Several themes are present in the novel. Students can pick a theme to explore and should support their choice with specific details or events from the text. One prominent theme in The One-Eyed Giant is hospitality.
Throughout his journey, Odysseus and his men are continually tossed into different settings. On each island, they believe that they are entitled to the custom of Greek hospitality. Hosts are expected to provide food, shelter, and protection to any traveler, and guest are expected to be respectful and grateful. In The One-Eyed Giant, breaking these rules brings misfortune and the disfavor of the gods.
"’We are not pirates,’ he said. ‘We are Greeks blown off course by storm winds. Will you offer us the gift of hospitality like a good host? If you do, mighty Zeus, king of the gods, will be pleased.’”
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies a theme in The One-Eyed Giant. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
Encourage students to share their ideas about the novel's themes in a group setting. Class discussions help deepen understanding and allow students to learn from each other's perspectives.
Explain the purpose of the discussion and outline respectful listening and speaking rules. This creates a safe environment where every student feels comfortable sharing.
Ask questions like, "What examples of hospitality did you notice?" or "How did the characters respond to kindness or rudeness?" Open-ended questions invite deeper thinking and conversation.
Remind students to support their ideas with specific events or quotes from The One-Eyed Giant. Using textual evidence strengthens their arguments and builds analytical skills.
Wrap up the discussion by highlighting main ideas and asking how the theme of hospitality relates to students' own lives. Making connections helps students internalize the lesson.
The One-Eyed Giant explores themes such as hospitality, respect for customs, and consequences of breaking social rules. The story highlights how Odysseus and his men are impacted by the treatment they receive on different islands, emphasizing the importance of being a good host and guest.
Students can identify a theme by looking for recurring ideas or messages throughout the story. They should support their choice with specific examples or events, such as how characters respond to hospitality or face consequences for their actions.
Hospitality is a central theme because it's a respected Greek custom. The story shows that offering food, shelter, and protection brings favor from the gods, while denying or abusing hospitality leads to trouble for both hosts and guests.
An example is when Odysseus asks for shelter, saying, “Will you offer us the gift of hospitality like a good host?” This shows the expectation that travelers should be welcomed and treated well in Greek culture.
To make a storyboard, identify a theme from the story, find three examples that illustrate it, and draw scenes for each. Add a brief description below each cell to explain how it relates to the theme.