 2.
Who was the most beautiful woman on Earth in Achilles' time?

1. Anna
2. Helena
3. Aphrodite
4. Cassandra

Question 3.
Where does the name 'Olympic' Games come from?

Question 4.
Name 1 of the original Olympic sports.

Question 5.
How long did the Trojan War last?

Question 6.
Which Greek mathematician thought of the formula A² + B² = C²?

Exercise E - Getting to know the text, scanning for information

Individually, or in pairs, answer the 12 questions. Mind you: do not read the complete text! You only have 5 minutes to complete the task. 

SCAN! Look for titles, names, locations, dates...

Exercise E, question 1: 

Paris (line 11)

Exercise E, question 2:

Hector (line 25) 

Exercise E, question 3:

The Myrmidons (line 26) 

Exercise E, question 4:

Peleus (line 33)

Exercise E, question 5:

Thetis (line 51)

Exercise E, question 6:

Mount Olympus 

Exercise E, question 7:

Snake Island, Ukraine (line 65) 

Exercise E, question 8:

River Styx (line 79) 

Exercise E, question 9:

Patroclus (line 97) 

Exercise E, question 10:

Homer (line 103) 

Exercise E, question 11:

A Centaur / Chiron (lines 123-127) 

Exercise E, question 13: 

Strength, courage, fortitude (lines 157-158) 

In depth - Mixed Questions

Do exercise F(d) (5 havo only)

vocab time!

Do exercise G (c + h)

Watching and listening H(b) p.7)

Then read the questions on p8 carefully, look up any words that you don't know

Answer the questions after watching the video on the next slide

In-depth questions (I. p8)

Write down the answer.

Grammar (J. p9)

Look at this sentence from the text: 

He was loved by the Greek gods (ll 19-20)

compare with

The Greek gods loved him

• What is different? 
• The sentences mean the same but other than word order, what is different about the tone/focus/feeling?  

make J (p8)

This exercise shows you the many ways in which you can change tone and emphasis without changing the message itself

Vote and be prepared to explain: Without weakness, you cannot have strength. Without imperfections you cannot be perfect.

Yes

No

Today we...

...read about Achilles, proverbs and modern contexts

... worked on our vocabulary

... practiced speaking

... learnt how to rephrase sentences using different verb patterns

Final remarks on the lesson?