Storytellers have been creating epic heroic tales for thousands of years. You are now going to compare the protagonist of an ancient text, The Odyssey, with one from a recent movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou? As you have noticed, the creators of O Brother, Where Art Thou? included certain elements from The Odyssey, yet made it a completely modern cultural experience. The heroes of the stories, Odysseus and Ulysses Everett McGill, share certain characteristics. However, they also differ in some fundamental ways. You are going to write an essay that explores these similarities and differences.

1. To begin with, spend a few minutes thinking about the characteristics of a hero -- both your own definition and the ancient definition (arete -- reaching your highest human potential).
2. Now, look at the list of characteristics that you made for Odysseus, both heroic and human
3. Make a list for Ulysses Everett McGill.
4. Next, examine both lists. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?
5. Write an outline, following the outline on the back. You must have a topic sentence for each paragraph, examples that offer specific, detailed evidence of similarities and differences, and transition words that make your analysis clear and logical. (Use the Transition Words handout to help you with this.)

1. Introductory paragraph
1. Answer the question, "What is a hero?"
2. Titles and character descriptions
3. Thesis statement -- something like this: The two protagonists show interesting similarities and differences in their heroic natures. You should hint (briefly) regarding the topics you will discuss. This should link with your opening statement.
2. First Body Paragraph
1. Topic sentence -- State that they are similar in some ways.
2. Discuss how each character compares in regard to this topic. For each comparison, use cue words such as like, similar to, also.
3. Be sure to include specific examples, proving that the similarities exist.
4. Include a final sentence that leads to the next topic.
3. Second Body Paragraph
1. Topic sentence -- State that they are different in some ways.
2. Discuss how each character contrasts in regard to this topic. Use contrast cue words such as unlike, on the other hand, in contrast.
3. Be sure to include specific examples, proving that the differences exist.
4. Include a final sentence that leads to the conclusion.
4. Conclusion
1. In this paragraph, state which of the similarities and differences is most important. Does this say anything about the difference between ancient and modern definitions of heroism? Is either a hero? Are both?