Draft the summary for The Odyssey Part 1, The Odyssey Part 2, The Odyssey Part 3, or Orpheus and Eurydice.
Remember to use your own words and to focus only on important information.
2. Refer to the strategies on pp. 294-297 in The Essential Guide to Language, Writing, & Literature to construct powerful paragraphs for your summary. Take note of the specific tips about writing a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. Working on the draft you completed earlier, revise and edit the summary for the use of the "literary present" tense and for chronological order. Make sure that sentences
are clear, concise, and varied in structure.
The Odyssey, written by Homer, is an epic poem that tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus and his incredible journey home after the Trojan War. In Part 1, Odysseus is trapped on the island of Calypso, where he longs to return to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus in Ithaca. The gods intervene and send Hermes to deliver Zeus's command for Odysseus's release. Calypso reluctantly agrees, and Odysseus sets sail on a makeshift raft. However, Poseidon, god of the sea, is angry with Odysseus for blinding his son Polyphemus, the Cyclops, and sends a violent storm to destroy his raft. Odysseus manages to survive and reaches the island of the Phaeacians, where he is welcomed and treated kindly.
In Part 2, Odysseus recounts his adventures to the Phaeacians, including his encounters with the Lotus-Eaters, the Cyclops, the witch Circe, the Land of the Dead, and the Sirens. He also tells the story of how he outwitted the Cyclops and angered Poseidon, bringing the wrath of the gods upon him. The Phaeacians are impressed by Odysseus's courage and offer him a ship to return to Ithaca. Odysseus departs with the gifts and treasures given to him by the Phaeacians, but is warned by the blind prophet Tiresias that he will face many obstacles on his journey home.
In Part 3, Odysseus finally arrives in Ithaca disguised as a beggar. He meets his loyal swineherd Eumaeus, who takes him in and provides him with shelter. Odysseus reveals his true identity to his son Telemachus, who has grown into a strong and brave young man. Together, they devise a plan to reclaim their home from the suitors who have taken over the palace and are vying for Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of the goddess Athena, Odysseus and Telemachus unleash their revenge, killing all the suitors and restoring order to Ithaca. Odysseus is finally reunited with his wife Penelope, and their love is reaffirmed.
In summary, The Odyssey is a timeless tale of adventure, bravery, and the strength of the human spirit. Odysseus's journey home takes him through many trials and tribulations, but his determination to return to his family never wavers. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful storytelling, and the theme of homecoming, Homer crafts a narrative that has captivated readers for centuries.