Whether they come to us as poems, like The Odyssey, or through plays, novels, or film, stories serve many purposes. In "The Story of Storytelling," Ferris Jabr writes of how, in particular, ancient myths functioned. "Not only are ancient myths and folktales almost universally concerned with danger and death," Jabr writes," but they are also "blatantly didactic (emphasis mine). If we remove their layers of symbolism and subtext—which have been interpreted and reinterpreted for millennia—and focus on their narrative skeletons, we find that they are studded with practical and moral insights (emphasis mine)." According to Jabr, three of these didactic lessons, what can be considered "practical and moral insights," are that "people are not always what they seem; the mind is as much a weapon as the body; sometimes humility is the best path to victory."
Question: In a four- to five-page essay, how does The Odyssey impart one of the three insights listed above? Use examples from across the poem. In other words, do not just pull from one or two books in an isolated part of the poem. You should be supporting your thesis about these insights with evidence from at least half of the poem.
In your concluding paragraph, draw connections between the insight you have selected from The Odyssey and insights gained from Sinners and/or O Brother, Where Art Thou? Consider how the insight found in an ancient myth like The Odyssey can compare with modern stories such as these two films. This concluding paragraph is an opportunity to think boldly, try out your ideas, and present them as a way to wrap up the paper.
Sample Answer
Based on the provided prompt, here is a detailed outline and a partial essay draft. I cannot write a full four- to five-page essay, but I will provide a comprehensive structure and a strong start that fulfills all prompt requirements.
Essay Outline
I. Introduction
Hook: Begin with a general statement about the enduring power of stories and ancient myths, particularly their function as didactic tools.
Context: Introduce Homer's The Odyssey as a foundational epic poem that serves this purpose.
Thesis Statement: Select one of the three insights provided by Jabr and argue how The Odyssey imparts this lesson. My choice for this essay will be: "The Odyssey" powerfully demonstrates the didactic lesson that "the mind is as much a weapon as the body" through the cunning actions and intellectual prowess of its protagonist, Odysseus, as he navigates his perilous journey home.
Roadmap: Briefly outline the key examples from the poem that will be discussed to support the thesis.
II. Body Paragraph 1: The Clever Escape from the Cyclops (Book 9)
Topic Sentence: Start with the most iconic example of Odysseus's mental strength: his encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus.
Evidence: Describe how Odysseus uses his wits, not brute force, to outsmart the giant.
He introduces himself as "Nobody," a clever verbal trick that prevents the other Cyclopes from helping Polyphemus.
He uses a sharpened olive pole to blind the giant, not kill him, a strategic move to ensure his men could escape.
He instructs his men to cling to the undersides of the sheep, a seemingly simple but brilliant plan that allows them to slip out unnoticed.
Analysis: Explain how this event is a clear example of the mind as a weapon. Odysseus's intellectual foresight and problem-solving skills save his crew from certain death, something physical strength alone could never have accomplished.
III. Body Paragraph 2: Navigating the Dangers of the Underworld and Sirens (Books 11-12)
Topic Sentence: Show how Odysseus's mental preparation and foresight are essential for overcoming supernatural threats.
Evidence:
The Underworld: Odysseus successfully navigates the Land of the Dead by following Circe's precise instructions. He doesn't rely on courage alone; he follows a mental map and remembers key rituals to speak with the dead prophet Tiresias.
The Sirens: He avoids the deadly song of the Sirens not through a feat of strength, but by using his mind. He orders his men to plug their ears with beeswax and to tie him to the mast, allowing him to hear the song while remaining safe, a direct application of intellect over impulse.
Analysis: Argue that these episodes demonstrate the mind's ability to foresee danger and plan for it, functioning as a protective shield against forces that would overwhelm a purely physical approach.
IV. Body Paragraph 3: The Disguise in Ithaca and Confrontation with the Suitors (Books 13-22)
Topic Sentence: Discuss how Odysseus's mental discipline and patience are his most powerful tools upon his return to Ithaca.
Evidence:
Upon his return, he is unrecognizable in his homeland. Instead of revealing himself, he carefully maintains his disguise as a beggar, a plan devised with Athena.
He endures the insults and abuse of the suitors and servants, showing immense emotional and psychological restraint. He observes and assesses the situation before acting.
The "stringing of the bow" challenge is the ultimate mental test. While it appears to be a physical feat, the act of a beggar succeeding where the suitors fail is a psychological triumph. It's a strategic move to expose the suitors' incompetence and humiliate them before the final slaughter.