How do we respond to Greek tragedy?. . .

Greek tragedy precisely

refuses to present human beings who are ideally in harmony with their
world, and has no room for a world that, if it were understood well
enough, could instruct us how to be in harmony with it. There is a gap
between what the tragic character is, concretely and contingently, and
the ways in which the world acts upon him. In some cases, that gap is
comprehensible, in terms of conflicting human purposes. In other
cases, it is not fully comprehensible and not under control. That may
be as true of social reality as of a world that contains supernatural
necessities. The interaction of character or individual project with
forces, structures, or circumstances that can destroy them can retain
its significance without the presence of gods or oracles.
-Bernard Williams, Shame and Necessity, 164-165

This week we will be thinking about necessity, its role in Oedipus Rex and in
our own lives, and whether or not Greek tragedy has anything to teach us
about how to deal with necessity. The questions to have in mind: What are
the ways in which you, personally, are not in harmony with your world? What
are the forces, structures, and circumstances that, whether they have been
created by clear human decisions or are more obscure in their origins, seem
to work against you and/or your happiness? What is the best way to respond
to these forces, structures, and circumstances?

Block One
During this class we will discuss the end of the play, the Williams excerpt
above, and how the rest of the week will be organized. We will also discuss
tenth grade course selection.

Homework for next class: Complete step one of the Necessity Collage Project.
Bring all materials to class.

Block Two
During this class students will complete steps two and three of the Necessity
Collage Project. During the last twenty minutes of class, students will share
their collages with the class.

Homework: Prepare for your fishbowl discussions.

Block Three
During this class we will have fishbowl discussions.

Homework: Complete the post-fishbowl summary and reflection sheet.

Block Four
During this class we will have book talks and NGRP time. Also, I will collect
your Oedipus books and get initial thoughts from each of you on tenth grade
course selection.