Essay #1 Assignment
Write an analytical essay with a clear thesis in the introduction, and body paragraphs in the CEA style, on one of the following topics*:
- Choose one episode from The Odyssey and interpret it. Here are some potential themes to consider (each of which we have discussed in class):
– the boundary between the civilized and the savage, as Homer depicts it;
– the importance of ritual in The Odyssey, particularly hospitality rituals, and/or sacrifices to the gods or to the dead;
– fidelity, infidelity, and Homer’s depictions of husbands and wives
– do mortals blame the gods for their own troubles, as Zeus says, or is Odysseus cursed by heaven, as Aeolus says?
– why does Odysseus visits Hades? Why does he talk to the dead?
- Choose one of Sappho’s poems and interpret it. Your interpretation should be original, and must consider the fragmentary or unknowable nature of the text. Because the poems are quite short, you will have do a “close reading” of the text. The criteria for a “close reading” are:
- your argument should be organized around an in-depth interpretation of the specific words of the poem
- your argument should include lots and lots of “evidence”
* If you would like to propose an original topic, different from the two above, I’ll be happy to consider it. Make sure you mention this in your thesis draft.
Due Dates and Details
- Essay Topic Proposal (50-100 words), due on Tuesday, September 26th (9/26):
In paper, brought to class.
- First draft due on Monday, Tuesday, October 3rd (10/3):
4-5 pages/ 1200 – 1500 words. Double-spaced.
Posted to class website.
- Second (final) draft, due on Friday, October 13th (10/13) at 5:40pm:
4-5 pages/ 1200 – 1500 words. Double-spaced.
Emailed to [email protected] by 10:00pm, on Friday 10/13.
Each draft should have a Cover Letter attached. See below for details.
Your paper should follow the “Claims, Evidence, Analysis” style we have practiced.
You should use MLA formatting.
Essay Topic Proposal
Your topic proposal is like a draft thesis paragraph. It should be several sentences long, written in the style of an introduction. It must contain the main argument of your essay (first draft).
Cover Letter
The essay cover letter is a chance for you to explain your creative process, and your results, directly and informally. Each cover letter should be about a page, double-spaced. You may begin it, Dear Reader.
Questions to answer on your Cover Letter:
Draft #1
Describe what you were hoping to prove. What was the central thesis you arrived at? Where in the essay (on what page) did you best manage to make this main point? How did your ideas develop or unfold? What do you think you need to work on as you revise?
Draft #2
Describe your revision process. What advice did you get from others that you tried to follow? Point to specific places in your draft where you followed someone else’s advice. Was there advice you didn’t follow? Why? Where do you feel your revision succeeded? Where did it fail? What would you have liked to continue working on?