Odysseus & Penelope

Usually when studying The Odyssey, people focus on the heroic nature of Odysseus. However, I want you to think about poor Penelope, left at home with a baby, having to keep the "kingdom" of Ithaca (a dry rocky island) prosperous while Odysseus was away. Then, when all the heroes of the Trojan War (except Odysseus) came home, she had to deal with a bunch of rude men who ate her food, drank her wine, and hounded her to marry one of them. Do you have to go to war to be a hero? Was she a hero by making it through her own journey of doubt and worry? You will now write an essay comparing the heroic qualities of Odysseus and his faithful wife Penelope.

1. To begin with, spend a few minutes thinking about the characteristics of an epic hero. In essence, a hero strives to reach his highest human potential (arete) by showing physical prowess, intelligence, and ethical behavior. Even though Penelope stayed home and did not have to fight monsters or swim through oceans, she is revered as the highest model of womanhood. Make a list of Penelope's character traits, much as we did for Odysseus. You will find all references to Penelope in Parts 3 & 4.

2. Look at the list of characteristics that you made for Odysseus, both heroic and human.

3. Next, examine both lists. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?

4. 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 in relationship to that topic, and transition words that make your analysis clear and logical.

5. Now, write a clear, insightful essay (do not use "I").

 

 

Outline

  1. Introductory paragraph
    1. Answer the question, "What is a hero?"
    2. Title 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?