Heroic until Proven Guilty
Driving Question:
How does
character shape an individual?
Content Question:
Could Odysseus be
considered a modern day hero? In what ways
does Odysseus exemplify a hero?
Objective:
Students will develop increased confidence in writing and critical thinking skills. Added
proficiency in close reading, argumentative writing, and speaking, analyzing and reasoning, as
well as listening and collaborating will be honed. Specifically, students will develop an
argumentative claim towards an individual’s character.
Deliverables:
•
•
2 full-page writing response using MLA format
o evidence used from Homer’s The Odyssey
*students may also use evidence from text not discussed in class.
Assume a role in the mock trial of the people vs. Odysseus
o Student should mimic role accurately to support evidence from the comprehension
of the text.
Due Dates:
2-page writing response: November 13th (Sunday) at 11:59 p.m.
Odysseus vs. the People Trial Role: Week of November 7th
1
Essential Skills:
Writing C ontent mastery of writing entails presenting and supporting claims to demonstrate an
effective understanding of the subject and audience.
Learning Target: Argument Development - I can craft a clear explanation of my
argument in the beginning of my writing that is used as a road map throughout the
development of my argument and supporting evidence.
Learning Target: Evidence and Analysis - I can access resources, develop and support
an argument using credible evidence and effectively integrate that evidence into my writing; I
can determine the differences among quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing, and when it’s
appropriate to do so.
Writing Form mastery demonstrates the ability to manipulate a variety of writing strategies, styles
and forms
Learning Target: Mechanics, Grammar and Syntax - I can identify and write using
grammar and syntax according to the style of writing. I can recognize subject-verb agreements,
independent and dependent clauses, run-ons and fragments; and can implement edits when it
is appropriate to do so. I can avoid commonly made mistakes in mechanics (capitalization,
punctuation, homophonic errors, etc.).
Learning Target: Structure - I can format my writing according to the standards required
of the writing style, such as MLA essay formatting, email/memo correspondence, and business
letters.
Reading C ontent mastery of reading implies the student is proficient or above in comprehending
and analyzing a complex range of fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry genres. In demonstrating this
development, students are able to communicate their literary and cultural knowledge; and evaluate
sophisticated arguments.
Learning Target: C haracterization - I can describe and analyze complex characters and
explain how they enhance the plot and develop character conflicts.
2
Writing Assignment: 2 full-page writing response using MLA format
Writing Prompt Question: Could Odysseus be considered a modern day hero? In what ways does Odysseus
exemplify a hero? In what ways does Odysseus demonstrate characteristics of a hero?
(Honors: W hat role does language, specifically connotation, have in characterization?
*Honors m ay include 1 extra full-page to writing response.)
Introduction Paragraph
Hook/Opener (this includes 1-2 sentences that creates interest in reading):
Background Information (this include 2 – 3 that briefly introduces Odysseus and his trials in your writing):
Thesis Statement (road map of the writing response; clearly states overarching argument and/or position of
writing response):
3-point thesis statement (developing): Odysseus can/cannot be considered a modern-day hero because
,
and
,
.
Specific argument thesis statement (proficient): (specific subject/topic)
(assertion/argument of subject topic omitting three
points)
Counter argument thesis statement (proficient/advanced): Although, (counter argument/opposite argument)
, (subject of
argument)
(your argument)
.
3
Body Paragraph
Review and use WRITING A RESPONSE: WRITING A STRONG RESPONSE to craft body paragraphs that
follow the say, mean, matter format in writing development.
Repeat structure for every body paragraph.
Conclusion
(Reflect on the topic and the material you have presented)
(Add a final point of interest that connects to the information you have provided)
(Emphasize the most important point(s) that support the thesis)
(Wrap up the topic by drawing a conclusion which ties your evidence together; this conclusion should
reflect your thesis, but should be worded differently from your thesis)
M ock Trial During the trial the prosecution will be responsible for proving Odysseus is not a true hero. Both teams will
be able to call witnesses and cross-examine witnesses based on events from the text The Odyssey.
Potential Roles for M ock Trial
Prosecution (4)
Defense (4)
Jurors (15)
Reporters (2)
Potential Witnesses
• Odysseus
• Polyphemus
• Eurylochus
• Dead Soldier
• Circe
• Calypso
• Penelope
4
Gathering Evidence for Paper and M ock Trial
Thinking about the prompt for both the paper and mock trial:
Could Odysseus be considered a modern day hero? In what ways does Odysseus exemplify a
hero? In what ways does Odysseus demonstrate characteristics of a hero?
(Honors: W hat role does language, specifically connotation, have in
characterization? *Honors m ay include 1 extra full-page to writing response.)
Let’s begin to collect evidence from each Book of The Odyssey.
Book 5:
#1 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
#2 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
Book 9:
#1 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
#2 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
5
Book 10:
#1 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
#2 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
Book 11:
#1 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
#2 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
6
Book 12:
#1 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
☐
yes
☐
no
#2 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
Book 21 & 23:
#1 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
#2 Characterization:
Evidence:
Hero worthy trait?
7