N OW I N T H E AT E R S
HOMERIC KLEOS AND THE GREEK HERO
OVERVIEW
AUTHOR INFO
Description:
In this exercise, we’ll define Homeric Greek kleos as it relates to the Greek
concept of the hero and then explore how and why the Homeric Greek
heroism is and isn’t reflected in the film Interstellar.
Moss Pike
Twitter: @mosspike
Google+: +MossPike
Standards Met:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6-10.1-7, 9:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-10.1.A-D:
English Language Arts, Reading: Literature, Grades 6-10
English Language Arts, Language, Grades 6-10
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one,
in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics,
texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own
clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6-10.1.A-E:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6-10.2-5:
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection,
and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)
for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g.,
visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic,
text, or issue under study.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6-10.1-6:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6-10.2.A-E:
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey
ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization,
and analysis of relevant content.
P R E PA R AT I O N
Ages/Grades:
Grades 6-9+
Objective(s) covered:
• Document-based analysis
• Critical thinking
• Collaboration
• Construct arguments and critique the reasoning of others
• Creation/writing
Materials:
• Pen/paper
• Post-It notes
• Projection space or posterboard space
• Google Docs
• The Essential Homer (optional)
© 2014 Paramount Pictures © 2014 Warner Bros. Ent.
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Time needed:
45-60min
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
Opening:
(5-10min; could be done as homework ahead of classroom activity)
Begin by establishing a definition of a modern hero, using specific examples to support
the definition.
Next, focusing on a specific Greek hero in the texts, read through selected passages of
the Iliad and Odyssey (using The Essential Homer) to build a definition of a Homeric
Greek hero and the idea of kleos, considering the following questions:
• How do modern and Homeric heroes differ and why?
• What motivates Homeric Greek heroes?
• What role does kleos play in Homeric literature?
• How does the drive for kleos compel Greek heroes (e.g., Achilles, Odysseus, etc.) to make choices?
When completed analyzing passages within the Iliad and Odyssey, share a consensus
definition of a Homeric hero and kleos within the class that should be kept in a shared
Google Doc.
Activity:
(35-40min)
With an example of a Greek hero chosen, along with a working definition of the concept
of kleos established, complete the following “+/-” activity, based on design thinking and
“Gamestorming”:
Using SketchBook Express, a whiteboard/chalkboard, or posters, draw two columns,
with one column titled “+” and another “-”. Students will then be asked in what ways
Interstellar’s Cooper is similar to our Greek hero, and on Post-It notes, they will write one
similarity per note (minimum of 3 ideas per students). After sticking their ideas in the “+”
column, students will repeat the process for dissimilarities between Cooper and the Greek
hero, adding their ideas to the “-” column.
Once students have finished ideating, they will sort their ideas on the board into
categories they will define themselves (e.g., “Compassion for Others”, “Glory-Seeking”,
etc.). Consider the following questions:
• What do Cooper and the Greek hero have in common and why is this the case?
• What do they not have in common and why?
• Based on their similarities and differences, what can we say about the worlds of Cooper
and Homer?
© 2014 Paramount Pictures © 2014 Warner Bros. Ent.
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Closing/assessment:
(5-10min; could also be done as more detailed homework assignment within
Google Doc or other digital discussion tool)
To close the activity, students will ask themselves how their understanding
of Homeric heroes and kleos has been transformed by reflecting on the
choices made in the film Interstellar. In particular, they can consider what
role kleos (if any!) plays in our modern society, based on their evaluation of
Cooper’s character.
Students can also consider what a Greek hero would have done in Cooper’s
position and why they think that, followed by asking what Cooper would
have done in a Greek hero’s situation and why.
If desired, students can write out more extensive thoughts in a Google Doc
outside of class to submit/share later.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FROM
Google Play for Education is a content store built just for schools, making it easy for teachers to find and share
educator-approved apps, books, and videos with their students.
If your school is using managed Chromebooks or Android tablets, you can use Google Play for Education to
distribute the following apps, books, and videos, and take the lesson further.
App/Book/Video:
The Essential Homer
Description:
Book containing excerpts from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to be used as primary source
material for establishing an understanding of the Homeric hero and kleos.
App/Book/Video:
SketchBook Express (Android App)
Description:
Drawing app allowing empathy maps or other “game” spaces to be created and
projected on the board for students to organize their thinking, especially if using Post-It
notes.
App/Book/Video:
Mindmeister (Android App) or Mindmeister (Chrome App)
Description:
Collaborative brainstorming tool that works across multiple platforms and allows
students to graphically organize information and ideas.
App/Book/Video:
Lucidchart (Chrome App)
Description:
Collaborative diagramming tool that works across multiple platforms and allows
students to design and organize information.
© 2014 Paramount Pictures © 2014 Warner Bros. Ent.
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