Odyssey Essay
I. Introduction: title, author, thesis statement (Odysseus as a hero in a classic romance who must learn moderation), small amount of background info.
II. Body paragraph: arete #1 (cunning)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection/analysis
III. Body paragraph: arete #2 (physical strength)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection/analysis
IV. Body paragraph: needs to learn moderation (hubris)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection/analysis
V. Body paragraph: still needs to learn diplomacy, only restores order because of Athena
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection/analysis
VI. Conclusion: does he learn what he needs to learn? Has he restored order? Why does Homer end with Odysseus going off on another adventure?
or
True Romance
I. Introduction: title, author, thesis statement (Odysseus as a hero in a classic romance), small amount of background info.
II. Body paragraph: arete #1 (cunning or strength)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection/analysis
III. Body paragraph: hubris #2 (over does it with the Cyclopes, prevents self from getting home)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection/analysis
IV. Body paragraph: needs to learn moderation (Penelope pulls him home and gets him to deal with domestic issues)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection/analysis
V. Body paragraph: is prepared for right rule (he stops fighting and brings peace to his kingdom)
a. Topic sentence
b. Intro to the quotation
c. Quotation
d. Reflection/analysis
VI. Conclusion: even though he must leave again, he leaves Telemachus as a man prepared to rule.
Sample intro and topic sentence
In his epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer creates a hero filled with both arete and hubris, both excellence and excessiveness. Odysseus is stronger and smarter than any man alive, but because of these great strengths, he becomes over confident. He does not know when to stop; he cannot moderate his behavior. Through this character, Homer teaches us that great leaders must balance their strengths with moderation, that kings must be great warriors, but also be great husbands; they must fight tremendous battles, but also feed their people.
At the beginning of the poem, Homer reveals Odysseus’ intelligence. Odysseus can think on his feet and beat terrible monsters by outwitting them. When Odysseus becomes trapped in the Cyclopes’ cave, he is able to escape by tricking the Cyclopes. He tells Polyphemus, “