What theme will you use? ____HEROISM_______ What is your thesis sentence?

_Odysseus in Homers
The Odyssey displays many characteristics of a Greek hero. (stage 1 = yes)
Does your thesis sentence contain both the text and the topic? ________YES_______________
Does the statement take a stand? Can a reasonable person disagree with the thesis statement? How?
______YEs_______________________________YES________________________
I.

Introduction
A. Attention Getter:
B. Transition:
C. Thesis Statement:

II.

PEEL Paragraph #1 (craft/intellect)

A. Point/Claim: Having a strong intellect is an essential quality in a classic Greek hero.
B. Evidence from the story and what it means: When Odysseus is faced with telling
Polyphemus his name, he responds with Nohbdy (Homer, Line 315).
C. Explanation/Commentary that ties the quote to the thesis: Odysseus had planned long ago
as he was interacting with the Cyclops how to call himself. This would trick the Cyclops
when he would call for help to receive no assistance. True heroes need to think quickly
when facing extreme adversity. By creating a false name, Odysseus demonstrates his
ability as a hero to provide an answer yet maintain safety for him and his men.
D. Link to the next paragraph: Not only does Odysseus show his heroic quality through
intellect, he also does so through his bravery.

III.

PEEL Paragraph #2 (bravery)

A. Point/Claim: Bravery is a second key component to the composition of a Greek hero
which Odysseus clearly possesses.
B. Evidence from the story and what it means: How can two men do battle with a houseful
in their prime? Telemachus is amazed by his fathers decision (Homer, Line 1092).
C. Explanation/Commentary that ties the quote to the thesis: Telemachuss reaction
demonstrates how a normal person would react to the idea of two versus one hundred plus
that he and Odysseus were about to engage. Odysseus quickly reminds his son, however,
that the gods are on their side and this is the time to wage war in order to reclaim their land
and property. Heroes have to be brave when confronted with danger or an extreme
adversity. Often heroes do not realize they are being brave at the time. Odysseuss bravery
by facing the suitors while relying on his faith proves hes heroic.
D. Link to the next paragraph: As if it werent enough for Odysseus to be brave and clever, he
is also a friend of the gods.

IV.

PEEL Paragraph #3(Friend of the Gods)

A. Point/Claim: Finally, ones interactions with deity are characteristics of a classic Greek
hero.
B. Evidence from the play and what it means: She only nodded, signing to him with her
brows, a sign he recognized (Homer, Lines 1004-1006).
C. Explanation/Commentary that ties the quote to the thesis: It is evident that Odysseus and
Athena have a relationship because he recognized her signal that she wanted to speak
privately with him. The measure of a true hero is his realization that he alone is not
enough; he has to believe in something or someone- beyond himself. Having a personal
relationship with a spiritual being is common among heroes. Odysseus recognized
Athenas signal, so he must have regular interactions with her. This kind of familiarity
shows his intimate relationship with the great war-goddess thereby proving him a hero.
D. Link to the next paragraph: The relationship between Athena and Odysseus may be the
finest example to prove his hero status!

V.

Conclusion
A. Summary of Points:
B. Restatement of Thesis:
C. Final Word

Thesis: Author, Title, (caps & punctuation) and topic/slant

Points: General broadly written
Evidence: Specific to characters in the story.
Instead of: Penelope shows loyalty to Odysseus by waiting for
him over 20 years.
DO THIS: Greek culture values loyalty even over an extended
period of time.
Evidence: Penelope waiting 20 years
Explanation: Serves three purposes
1)Explaining the evidence in detail
2)Commenting by connecting with the writers own
background knowledge (not specific to the story)
3) Link evidence & topic back to the thesis
*Overall, the Explanation should be longer than the
evidence!