A Different Perspective Argumentative Letter

Honor and Revenge: In the suitors’ shoes Narrative perspective shapes readers’ understanding of and opinions about the events in a story. Explore an alternative narrative perspective for Book XXII, putting yourself in the shoes of a suitor, a maid, or another interested party, and writing an argumentative letter that would either completely change Odysseus’ mind about punishing the suitors, or at least convince him to administer an alternative punishment to the violent death doled out in Book XXII. Gather textual evidence to support your ideas.

PROMPT: Should Odysseus kill the suitors and the disloyal maids PROMPT: Should Odysseus kill the suitors and the disloyal maids? Write from either a suitor’s or a maid’s point of view, or as an observer of the situation in Ithaca. Pre-writing: Brainstorm reasons to support your argument. Review the text to find specific concrete details that will further support your reasons. Organize your ideas, and group them together for paragraphs. Address counterclaim to strengthen your argument. Drafting: Develop a thesis statement that clearly states the argument you will develop in your letter. Then use your pre-writing to draft a letter acknowledging and rebutting counterclaim, and developing your own claim with specific CDs from text and persuasive reasoning. Include rhetorical appeals to persuade Odysseus to show mercy and avenge his honor in some way other than death. *Use correct letter format = greeting, body, closing. Revising: Have someone read your draft and give you feedback. Make sure your argument is clearly and persuasively developed. You should use specific examples and quotes from the text to support your argument.