Essay on The Odyssey
Choose one of the following topics:
1. Whether they be human, divine, or monstrous, female figures in The Odyssey are surprisingly strong. In an essay, compare two or three different female figures and analyze the kinds of strength they possess. How do they differ? How are they similar? In your conclusion, you might speculate about why The Odyssey contains so many powerful females.
2. In many ways The Odyssey is a meditation on the nature of
civilization and the difference between civilized and uncivilized
behaviors. Analyze Homer’s portrayal of Greek civilization by
contrasting it with two “barbarian” or “strange” cultures Odysseus and
his men encounter. Your thesis should clarify what it means to be
civilized. Conclude your essay by evaluating the benefits to Odysseus
of his exposure to other societies.
3. Is The Odyssey ultimately a story about healing? In
formulating a thesis, think about what issues -- societal and/or
personal -- need to be fixed or restored and why. Your essay body
should examine two key problems whose resolution is important in the
larger context of the poem. In your conclusion try to evaluate how
successfully the problems you examine are resolved.
4. Honor is a very important value in The Odyssey. It is, arguably, the reason Odysseus will not spare the suitors when he returns home. But what exactly is honor? Your thesis should put forth a very specific definition of honor that your two body paragraphs go on to explore. In your conclusion, you might speculate as to why honor is so important to the Ancient Greeks.
5. Why are Odysseus and Penelope a good match? Your thesis should propose a specific reason that your three body paragraphs go on to explore. In your conclusion, try to explain why the couple’s relationship is important in the larger context of the poem.
Compete and final draft due: Tuesday, Nov. 22
***During the week before we will require that you submit a thorough
outline and the meaty passages you will be analyzing.
Paper length: 4 paragraphs (introduction, two body paragraphs, conclusion),
double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman
Remember:
Your essay must have an introduction as follows:
Name the book and author
Say something interesting about your topic
Anticipate your body paragraph topics
Make last sentence (or two) of your thesis statement.
Each body paragraph must :
Begin with an idea-based topic sentence
Contain two quotations which you analyze (avoid quoting factual
information!!!)
Be 2/3 of a page long
You must have a conclusion in which you explain the larger
implications of your argument.
*** Essay will be posted on turnitin.com