The Odyssey Essay

Outline Due: Thursday, December 19 (at the beginning of class)

Final Draft Due: Thursday, December 20 (at the end of class)

How to Write a Five-Paragraph, Persuasive Essay

50 Summative Points

The topic: The Greeks claim that The Odyssey is an epic poem celebrating one of their greatest heroes, Odysseus. But was Odysseus really a hero? Should he be celebrated for his great accomplishments? Or does he really cause more harm than good? Are the Greeks wasting their time celebrating a fool?

Your task: Write a five paragraph persuasive essay arguing whether you think Odysseus was a hero or not. Your essay should be clearly written and your position should be well supported with evidence/examples from the text and film. You might even consider comparing Odysseus to modern day heroes to prove whatever side you take.

Setting up your essay:

1.  Your heading should include your Name, Mr. Schmitt – Hour, 12/20/13

2.  You should come up with a title for your essay

3.  You must skip lines throughout your entire paper, except for your heading.

4.  DO NOT USE THE WORDS you, I, me, my, yours, etc. (personal pronouns)

  1. “One” or “the reader” are good substitutes for the words above, or say “it is clear that”

5.  Maintain the PRESENT TENSE throughout your essay

  1. (change “was” to “is,” almost no words that end in –ed)

6.  Always underline the title of the novel, The Odyssey

7.  Turn in your beautiful masterpiece at the end of class on Thursday 12/19. **Make sure to staple all pages together and make sure your name is on each additional page. J

Introduction: (8-9 sentences)

1.  You should start with something interesting (a quote, a question, a moral)

2.  You should then briefly summarize the plot (4-6 sentences)

3.  You should make a clear transition into your thesis statement (1 sentence)

4.  The thesis statement should be your last sentence

The thesis statement formula is: Odysseus is a hero/not a hero because in the epic poem he ______, ______, ______.

a.  Example: Odysseus is a hero because in the epic poem he looks out for his crew, puts his life at risk on multiple occasions, and stands up for what is right.

b.  Example: Odysseus is not a hero because he cannot control his men, he is selfish, and he returns to Ithaca alone.

Body Paragraph #1: (8-10 sentences)

1.  Write an introductory sentence (1 sentence)

  1. Example: Odysseus is a hero because at the Land of the Cyclops, he executes the perfect plan to allow him and his men to escape Polyphemus’ cave.

2.  Example #1 (3-4 sentences)

  1. Transition, then describe the scenario/context for your first example
  2. Use a quotation for your first example
  3. Explain the importance of your first example (tie it back to your thesis)

3.  Example #2 (3-4 sentences)

  1. Transition then describe the scenario/context for your first example
  2. Use a quotation for your first example
  3. Explain the importance of your second example (tie it back to your thesis)

Body Paragraph #2: (4-6 sentences)

4.  Example #1 (3-4 sentences)

  1. One reason AGAINST your position (counter-argument)

Ex: Some people might argue that ______.

Example: Some people might argue that Odysseus is not a hero because he makes the choice to pass Scylla which would result in the death of six of his men.

  1. Reason to support your side that contradicts the reason against.
  2. Specific Example #2 from the text/film.
  3. Use a quotation for your example
  4. Explain the importance of your third example (tie it back to your thesis)

Body Paragraph #3: (4-6 sentences)

5.  Example #1 (3-4 sentences)

  1. The strongest reason in support of your position
  2. Use a quotation for your third example
  3. Explain the importance of your third example (tie it back to your thesis)

6.  Write a concluding statement

a.  Example: It is clear that Odysseus is a hero because he is able to safely return to Ithaca and restore his kingdom.

Concluding Paragraph (9-10 sentences)

1.  Summarize the issue

2.  Summarize/rephrase the main points you have made

3.  Restate your position/make a recommendation.

4.  Do not restate your thesis word for word

5.  You may rephrase the main points in your thesis

6.  Your concluding paragraph should focus on the “this is important because” part of the thesis statement (you should tie all of your explanations from your three examples in your body paragraphs into one big idea)

7.  Do not bring up any new points in your concluding paragraph

8.  Tie in your clever ending to your clever introduction? (if you wrote a clever introduction)

Quotation Format: Be sure to set up the context (before the quotation) and clearly explain how the example relates back to the thesis (after the quotation) each time.

1.  Textbook: “You yellow dogs, you thought I’d never make it / home from the land of Troy. You took my house to plunder, / twisted my maids to serve your beds. You dared / bid for my wife while I was still alive” (Homer 939).

2.  Movie: “Do you see, you gods of sea and sky, I conquered Troy, a mortal man of flesh and bone and mind…I do not need you now. I can do anything!” (Konchalovsky)

* When quoting the movie, you simply use the director’s name, in this case, Konchalovsky.