1. The Odyssey and Apollo 13
After watching the movie, compose an essay in which you compare/contrast an aspect of The Odyssey to Apollo 13.
Micro-theme---you select the focus of the essay
Must be clear comparison of both

2. Focus on ONE of the following:
the Epic Hero traits of both
The Epic Hero cycle---pick a section of the cycle and really detail the similarities or differences shown in both epics
Covering all the parts of the cycle for both will be a very, very long and unfocused essay
You will be drawing a parallel between both Odysseus and the Odyssey and Jim Lovell and Apollo 13

3. Sample 1: A True Hero Odyssey Apollo 13 Traits of Jim Lovell Quest
Traits of Odysseus
Quest
Questions to consider:
What is a hero defined?
Who is the true hero? Are both? If so, how exactly?
What traits do they share? What flaws do they share?
What problems do each have to overcome in given situations?
How do both show the desire to return?
If one is a hero and the other not, why so exactly?
How are they dissimilar?
Traits of Jim Lovell
Quest

4. Sample 2: Does man control his own fate?
Odyssey
Apollo 13
How does Odysseus control his fate?
How is it controlled by others (ie: gods, men, etc.)
Controls fate
Own choices, own abilities, own suffering
Does not control fate
Gods’ interventions
Storms and crewmen
Does Jim control his own fate?
How is it controlled by others?
How is Houston like a god?
Controls fate
Could choose to give up
Abilities to problem solve
Doesn’t control fate
Houston does

5. Sample 3: Regaining His Rightful Place
Odysseus’ Return
Jim’s Return

6. Sample 4: Superhuman Abilities
Odysseus
Jim

7. Sample 5: Leadership