S10-CLA 215: Topics for Paper 6

Due at 8:30 am, Thursday, May 6
(in both paper and electronic form)


Check-list Directions:
  • _____electronic copy: e-mailed to me at victor.leuci@westminster-mo.edu);
  • _____the name of your attached file should be: S10-215-P6-Last Name, First Name  (e.g. S10-215-P6-Smith, Joan)
  • _____paper copy: bring to class
  • _____length: 600-1000ish
  • _____sources as indicated in the topics
  • citing:
  • _____have cited your sources of information (facts, theories, etc).
  • _____included author and specific page numbers when citing from books
  • _____included author and paragraph numbers when citing from web sources.
  • _____ every main body paragraph has citations
  • _____ you may use the movie script if you wish:  (click here)
  • bibliography:
  • _____ at the end of the paper and not on a separte sheet
  • _____only included entries for what you used in your paper
  • _____the bibliography is in the same font as your main text
  • _____used hanging indents for the bibliography
  • _____used MLA 7th edition or APA 6th edition or Chicago Manual of Style
  • writing intensive, if conferenced with writing lab:
  • writing lab tutor signature: ______________________________________________
    • Write on one of the topics below:
    1. Examine the importance of song in both the Odyssey and the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? As always, make sure you give specific examples to back up your conclusions.

    2. Compare and contrast the episodes in both the movie and in Powell that feature the Cyclops (Polyphemus in the Odyssey, Big Dan T in the 2 scenes in the movie). Also answer how the movie plays off the audience expectations based on the what happens in the Odyssey.

    3     Odysseus/Everett meets very many interesting women both in the Odyssey and in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? In your essay compare and contrast the character of Sirens (& Circe) in both the Odyssey and the movie. Make sure you also detail the significance of the similarities and differences which you find. As always, make sure you give specific examples to back up your conclusions.

    4. Odysseus makes the following comment about marriage when talking to Nausicaa: "Lastly, I pray that the gods may grant you a husband and home, a household of peace and love, for nothing is dearer or finer than concord of husband and wife who share their hopes for the family, the envy of all their foes and the glory of those who respect them." (Homer, Odyssey, 6.180-185 in Powell, p 612). Evaluate Everett and Penny's relationship based on that quote.