Page 19 - Knowledge Organiser Yr9 24-25

Knowledge Base: Tutor Reading Medusa Year 9
1. Why this book?
In Year 8 English, the myth of Perseus and Medusa is studied. This relatable version of the tale gives the female character a voice; raising questions about gender politics. It reminds the reader of the importance of perspective and raises questions about the reliability of a narrator. Medusa is a relevant story for all those who feel judged and valued solely because of their appearances. This is a novel abou t learning to reclaim one’s own life despite what outsiders want you to think about yourself.
2. Characters
Medusa
The narrator of the story. mortal daughter of minor sea deities. For the past four years has been living on a remote island with her sisters. When she speaks to Perseus she hides her appearance because of her ‘deformity’ and says
her name is Merina.
Perseus
Son of Zeus. Arrives at the island with some impressive weaponry and his dog. Perseus’ reason for his quest is to help his mother (Danae) who is subject to
King Polydectes’ unwanted advances.
Stheno and Euryale
Immortals.
Winged and spend most daylight hours fishing for food.
Poseidon
God of the seas.
He threatened, harassed and abused Medusa. Saved Perseus and his mother after they had been thrown into the sea.
Athena
The Goddess who cursed Medusa and her sisters out of jealousy. She turned Medusa’s hair into snakes and had her sisters grow wings from their backs.
Argentus
Medusa’s dog.
Zeus
King of the Gods. Perseus’ father.
Orado
Perseus’ dog.
3. Themes
Misogyny
(prejudice against women) and female suffering
Medusa is a woman wronged; her self-reliance and beauty result in scorn and objectification from the townsfolk. Their misogyny contributes to Medusa’s curse and banishment. But Medusa herself is vulnerable, wistful, and scared; she struggles with self-esteem. Her conversations with Perseus draw out her confidence and feminist beliefs. Medusa's story explores female dynamics and female power against patriarchal (male controlled) forces. Medusa is a symbol of female empowerment.
Reliability of the narrator
Burton’s retelling of the Greek Myth allows us to hear the story from a perspective we might not have considered. It invites the reader to question
how reliable a narrator is and reminds us to “be careful who tells your story.”
Duality of being
As hinted at by the word "dual" within it, duality refers to having two parts, often with opposite meanings, like the duality of good and evil. If there are two sides to a coin, metaphorically speaking, there's a duality.
Empowerment
A Jewish Holocaust victim who gradually loses his faith in God as a result of his experiences in the concentration camp.
4. Vocabulary
mythology
A collection of stories from a particular culture (e.g. Greek, Roman, Norse) which explain creation and carry moral messages.
indignation
Anger or annoyance triggered by what is seen as unfair treatment.
exiled
An act or instance of being forced to leave one's country or home.
perceive / perception
1. Become aware or conscious of (something); come to realise or understand.
2. Interpret or regard (something or someone) in a particular way.
banishment
The punishment of being sent away from a country or other place.
The action of getting rid of something unwanted.
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