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O Brother, The Essay

Your assignment is to write a comparison/contrast paper, using The Odyssey (the poem) and O Brother, Where Art Thou? (the film).

The first step in the process was to read the poem and to watch the movie, taking notes on both. Second, as illustrated in class, you should make a comparison chart, listing matching details from your two sources. Then, find three pairs (sub-topics) that are related in some way. Finally, you are required to turn in a typed outline (due Wednesday).

Your essay should follow the five-paragraph outline discussed in class:

I. Introduction (includes your thesis, which states your central focus)
II. Body Paragraph #1 (your first subtopic, or connecting pair)
III. Body Paragraph #2
IV. Body Paragraph #3
V. Conclusion (includes a review of the film as a modern version of The Odyssey)

Your outline should be detailed, including specific examples from both the poem and the movie. When referring to the poem, include the page and line numbers. Remember that the purpose for the outline is to make writing the paper easier. The key to a strong paper, beyond grammar and organization, is the use of specific details.

On Wednesday, we'll discuss thesis statements and get started on your drafts, which are due on Thursday. On Thursday, we'll make suggestions for revision. The final draft is due on Tuesday when you return to school.

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