1. How to Write a Thesis: 1.Take a position: Yes, Odysseus is a hero No, Odysseus is not a hero 2.Complete the following “formula” for a thesis: By looking at The Odyssey, by Homer, one can see that ; this is important because

2. Mrs. McGladdery Not every hero can leap tall buildings in a single bound or move faster than a speeding bullet. Some heroes begin as ordinary humans. 12/18/13 In Homer’s great epic poem, The Odyssey, the hero, Odysseus, is an ordinary man from Ithaca in Greece. He left his wife and infant son to fight in the brutal ten-year-long Trojan War. Eager to return home, Odysseus leaves Troy but soon begins to face challenges. The gods (especially Poseidon) conspire against him and place hazards and challenges in his way. Odysseus must use all of his skills and courage to push through the next ten years to finally return home after twenty years away. Therefore, By looking at The Odyssey, by Homer, one can see that Odysseus shows the traits and characteristics of a hero; this is important because his ability to overcome obstacles allows him to prove his worth.

3. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus faces challenges and obstacles that provide him with the opportunity to lead his crew. “I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships, / tied them down under their rowing benches,” (Homer 101-102) Odysseus is determined to bring all his men safely home – whether or not they want to. He shows leadership by making decisions for the entire group and keeping in mind what is best for everyone. Sometimes a hero has to do the right thing even when it is unpopular. Another time, it seemed like everything was lost when Odysseus and some of his crew were trapped by the Cyclops, but his careful planning and action saved the day. “I drew on all my wits, and ran through tactics, /…/ So, three sheep could convey each man.” (Homer 373-382) Once, Odysseus had to save three of his men from the temptation and addiction of the Lotus flower.

4. Many people would disagree and say that Odysseus was not a hero since he lost all his men. However, he tried his best throughout the years to save them. Homer plainly states, “he fought only / to save his life, to bring his shipmates home. ‘ But not by will nor valor could he save them, / for their own recklessness destroyed them all” (8-11) Odysseus heroically tried again and again to bring everyone safely home, but a mere man cannot overturn fate. Odysseus, the main character in Homer’s The Odyssey, shows the qualities and characteristics of a hero on his dangerous journey home. Odysseus shows the world that a hero is brave, smart, and caring for others. Homer provides the world with an example of how, no matter the difficulties one might face, a hero never gives up. Several times throughout his journey, Odysseus could have abandoned his quest and his crew, but he never did. He continued to work to save his men no matter what. He grieved when they died. Odysseus can teach everyone to persevere and be smart. He is a hero in every sense of the word. Even though he has no super powers, Odysseus shows the world how to be truly heroic.

5. Formatting: My Name Mrs. McGladdery 3 rd Hour December 19, 2013 The Perfect Hero Not every hero can leap tall buildings in a single bound or move faster than a speeding bullet. Some heroes begin as ordinary

6. Additional Pages: Hassan 2 Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus faces challenges and obstacles that provide him with the opportunity to lead his crew. Once, Odysseus had to save three of his men from the temptation and addiction of the lotus flower. “I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships, / tied them down under their rowing benches,” (Homer 101- 102). Odysseus is determined to bring all his men safely home – whether or not they want to.