Literary AnalysisRefreshing our Literary

Analysis Writing Skills

Introductory ParagraphAG STATEMENT: Your “hook” to grab the reader’s attention

Background Information: Provide author name & title of the book, info on characters, reference to prompt, etc.

Thesis: What are your main points?YOU NEED 2!!!!

Let’s look at the 1st prompt:Considering the qualities that make-up an epic hero, discuss whether Odysseus is an epic hero.

Be sure to define the term “epic hero” in your essay.

Considering the qualities that make-up an epic hero, discuss whether Odysseus is an epic hero.

Be sure to define the term “epic hero” in your essay.

Brainstorm

Going back over your notes, jot down some ideas about what an epic hero is.

Then, pick (2) qualities that you might want to focus your paper on

Still BrainstormingHero is usually tested in some way to prove

his/her worthiness The hero undertakes a journey or dangerous

voyage, demonstrating traits – such as courage, loyalty, and honor.

 Hero is charged with a quest

Cycle must reach a low point where hero nearly gives up or appears defeated

For example: If I were to write my paper arguing that Odysseus is an epic hero

AG Statement: There are those who prove their heroic stature by physical strength alone and there are those who do it by use of their mental abilities and perseverance despite the adversities that they are faced with.

Background Info: The definitions of an epic hero is one who is tested in such a way that as to prove himself as worthy, courageous, and loyal. In Homer’s Odyssey, Thesis: Odysseus exemplifies these qualities of an epic hero as he is challenged not only physically but mentally in his quest for home.

Some tips for Thesis Statements

Answer the prompt completely in the thesis. If you do not, your essay will not be focused on the prompt.

In spite of the fact that the thesis is a theory of

yours, do not use the words “I believe” or “I feel” in the thesis (or in the essay). It weakens your argument.

If your thesis has several parts, state it in the same order you plan to present it in the essay.

Let’s look at the 2nd prompt:Choose one character from The Odyssey to characterize.

Brainstorm

Pick a character to focus on and come up with (2) personality traits

For example: If I were to write my paper about the CHARACTERIZATION OF TELEMACHOS

AG Statement: The valor of a man can be represented in a culmination of his maturity as well as an ability to be brave in the face of danger.

Background Info: In Homer’s Odyssey, many characters prove their bravery with their minds regardless of their physical strength.

Thesis: Telemachos demonstrates his courageousness and valor as he comes into adulthood and learns how to use his strengths in the face of mockery and danger.

Let’s look at the 3rd prompt:Using characters and events from The Odyssey, discuss a prevalent theme.

Brainstorm

Going back over your notes, jot down some of the themes that are prevalent.

Then, pick (1) that you want to write your paper on

For example: If I were to write my paper about the THEME OF HOSPITALITY

AG Statement: The culture of America today greatly differs from the culture of Greece in Homeric times. People were generally trusted back then and it was customary for them to invite in strangers to have a meal.

Background Info: Homer depicts characters to be generally rewarded for showing good hospitality, or xenia, but to be punished for expressing poor hospitality. In Homer’s The Odyssey,

Thesis: characters that follow Greek rules give benevolent hospitality, while those that do not follow present malicious hospitality.

Let’s look at the 4th prompt:Discuss the role of women.

Brainstorm

Going back over your notes in the novel, pick a female character to focus on and come up with 2 reasons what role she has.

OR

Pick (2) female characters and describe their roles.

Let’s look at the 5th prompt:Discuss the role of the Gods

Brainstorm

Going back over your notes in the novel, pick two Gods to focus on and their roles

OR

Pick (1) God and describe his/her (2) major roles in the story.

Body Paragraphs

TOPIC SENTENCE

TRANSITION & LEAD IN

CONCRETE DETAIL

COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY

CONCRETE DETAIL

COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

Sample Body Paragraph on CHARACTERIZATION

Telemachos proves himself to be a courageous man in the face of mockery and danger. For instance, when weary of his hospitality being abused by his mother’s suitors, Telemachos goes before the council and pleads, “Let me be, my friends! Leave me alone to be worn out by my bitter sorrow – unless I must suppose that my father Odysseus, my good father, was a cruel man and ill-treated the nation, and that is why you are cruel and ill-treat me . . .” (23). Though aware of the malice of the men trying to win Penelope’s hand, he appeals to them peacefully and calmly. Instead of reacting on impulse, he takes a chance, standing up to them, hoping to rid himself of the intruders. Additionally, Telemachos finds a ship and crew, and steals away to find news of Odysseus. Choosing to take action rather than resign himself to whatever his fate may be, he demonstrates his bravery as he sails toward the unknown. Speaking of his plot to no one but his trusted nurse, he must depart from his mother and his country in order to take control of what is to come which is not only mature but courageous. Telemachos’s courage is undeniable and his ability to have faith is outstanding.

Sample Body Paragraph on CHARACTERIZATION

 As time passes by, Telemachos begins to demonstrate exceptional maturity. For example, when King Menelaos insists that he stay in Lacedoaimon for a while, Telemachos politely turns down the offer, explaining that he must return to his crew in Pylos (56). Telemachos would love to stay with Menelaos, but his newfound maturity teaches him the courage and responsibility to continue his journey. His blossoming mind finally understands that sometimes work must come before play. Furthermore, instead of accepting the generous gift of three horses and a chariot, Telemachos says, “‘If you should offer me a gift, let it be something for me to treasure; but horses I will not take to Ithaca…in Ithaca we have neither wide roads nor meadows; it is a goat-country, much pleasanter than a horse-country”’ (56). Any man would accept Menelaous’ gift without thinking twice, but Telemachos looks deeper into the situation. He nobly refuses to accept the horses because he knows that they would go to waste in Ithaca. With each new day, Telemachos becomes more mature, and his wisdom grows at an even more alarming rate.

Sample Body Paragraph on THEME

In The Odyssey, most of the characters provide generous hospitality to guests as a way of life. For example, when Athena comes to Telemachos’ home in the form of Mentes, Telemachos tells his guest, “Good day to you sir. You will be welcome in our home. Refresh yourself, and after you have eaten and drunk you shall say what you have come for . . .” (14). Telemachos shows kindness to a complete stranger and lets him eat before questioning him, making Telemachos a wonderful host. Ironically, this person is actually Athena, who then rewards Telemachos by helping him on his journey, a result of following this rule of generosity. In addition, when Odysseus ends up on the shores of Phacacca, King Alcinoos goes to give Odysseus food, shelter, and a transport back to his home. Alcinoos gives Odysseus, a wondering foreigner, a feeling that he is someone special enough to be hailed by the Phaicians through his exceptional courtesy. Alcinoos goes beyond the norm and places Odysseus on his son’s seat, a sign of Alcinoos’ complete trust in Odysseus. While most characters follow this tradition of hospitality, others do not.

ConclusionThe Conclusion

Re-state Thesis

Sum up main points

Tie back in with your title

Weaving CommentaryBlending concrete details and commentary

in a body paragraph.It involves shorter quote "fragments" connected

with your opinion.

Example + Verb + Explanation or Significance (CD) (CM)

OR

Starting commentary → supporting quotes → ending commentary

Weaving Commentary

(Concrete Detail) (verb) The act of hurling the pearl into the sea suggests that the beauty of

the soul cannot be bought. (Commentary)

Weaving Commentary In The Odyssey, Telemachos understands that hosting a

guest is a great honor. He says, "I'd rather die, yes, better that by far than have to look on at your outrage day by day: guests treated to blows . . ." (255).

To host a guest is a great honor, so much that Telemachos tells the suitors that he would "rather die" than see "guests treated to blows" (Homer 353, 355), a sign of how sacred the guest is to his host.