Bobby Geroulanos Period 2 10/7/19 - Blog #1

Modern Mythology 2020

Bobby Geroulanos 

10/07/19

Blog #14 

Aim: How do the stories of Demeter, Persephone, and Dionysus demonstrate the human qualities of coming-of-age, sexuality, and indulgence?

Do Now: 

1. Vocabulary Quiz, Unit 1

2. (ON CLASSROOM) After reading the stories of Demeter and Persephone - what do you believe would make an ideal “AIM” question for today? (TIP - How/Why for high-level questions)

Yayin answered: How does Greek mythology attempt to explain changes in nature?

 She said that the story of Demeter explains why the winter comes to the earth, as Demeter is so upset over the loss of her daughter which causes her to stop the growth of crops. 

Pair Share:

After moving out of your parent’s house, when does your new place become “home” and your parent’s house just become your parent’s house? 

Have you ever had this discussion before?

Justin believes this happens when you become financially independent and stable. Once you no longer need your parents financially their home is not your home.

Robert says that his mother grew up in Florida and moved to New York with Robert’s dad. He said that she found her new home in Robert’s father which allowed her to live in New York instead of Florida. 

The answer for Ms. Fusaro was that she lived in many other places during her adult life. When she got her dog was when she finally felt she had a new home. There was someone else that Ms. Fusaro was caring for, similarly to how Demeter’s purpose (Persephone) was lost. 

Think-Pair Share:

What is the purpose behind attributing seasons to the stories of Demeter and Persephone? Who is wrong- Demeter or Hades?

Winnie believes they are both wrong as they both want her. Persephone is attached to her mother, as she grew up with her and was cared by her. However its also a matter of coming of age, and leaving your parents for a spouse. 

The seasons of human life are inextricably linked. 

Spring=Childhood

Summer=Young/Adult

Fall=Adult

Winter= Elder

Spring: A time of renewal, rebirth 

Summer: A time for growth and maturity 

Fall: The conclusion of the Harvest

Winter: A time of solitude, contemplation and introversion

Is it right for someone to hurt someone when they themselves are in pain? Demeter lost her daughter and soon caused the world’s crops to fail. It begs the question, are we responsible for the unintended consequences of our actions?

Reflection: 

As seniors we will soon be off to college, and be apart of the adult world. This means eventually home will no longer be home. We will have to leave the “nest” and this event usually focuses on the child who is leaving. But what about the adults? They spend years raising their children and through this, they are given purpose, only for us to get up and leave. The lesson of Demeter and Persephone applies to us really well, as we have our own “coming of age”. This lesson really helps you to understand not only your own perspective but your parents’ as well as we move away from dependency on our parents.