O Brother, Where Art Thou?

We are in the process of reading the Greek play Oedipus and will transition into reading The Iliad by Homer.  As a transitional piece, please read the following passage about the Trojan War and the life of Odysseus.   

"After the Trojan War, Odysseus (also known as Ulysses) is imprisoned by Poseidon because of an offense he had committed. The gods decide he should be released and he begins his journey home. He and his men experience a wide variety of adventures including encountering a Cyclops and Sirens. When he returns home he must prove his love to his wife and vanquish her suitors."

Also, please complete the following discussion questions and view the film with the questions in mind.  

Film Discussion Questions:
1. What elements make this film a period piece (set in a particular time and place)?

2. When the stranger warns Everett Ulysses McGill, Delmar, and Pete that they’ll “find treasure, but not the sort they’re looking for," what treasure is he referring to?
What treasure are the three characters hoping to find?

3. Where does the title O, Brother Where Art Thou originate?

4. The movie is loosely based on Homer’s Odyssey in which the Greek warrior Odysseus ( known as Ulysses) spends ten years of his life enduring bizarre adventures as he tries to return home to his wife Penelope after the Trojan War. What similarities do you see between the Odyssey and O, Brother Where Art Thou?

5. Bluegrass music is an important part of the film. What role does it play and what does it add to the movie?

6. A road movie is one in which character(s) embark on a journey of self discovery on the road or through travel. How does this movie do that?

7. What elements of humor are evident in the movie?

8. What is your favorite scene of the movie?

9. Some critics of the film say that O, Brother Where Art Thouconsists of great bits and pieces rather than a cohesive or complete film. Do you agree/disagree with this?

http://www.manitowoc.lib.wi.us/readers/criticschoice/obrother.htm