Theseus and the Minotaur (continued)

Aim:
IWBAT connect The Hunger Games to the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, in order to explain what inspired Suzanne Collins to write The Hunger Games.

Tasks:
1. Watch a video that illustrates various things that influenced Suzanne Collins in creating the Hunger Games, as she described in the videos we watched in class yesterday.

• classical inspiration: Theseus and the Minotaur, Roman gladiators
• contemporary inspiration: reality TV, the war in Iraq (seeing violence on TV)

2. Theseus and the Minotaur: Now that you know more about what has inspired Suzanne Collins' stories, you will explore the Greek myth that she referenced.

• First, watch the video below to visualize what the characters are like.
• Then, preview the vocabulary in the myth by matching the definitions to the terms.
• Finally, read read the myth: Click Here

3. Connecting The Hunger Games to the Greek Myth: After you have carefully read the myth, respond to the analysis questions below. Be sure to go back to the text to find evidence to use in your answers. Your exit slip is on the second page of this form. Do not begin the exit slip until Mr. T instructs you.




4. Reader's Theater: Theseus and the Minotaur: We will now read through a play that enacts a similar story to the one you just read. Most students will have a part to read. Click Here.

• If there is extra time, Mr. T will show you 1-2 old, corny videos that give the story of the Greek myths we read: Theseus and the Minotaur & Daedalus and Icarus.

5. Exit Slip: After discussing the similarities and differences between the Hunger Games and Theseus and the Minotaur, complete your exit slip in the form above (second page). You may use the graphic organizer on the back of your do now to help you organize your thoughts. Please work carefully, for Mr. T will grade this paragraph.


If you finish early: 

• complete today's activity on TeenBiz3000
• play a Theseus vs. the Minotaur game: Click Here
• view additional videos with Suzanne Collins: Click Here

Homework: Figurative Language in The Hunger Games