The Odyssey | Theme IV

Choose one of the two prompts for your 4th theme!

Prompt #1: Does Odysseus deserve the title of an epic hero?
Prompt #2: Write a theme comparing and contrasting the epic hero
Odysseus to a real-life hero.
I would prefer that prompt #2 be a historical heroe (i.e. Rosa Parks) but you could
also compare Odysseuss heroic traits to a fictional hero (book/movie/tv show) or
person in your own life.
***Those of you who want a challenge (a potential 4), please do a historical figure
prompt. Start researching somebody you admire and someone who may be
overlooked as a hero in history.

For example: I might decide to do a compare/contrast essay on Odysseus and

Thomas Jefferson. I would have to decide what heroic traits they share and
what traits they do not share.
**Fake Outline Below

This theme will be written in class on Tuesday November 24, 2015. You will
not be allowed to begin writing your theme until your outline and quote sheet are in
final form. This means they are written on CHS theme paper in blue/black
ink.
Length: 5 paragraphs (introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusion)
Format of the Introduction
1. Attention getter (can be a startling fact or question related to the topic not
the literature-i.e. do not mention character/author/book names)
2. Narrowing statement (more info about first sentence or answer question
asked. This sentence should get us closer to the thesis)
3. The Odyssey, Homer, time period information (1 sentence)
4. Thesis Sentence
If you are doing the First Prompt look here!:
Odysseus does not deserve the title of an epic hero because of ___________,
___________, and ________________.
Odysseus deserves the title of an epic hero because of ______________,
______________, and _______________.
If you are doing the Second Prompt look here!:
Epic hero, Odysseus has similarities and differences to ________________ because
of their __________, ____________, and ________________.
***OR MAKE YOUR OWN THESIS!

Format of the Conclusion

1. Restate your thesis
2. Sum up your ideas in body paragraphs
3. End with a thought-provoking statement or questions that relates to your
attention getter. DO NOT MAKE THIS SENTENCE YET ANOTHER REWORDING
OF YOUR THESIS
ONLY KEY WORDS AND PHRASES ARE ALLOWED IN YOUR OUTLINE: If you
include any part of your paragraphs (besides thesis) on your outline, your theme
grade will be lowered one full letter grade.
Outline Reminders
Label your outline as-Theme IV Final Outline
Remember to capitalize and indent your outline correctly
Theme Reminders
You must have one RELEVANT quote from the text to support your ideas in each
body paragraph-so that makes a grand total of three quotes for the whole theme for
a grade of 2 or higher. Quotes are written on the Outline or ON A SEPARATE
QUOTES PAGE. Remember, QUOTES DO NOT NEED TO BE DIALOGUE! They may be
anything from The Odyssey in the book or research that you find.
--Remember quote--------------------------------------(Homer 780).

To earn AT LEAST a 2 for organization, your introduction and conclusion MUST be

written according to the format weve learned this semester and BOTH body
paragraphs must feature effective, correctly written topic and clincher sentences.
Remember that clincher sentences begin with a summary word or phrase.

Fake Outline
English I

Ms. Baldridge

Hour Five

November 16, 2015

Self-Evident Truths

A.
B.
C.
D.

Introduction: Quote from The Declaration of Independence

Narrowing explaining my attention getter (introducing Thomas Jefferson)
Identify The Odyssey by Homer
Thesis: Odysseus has similarities and differences to a Founding Father, Revolutionary hero
(Thomas Jefferson) because of their dedication to home, integrity, and bravery.

II. Dedication to home/values

1.
2.

Heroic Trait #1 (Topic sentence)

Point 1-Calypso Tempting Odysseus

A. Illustration 1-Calypso and Odysseus quote from text---(on Quote Page)
B. Explanation-Odysseus values Home
Point 2-Jefferson Declaration of Independence
A. Illustration 1-quote from research or Declaration----(on Quote Page)
B. Explanation-Jefferson writing for his new home

Clincher Sentence: To summarize, epic hero Odysseus and revolutionary hero Thomas Jefferson give
their talents and make sacrifices in order to protect their respective homes.
III. Dedication for Truth and Integrity Heroic Trait #2
1.
2.

Point 1-Odysseus and The Cattle of Helios

A. Illustration 1-quote from the text---(on Quote Page)
B. Explanation-Odysseus had more integrity than his shipmates
Point 2-Thomas Jefferson/Truths to be self-evident
A. Illustration-quote from the section of the Declaration----(on Quote Page
B. Values and beliefs our Country is founded on

Clincher Sentence: These two examples reveal the integrity and values that both Odysseus and
Jefferson embody.
IV. Bravery Heroic Trait #3
1.
2.

Point 1-Odysseus and The Suitors

A. Illustration quote----from The Suitors
B. Protect his Family
Point 2-Jefferson and The Revolution
A. Illustration quote---dangers of The Revolution
B. Protect his New Country

Clincher: In conclusion, the Epic hero and Revolutionary hero are formidable and must persevere with
bravery when faced with those who doubt their beliefs and mission.
V. Clincher Sentence Conclusion
A.

A. Restate thesis: Thesis: Odysseus has similarities and differences to a Founding Father,
Revolutionary hero (Thomas Jefferson) because of their dedication to home, integrity, and
bravery in the face of adversity.

B. Summary of Heroic Trait #1 (use clincher sentence)

C. Summary of Heroic Trait #2 (use clincher sentence)

D. Summary of Heroic Trait #3 (Use clincher sentence)

E. Final Thoughts

English I

Name

Hour ___________
2015

November _____,

Creative Title!
I.

II.

Introduction
A. Attention Getter:
B. Narrowing:
C. Identify:
D. Thesis:
(Topic of your first body paragraph)
1. (First Point)
A. (Illustration-AKA QUOTE)
B. (Explanation)
2. (Second Point)
A. (Illustration-AKA QUOTE)
B. (Explanation)

Clincher:
III.

(Topic of your second body paragraph)

1. (First Point)
A. (Illustration-AKA QUOTE)
B. (Explanation)
2. (Second Point)
A. (Illustration-AKA QUOTE)
B. (Explanation)

Clincher:
IV.

(Topic of your third second body paragraph)

1. (First Point)
A. (Illustration-AKA QUOTE)
B. (Explanation)
2. (Second Point)
A. (Illustration-AKA QUOTE)
B. (Explanation)

Clincher:
V.

Conclusion paragraph
A. Restate Thesis
B. Summarize each body paragraph (use clinchers)
C. Final Thought

***REWRITE ON THEME PAPER