Creating a Greek Tabloid
Anyone who has spent time in their local supermarket has seen the latest tabloid headlines: "Rabbit-Faced Baby Born to Buck-Toothed Mom" or "Aliens Abduct Man and Return Him to Earth 100 Years Later." These absurd articles can actually pave the way for an interesting mythology assignment, because the Greek myths you have been reading/watching provide bizarre stories for such journalistic license: "Three-headed Dog Guards Portal to Underworld", "Flying Horse Helps Hero." An interesting and fun group project involves becoming a newspaper staff to produce a paper in the style of a tabloid.
Taking a few afternoons to explore different parts of the newspaper will help you discover story ideas and sow the seeds for potential articles.
Begin with an examination and discussion of actual tabloids. Brainstorm with your group: how does the front page sell the paper? After reading the various headlines, pick one as a group and read the article inside. Once the article is read, discuss the differences in what the headline promises and what the article actually says.
I. Headlines
Once you are comfortable with the style and format of the tabloids, identify how mythology lends itself to this kind of journalism. The group can brainstorm a list of possible headlines.
II. Interviews
Another prewriting idea to help you invent stories for articles requires a prompt like this one: "You are a famous reporter and have been given an exclusive interview with _________. What juicy information would your readers want to know?" You can choose any mythological character to fill in the blank, or the group can brainstorm a list of names like Medusa, Orpheus, Daedalus, King Minos, etc.
III. Quotes
Designed to inspire quotes in interviews, this activity can also generate dialogue for stories. Put the names of mythological characters on a sheet of paper and have group members draw one out of a hat. Ask them to write as many direct quotes as possible for that character. For example, the Cyclops might be overhead saying, "I've had my eye on Odysseus for a while." Five minutes of prewriting can generate a variety of quotes.
IV. Stories/Articles
This activity allows your group to collaborate on a story. Using information provided in class (as well as researched at home), you can create stories based on the personalities, faults, strengths and issues of mythological Greek gods and heroes.
V. Advertisements
What product would a specific mythological character advertise? Popular ads might include beauty products, florists, automobiles, speedy services, clothes or bottled water. Use colored markers/crayons to illustrate.
VI. "Dear Aphrodite"
Once you develop a feeling for the style of writing used in tabloids, use that style to write "Dear Aphrodite" letters, complete with answers from the love goddess, in the style of "Dear Abby.”
VII. Letters to the Editor
Brainstorm specific myths that match modern editorial topics. Some examples of topics and myths are theft (Jason and the Golden Fleece), drinking (Polyphemus and Odysseus), marital problems (Zeus and Hera) and kidnapping (Hades and Persephone). Create four to five letters to the editor.
VIII. Classified Advertisements
The question, "What would a mythological character have to sell?" provides the impetus for creating ads for your tabloid. Make your own lists which might include thunderbolts, archery lessons, love potions, dating services, marriage counseling or muscle fitness.
IX. Obituaries
A newspaper isn¹t complete without an obituary column. For this activity, brainstorm a list of heroes in mythology that might include Odysseus, Hercules, Achilles or Jason. Create the details of the hero’s in an obituary format.
Grading Rubric 100 pts
For Individual Project
I. Headlines 10 pts
Minimum of five (5) headlines
· Must also have cover illustration(s) and title
II. Interviews 15 pts
Minimum of one (1) interviews in the format of your choosing:
a) celebrity-style (E network) interview
b) Cribs/Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous interview
(Interviews need to be at least ½ page in length….typed)
(must use different people)
III. Quotes 5 pts
Minimum of five (5) quotes that may be dispersed throughout the tabloid (except interviews)
(quotes need to be from different people)
IV. Stories/Articles 15 pts
Minimum of 1story related to Greek gods and/or heroes
(stories need to be at least ½ page in length….typed…..must use different people)
V. Advertisements 5 pts
Minimum of one (1) advertisements placed throughout the tabloid
(Ad should include some sort of visual)
VI. Dear Aphrodite 10 pts
Minimum of 1 letter and answer
(At least two paragraph letter and one paragraph response)
VII. Letters to the Editor 10 pts
Minimum of 1 letter
(need to be at least ½ page in length ….typed)
VIII. Classifieds 10 pts
Minimum of 3 classifieds in a separate classifieds section
IX. Obituaries 10 pts
Minimum of one (1) obituary in a separate obituary section
XI. Creativity/Color 10 pts
TOTAL POINTS 100