Epic Hero Outline
Thesis Statement: (Example) Odysseus demonstrates epic hero characteristics through his problem solving, strength, and leadership skills.
A. Odysseus proves he's an epic hero in his quick thinking in the journey through the sirens.
1. Knowing that he won't be able to resist the sirens' alluring song, but that he alone must listen to it, Odysseus orders his crew to "tie [him] up, plumb amidships, back to the mast, lashed to the mast" (Homer 706).
2. Because of his awareness of his limitations, Odysseus and his crew safely make it through one of the most arduous journeys sailors face.
Transition: Not only does Odysseus possess problem skills solving through the episode with the sirens, but he also demonstrates this trait with the cyclops too.
B. When Odysseus realizes that he and his crew will perish in Polyphemus' cave if he kills him, he must think like a true epic hero and find another way to get out.
1. In order to get Polyphemus to move the stone away from the mouth of the cave, Odysseus devises a plan to, first get him drunk, and then, gathering four of his crew for help, stab him in his only eye. Coyly, Odysseus appeals to the giant lout: "Cyclops, try some wine. . . You ask my honorable name Nohbdy. . ." (692). Once the cyclops is quite intoxicated, Odysseus "drove [his] big hand spike deep in the embers . . . and rammed it deep in his crater eye" (692).
2. This well thought out plan works perfectly for a variety of reasons: he impairs Polyphemus' judgment through intoxication, thus he and his crew are able to stab the cyclops' eye, and he tells Polyphemus his name is "Nohbdy," so that when the cyclops calls for help, he'll say "Nohbdy" hurt him, and the other cyclopes will go away. Finally, he knows that the cyclops will have to let his sheep out to feed, and so he ties the sheep together, and he and his men cling on underneath and eventually make it out safely.
Transition: Finally, Odysseus shows impressive problem solving skills in "Cattle of the Sun God" episode.
C. Only an epic hero would follow the order of the gods....
Running out to steam; I will try to add more later!
Mrs. Johnson
