Lesson Details

She Walks in Beauty

2014-2015

Freshman Literature, Fall 2014

Date

Sept. 3, 2014

Additional Info
Literary Term #10: Stock Character

A stock character is a fictional character based on a common literary or social stereotype. Stock characters rely heavily on cultural types or names for their personality, manner of speech, and other characteristics.

Examples: the absent-minded professor, the jock, the cheerleader, damsel in distress, crazy cat lady, geek, the tomboy, etc.

Allusion #10: Athena

Born fully armed from the head of Zeus, Athena (Minerva in Roman mythology) was the goddess of war and helped to defeat the giants when they stormed Olympus. She was also the goddess of wisdom and of handicrafts and the patron goddess of "heroic endeavor" (which is why she helps Odysseus and his son, Telemachus). The city of Athens was named after her, and the Parthenon was dedicated to her.


So far in The Odyssey, we have encountered several women who are described as being exceedingly beautiful (namely Calypso and Circe). It is due to their beauty that Odysseus and/or his men are led to believe that they are good and will not harm him or his men. To help illustrate this concept, we are going to look at a very famous poem called "She Walks in Beauty" by the Romantic poet Lord Byron. Although it was written many centuries after The Odyssey, the idea of judging a person's "goodness" and "innocence" by his or her looks is one that persisted throughout time.

Your assignment:
Critically read the poem, following these steps:
  1. Read through the poem.
  2. Number each line.
  3. Circle all words you don't know. Define those words.
  4. Paraphrase or summarize each line/phrase/sentence.
  5. Identify as many poetic techniques or elements as possible. (metaphors, alliteration, imagery, etc.)
  6. After our full-class discussion, we will create a thematic statement for the poem. Write this on the bottom of the paper.

Homework:
Using your notes on the poem as well as your literature book, answer the following essay question:
  • Based on the Circe and Calypso scenes, what do you think Homer is saying about the deceptive nature of beauty? How does Odysseus' wife Penelope figure into your theory? In a larger sense, based on some of the other characters (like Polyphemus) what statement do you think Homer is making about appearances in general?