The Odyssey Essay
Grade 9, Johnston
Essay Prompt: Homer explores many themes in his epic The Odyssey.
Choose one and trace its development throughout the epic.
Your essay will discuss a theme, NOT on a word.
Arrogance:
Not a theme
Distractions
Not a theme
Idea about arrogance: Arrogance is
punished; humility is rewarded.
Homer’s The Odyssey illustrates the vice of
arrogance and the virtue of humility.”
“While the
Lotus Eaters and the Ismarus
adventures demonstrate the negative
consequences of distraction, Odysseus’ return
home demonstrates the importance of being
focused, determined, and thoughtful
in goal setting.”
NO: The theme in The Odyssey is arrogance.
WHAT message does The Odyssey communicate about arrogance?
!
!
“The Odyssey teaches how arrogance damages and humility rewards.”
!
!
“Homer’s The Odyssey demonstrates how pride brings downfall but how
!
!
!
humility brings reward.”
!
!
“Homer’s The Odyssey illustrates the vice of arrogance and the virtue of
!
!
!
humility.”
NO: The theme in The Odyssey is goal setting.
WHAT message does The Odyssey communicate about distractions and goal setting?
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
“While the Lotus Eaters and the Cicones island adventures demonstrate
the negative consequences of distraction, Odysseus’ return home
demonstrates the importance of being focused, determined, and
thoughtful in goal setting.”
The Odyssey Essay
Grade 9, Johnston
DO:
Prove that the theme is illustrated and communicated.
Read out loud to one adult, having them tell you when it is unclear.
CQA: minimum of three quotes per body paragraph.
Analyze the theme: link each plot detail to your THESIS / theme development.
MLA format!!!
Name
Mrs. Johnston
Date
Class
Centered Title: Creatively Written
Header (Lastname #)
Double space throughout
Times New Roman
12 font
Make it easy to read and understand.
DON’T:
Don’t just quote and then not analyze.
Don’t use big words to use them; use the best words.
Don’t use the word “theme”.
Don’t use the word “this”. (This is seen when...)
Don’t use this construction: “The theme is when”
Don’t use this construction: “is why”
Don’t use “the reader.” (The reader feels...)
Don’t use too much plot. (Just enough for context.)
Don’t use long, long quotes (Use quote chunks.)
Don’t use vague pronouns: (“This is...” “That is...”)
Don’t be too repetitive.
The Odyssey Essay
Grade 9, Johnston
Body Paragraph #____
Topic Sentence: ______________________________________________________
Transitional Word/Phrase/Sentence:
ANALYZE:
How does this quote prove your topic sentence?
How does this quote relate to your thesis?
Context for quote: __________________
__________________________________
Quote #1/ Detail: ____________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Transitional Word/Phrase/Sentence:
Context for quote: __________________
__________________________________
ANALYZE:
How does this quote prove your topic sentence?
How does this quote relate to your thesis?
Quote #2/ Detail: ____________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Line #: (____ - ____)
Transitional Word/Phrase/Sentence:
Context for quote: __________________
__________________________________
ANALYZE:
How does this quote prove your topic sentence?
How does this quote relate to your thesis?
Quote #2/ Detail: ____________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Body Paragraph Organizer:
Line #: (____ - ____)
Body Paragraph # _____
Concluding Sentence: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
The Odyssey Essay
Introduction Paragraph
Conclusion Paragraph
Grade 9, Johnston