The Odyssey of Life / Monster Project Assignment: Part 1
As we complete Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey, I want you to consider the parallels between the story
of Odysseus and your own life. Odysseus undertakes a sometimes exciting, sometimes perilous journey over a
long period of time to reach his goal (getting home to Ithaca). In this project, you will think about your life and
the “monsters” that you have encountered and may possibly encounter in the future as you strive toward your
personal Ithaka. How is the Odyssey an allegory for your life?
Your assignment comes in two parts: a written component and a visual component.
Your written assignment is to write a five paragraph essay that draws parallels between Odysseus’s journey
and the one you have experienced and will embark upon. Your essay must explore the following questions:
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In what ways is the Odyssey like a journey through life? How is it an allegory?
How are some of the challenges and obstacles Odysseus faces and the choices he must make similar to
those you have encountered, or expect to encounter, in the future? How are they different?
What part of Homer’s epic is the most important to you? Why?
NOTE: We will work on this essay in class as part of a Writer’s Workshop. However, your final
draft must be prepared outside of class.
Please use the following outline (NOTE: A paragraph has no fewer than five sentences)
I.
Paragraph 1: INTRODUCTION- Explain the basic idea that the Odyssey is like a journey through life
(an ALLEGORY). Remember: always introduce the title and author of any work you write about.
-Motivator (Hook)
-Blueprint (Establish purpose)
-Thesis Statement
II.
Paragraph 2-4: BODY- Body paragraphs should discuss a parallel between the epic poem and your
life. Paragraphs should include specific examples from both the Odyssey and your life. You should use
quotes from the Odyssey, but make sure you indicate the page and line number it was taken from.
-Topic sentence - what obstacle have or will you face?
-support- explain and give details about this obstacle
-support- What does it match from the Odyssey?
-support- explain and give details about this obstacle
-support- How are the two things similar?
-transition
III.
Paragraph 5: CONCLUSION- Here you may discuss which part of the Odyssey is most important to
you. Offer some insight on life based on what you have written up to this point.
-Restate/reword thesis statement
-Review your blueprint (in other words, summarize your key points of evidence)
-Clincher (you could write your answer to the 3rd point on the assignment sheet if you are stuck for a
clincher - “What part of Homer’s epic is the most important to you, and why?”)
Your essay should be typed, if at all possible. Typed essays should follow standard MLA
formatting. Please let me know if you are unable to type. We may be able to arrange for you to
type at school. If not, your handwritten essay must be completed neatly, in blue or black ink,
and on the front side of standard loose-leaf paper.
NOTE: There will come a time during this school year when handwritten papers will no longer
be accepted!
The Odyssey of Life / Monster Project Assignment: Part 2
Your visual assignment is to create one of the following:
ideas, please let me know!)
(If you have an idea other than one of the listed
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Sculpture – using sculptural materials (clay, paper mache, etc.), create a symbolic “monster” that
represents the obstacles in your past and potential future.
Your monster should consist of a minimum of three symbolic monster parts based on the specific
obstacles that you have written about in your essay.
Give the monster “life” by adding facial and other body features.
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Power-point/prezi/slide-show – using a multi-media presentation computer program, create a
slide-show that illustrates the construction of your symbolic “monster”, one monster part at a time.
Your monster should consist of a minimum of three symbolic monster parts based on the specific
obstacles that you have written about in your essay.
Each transition should show and explain the symbolism of each part, culminating in a final illustration
of the monster as a whole. Make sure to give the monster “life” by adding facial and other body features
to the final illustration.
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Movie poster – using a 14x11 poster board (1/2 a regular board), create a movie poster that advertises
your hero’s journey. Styled after a traditional movie poster, the poster must include:
o Title
o Fictional premier date
o Brief plot teasers
o Fictional review quotes
o “Actor” names, production company information, etc.
o Illustration of the Hero (you) in a captivating scene facing the “monster”
o Your monster should consist of a minimum of three symbolic monster parts based on the
specific obstacles that you have written about in your essay.
The poster must be in full, dynamic color with traditional action/horror/suspense movie elements.
Due Date: Your essay and visual are both due on October 30-31, 2014. We will present the visuals in class
on those two days. Movie posters should be display-ready prior to class on your assigned presentation day.
Multi-media presentations must be brought to class on a flash drive or emailed to me prior to class. Sculptures
may be dropped off first thing in the morning on the day of your presentation. No late projects/essays will be
accepted. It is time for you to take responsibility for getting your work completed on time.