Name:
The Odyssey Assignment
For this literary essay, you need to focus on comparing and contrasting. For this reason, you need to
choose a thesis that lends itself easily to comparison.
Here are some prompts that may help you pick your topic:
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Many times Odysseus has declared that his men were “mutinous.” Still they were often loyal
and true. Compare and contrast the two sides of Odysseus’ men.
One of the themes in Greek mythology is that “Man is nothing without the gods.” Compare and
contrast the ways the gods help or hinder the lives of men.
A hero is not without flaws. Compare and contrast the qualities of Odysseus that make him a
hero with those that make him a flawed one.
Compare and contrast the role of women as portrayed in The Odyssey. Consider how they are
loyal, strong—or weak, hospitable, etc.
Faithfulness and loyalty are very important characteristics in ancient Greek society. Compare
and contrast the fidelity of Odysseus and Penelope during their twenty-year separation.
Some Helpful Hints:
 When writing an academic essay, like this one, avoid using first and second period
pronouns (I, me, you, your, etc).
 When writing about literature, ALWAYS make sure to include a TAG Statement (Title,
Author, and Genre).
 ALWAYS have topic sentences when starting body paragraphs.
 Always lead in your quotations! Do NOT let them stand alone! Here’s an example: When
the Cyclops asked Odysseus his name, Odysseus replied, “My name is NoMan” (311).
 When finding your evidence (or quotations from the text), ALWAYS make sure you write
down the correct line numbers on your planner. This will make writing your essay
easier. We will discuss how to properly cite the text in class. Pay attention!
 Try not to simply repeat all of your evidence in your conclusion. Try to answer the
question, “So what?”
 REREAD your work! Go over with a fine-tooth comb to find any spelling, grammatical, or
mechanical errors. Take pride in your work!
The Odyssey Comparison and Contrast Paper Rubric
Points
Possible
TOPIC
The student chose an appropriate topic to compare and
contrast
INTRODUCTION
-Contains TAG Statement
-Contains relevant and sufficient background information
-Contains clear thesis statement
BODY #1-Comparison
-Contains topic sentence
-Contains 2 pieces of textual evidence (properly cited)
-Contains an explanation of evidence
BODY #2-Contrast
-Contains topic sentence
-Contains 2 pieces of textual evidence (properly cited)
-Contains an explanation of evidence
CONCLUSION
-Restatement of thesis
-At least two sentences which summarize paper
MECHANICS
Paper is free of spelling, mechanical, and grammatical
errors.
FORMAT:
12 pt Times New Roman, Double-Spaced Font, Properly
Indented paragraphs
TOTAL
5
15
20
20
15
15
10
100
Points Earned
Introduction
TAG Statement:
Background Info:
Thesis Statement:
Body 1
Topic Sentence:
Evidence:
Explanation:
Body 2
Topic Sentence:
Evidence:
Explanation:
Conclusion
Restate your thesis:
Concluding Sentences: