Odyssey Essay
Essential Question: How is Odysseus an epic hero? What qualities,
traits does he have/what does he do that makes him a hero?
Objectives


To write a five-paragraph essay that proves Odysseus fits the definition of an epic hero by
providing evidence from the text.
To learn to use MLA format
Steps before writing
1. Using the notes from your study guide, you will pick three of the traits of an epic hero that Odysseus
demonstrates.
2. You will then fill out a template with examples of the three traits.
3. Formulate a thesis statement based on your evidence.
Our hero: Westley
Character traits:
Bravery
Intelligence
Articulate/cunning
Template outline:
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Hook/First line
A hero is someone who can escape a fireswamp
with a Princess and still look good doing it.
History/background of The Odyssey
Westley is one such hero. He is the main
character in The Princess Bride. In The Princess
Bride, Westley has to go on many epic adventures
and becomes a hero in order to rescue his love,
Princess Buttercup.
Thesis
Thesis: Westley is an epic hero because he is
brave, intelligent, and articulate, which are all
qualities epic heroes need.
Thesis: Although Westley is foolish, he is still an
epic hero because he is brave and intelligent.
Example introduction paragraph:
A hero is someone who can escape a fireswamp with a Princess and still look good doing it. Westley is
one such hero. He is the main character in The Princess Bride. In The Princess Bride, Westley has to go
on many epic adventures and becomes a hero in order to rescue his love, Princess Buttercup. He fights
a giant, duels with a Spaniard, and he matches his wit with a cunning villain. Westley is an epic hero
because he is brave, intelligent, and articulate, which are all qualities epic heroes need.
Paragraph 2:
Character Trait
Example of
 Westley saves Buttercup from the quicksand
actions/dialogue that
 Westley battles Fezzik and Vizzini (almost gets poisoned)
shows this character
trait
Quote from the text to
“Westly bravely saved Princess Buttercup” (46)
support the example of
actions/dialogue
How others view the
 Westley saves Buttercup after he is dying—Buttercup thinks he is
character (do they think
brave
s/he has this trait, or
 Prince Humperdink thinks he is brave because the Prince needs a
does nobody know)?
crew of men to go after Westley
Any other information
“Westley thought to himself, I must save Princess Buttercup no matter
to help prove your point what” (95).
(what the character
looks like, what they
think, etc.)
Brave
Example body paragraph:
Westley has many qualities that make him a hero, but his most heroic quality is his bravery. Westley
proves that he is brave in every adventure he goes on. When Buttercup was sinking in the quicksand,
Westley dove in and saved her without a thought: “Westly bravely saved Princess Buttercup” (46).
Westley also was brave when he fought Fezzik, because he could have been easily crushed by the giant’s
might. Westley was brave when he battled with Vizzini, because he could have been poisoned. Other
characters know Westley is brave, too. Princess Buttercup realizes how brave he is after he saves her
from the Prince, even though he was half-dead. “Westley thought to himself, I must save Princess
Buttercup no matter what” (95). Prince Humperdink also thought Westley was brave, which is why the
Prince was afraid of him. Not only is Westley brave, but he is probably the most courageous character in
the movie.
Paragraph 3:
Character Trait
Example of
actions/dialogue that
shows this character
trait
Quote from the text to
support the example of
actions/dialogue
How others view the
character (do they think
s/he has this trait, or
does nobody know)?
Any other information
to help prove your point
(what the character
looks like, what they
think, etc.)
Intelligence
Paragraph 4:
Character Trait
Example of
actions/dialogue that
shows this character
trait
Quote from the text to
support the example of
actions/dialogue
How others view the
character (do they think
Articulate/cunning
Suggestions:
Your body paragraphs should all start with a strong topic sentence that
reflects all of the material in the paragraph. Each topic sentence should
also relate to your thesis.
s/he has this trait, or
does nobody know)?
Any other information
to help prove your point
(what the character
looks like, what they
think, etc.)
Suggestions:
Your body paragraphs should all start with a strong topic sentence that
reflects all of the material in the paragraph. Each topic sentence should
also relate to your thesis.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion (like an inverse of the
Introduction)
Thesis (summary of your main points you’ve
already made)
Other examples (movies, books, etc.) that have
characters like Odysseus
Final line/sentence to wrap up your essay
Expectations
1. This essay will be a five-paragraph essay. Your thesis should state an opinion about Odysseus
that you will be able to prove in your three body paragraphs. All material must come from you
study guide notes. No outside sources will be given credit. All work should be your own.
2. Your examples should include detailed explanations (from the story we read in class!).
3. You should use standard conventions of grammar as discussed in class.
4. The essay will need to be typed using MLA format (see separate handout).
5. If you need additional help, I am available for one-on-one sessions.
Name ___________________________
Rubric for Odysseus Essay
****This rubric must accompany your paper. Staple it on top*******
Expectation
Points
possible
Introductory paragraph with Author, Title and
basic storyline mentioned
10
Thesis statement as the last sentence of
introductory paragraph.
10
Body paragraphs with topic sentences that
relate to thesis and to points within the
paragraphs
20
Use of specific examples from the story and
your study guide to support your thesis.
20
Conclusion that sums up paper without
introducing new material
10
Actual points
Use of proper conventions of grammar
including no use of “I” “we” “you” (no first or
second person usage). Use of proper
punctuation, mechanics an spelling
20
Paper will be typed in MLA format
10
Total
100