• Essay Rubric - COMING SOON!
• Thesis Practice Results (from books XIII-XIV blog)
• Thesis Statement Truths - the examples we went over in class!!!
   
  
  
• Secondary Criticism/Discussion:   
   
  1. Check out this critical essay regarding the Odyssey.  Author Mark Van Doren argues that the Odyssey is by no means a tragedy but instead a true reflection of the emotions of the time.  See if you can follow his discussion.  This is a great sample of real-world analysis.
  2. General Plot Evaluation:  This essay discussions the plot of the Odyssey in general, offering insight into the way Homer tells his tale as well as commentary on specific scenes and events.  Useful for any writer/topic, not just those who wish to incorporate quotations into their essay.
  3. Adventure-by-Adventure Discussion of Mortal Hero:  This essay goes through the epic book by book, discussing the actions of Odysseus and how the various adventures he experiences characterize him as a hero, but a mortal hero.  This is especially helpful for topic #4.
  4. Author info and attention to epic poem elements and structures: This essay specifically focuses on Homer as the author as well as the epic structures/devices we've been studying in class.  It highlights digressions, catalogues, similies, flashback, etc.  It also talks about epithets.  I wasn't making this stuff up, kids :)  It's a fascinating read about the construct of the text - not the themes -so again, worthwhile for any writer.
     
  5. Places in the Odyssey and Analyses of them! - An awesome listing of all the settings we encountered with interesting commentary on the possible significance of each.  Particularly interesting is the discussion of Skylla and Charybhdis.  Check it out!!
  6. Gender Roles in the Odyssey - This is a dense and somewhat lengthy text with frequent references to the Iliad, BUT, it does contain really interesting commentary on the gendered relationships within Homer's epic.  Check it out if you're interested in the role of women or aristocracy in general.
     
   
   
   

You will develop a thesis that connects all of our learnings and takes a unique, arguable stance on the epic poem The Odyssey. Using that thesis, you will show your understanding and mastery of the analytical writing skills we’ve honed so far this year and your understanding of the Odyssey in general. 

Purpose        

The purpose of this assignment is to

1.      compose an original thesis as an evaluation Homer’s The Odyssey.

2.      learn to organize and defend a complex argument

3.      demonstrate understanding of the complexity of The Odyssey

Writer’s Role

You will be writing as yourselves, the literate, analytical student of Miss Carlino’s class.

Audience

NOT Miss Carlino. You have an audience who has some background knowledge of the book is not intimately familiar with the content. (This means you cannot assume a connection will be made; you need to include all important contextual information.)

Form

-         No more than 5 pages, typed, double spaced.

-         Incorporates quotations and narrative details from novels

-         Adheres to all MLA format requirements

-         Evaluated based on rubric

-         Turnitin.com by midnight of due date.

-         Final draft point value: 250 points

FCAs

This will be evaluated based on multiple FCAs and rubrics. See below for grading specifics and breakdown.

You have some  options for this paper. Please read them fully. Consider what you enjoyed in the epic and what you’d like to discuss. Then, choose one and THINK carefully about what argument you will make.                         

1.      Argue this point (with SOME individual development needed):   Throughout The Odyssey, both Telémakhos and Odysseus search for identity in their own ways. Choose one of the characters and discuss what role, if any, identity plays in his overall success. (Remember the lack of identity/self-knowing is a part of identity.)

2.      Develop, then argue a point on this topic: There are many examples of loyalty and disloyalty throughout The Odyssey. Compare and contrast these two ideas and take a stand on the message this sends.  Carefully consider the cause/effect relationship seen within this concept while developing your thesis. (See me to discuss the actual thesis on this. Your wording will be crucial.)

3.      Develop, then argue a point on this topic: Compare and contrast the role of women as portrayed in The Odyssey. Consider how they are loyal, strong, weak, hospitable, etc., and take a stand on the message this sends. (See me to discuss the actual thesis on this. Your wording will be crucial.)

4.      Challenge prompt: Argue this point: Throughout the entire epic poem, Homer’s placement of Odysseus’ as the constant presence at the center of all the action extols the heroic and exemplary life of this mortal man. 

Note: (Do not choose this one if you do NOT think Odysseus is exemplary)

5.      Other ideas? See me to discuss. This could include looking at a stylistic (epic structure) element and its effect on the message, a development of a previous idea you have, another theme not indicated above, etc.