Teaching Students About Orpheus’ Wife
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In Greek mythology, Orpheus was a legendary musician and poet who possessed an extraordinary talent for making music. The story of Orpheus and his wife, Eurydice, is a tale of poetic tragedy, which has been retold and studied for centuries. As a teacher, if you’re looking to introduce this Greek myth to your students, there are several strategies you can use to ensure that they understand the message behind the story. Here are some practical tips on how to teach students about Orpheus’ wife.
Establish the Myth’s Background
It’s essential to convey the historical context surrounding Orpheus and Eurydice’s tale. Educate students about ancient Greece, explaining that the Greeks believed that the gods played a significant role in their daily lives. You can discuss the gods, including Apollo, Artemis, and Dionysus, and how they often tested the mortals’ limits and emotions.
Tell the Story
You must tell the story of Orpheus and his wife, Eurydice in a way that students can understand and grasp. The essential elements of the myth are that Orpheus, a skilled musician and poet, falls in love with Eurydice. However, shortly after their marriage, Eurydice dies from a snake bite, and Orpheus is devastated. He then decides to journey to the underworld, to retrieve his wife from its clutches, armed with nothing but his musical talent and love. Orpheus eventually persuades Hades to allow Eurydice to return to the world of the living, under the condition that Orpheus must refrain from looking back at her until they both exit the underworld. Sadly, Orpheus breaks his promise, and Eurydice is dragged back to the underworld, for eternity.
Analyze the Story
Once you’ve told the story, it’s time to analyze it. Ask open-ended questions such as:
• “What do you think the myth says about the power of love?”
• “What might be the reason why Orpheus explicitly failed to adhere to Hades’ condition?”
• “What might be the significance of not looking back on the one you love?”
Encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas about the myth’s various aspects.
Establish Relevance of the Story
Finally, it’s essential to establish the story’s relevance to the students’ lives. This myth teaches about the human experience, such as the pain of loss and the power of love. It highlights how love can be tested, and the consequences of failing to uphold one’s promises. Also, it’s essential to equip students with skills that will allow them to synthesize their thoughts and ideas about the myth, such as writing essays or giving presentations.
Orpheus’ Wife is an essential myth to teach to students given its allegorical representation and its relevance to the real world. With a bit of creativity and effort, teachers can help students discover essential aspects of this ancient myth while equipping them with the skills and tools required to analyze, internalize, and ultimately understand its invaluable life lessons.