key names
& terms: Everett (Ulysses), Pete, Delmar, Big Dan T, Pappy O'Daniel
(Menelaus), Homer Stokes, Tommy, "Baby Face" George Nelson, Penny,
Sirens, the sheriff
1. As the two
quotes
from the beginning and the end of the movie illustrate, the movie also
highlights the roles of fate and free will in determining actions and
results. Examine whether the movie reaches conclusions about both that
are similar to those of Homer in the Iliad
or the Odyssey (but not both)
as evidenced in Powell, Chapters 19 and
21.
Near the beginning of the movie, the blind man says:
Near the end, thesheriff near the end of the movie says:
... But fear not the obstacles in your path, for Fate has vouchsafed your reward. And though the road may wind, and yea, your hearts grow weary, still shall ye foller the way, even unto your salvation.
Youhave eluded fate - and eluded me - for the last time. Tie their hands, boys.
2. Examine the role that food plays in the Polyphemus episode
from the Odyssey in Powell's
text and in the first episode in the movie with Big Dan T.
3. Compare and contrast the episodes in both the movie and in Powell
that feature the Cyclops (Polyphemus in the Odyssey,
Big Dan T in the 2 scenes in the movie). Also answer how the movie
plays off the audience expectations based on the what happens in the Odyssey.
4. It is clear that Everett is the "hero" of the movie, but he is a
very different type of hero than Odysseus or Achilles. Discuss for
either Odysseus or Achilles (but not both)