The Odyssey Essay

The Hero’s Journey

Spring Semester, 2008

Your essay for the unit on The Odyssey will involve comparing/contrasting elements of The Odyssey with the Coen brother’s movie O Brother, Where Art Thou.

In one interview, the Coen brothers, Ethan and Joel, refer to the movie as being “epic in scope” and “classic in scale.” They also mention that the film combines the Three Stooges with The Odyssey, a sort of “sophisticated Three Stooges.” As you view the film, look for any elements, plot or otherwise, that echo what we have seen in our reading of The Odyssey. (Indeed, the movie starts with the opening lines of Robert Fitzgerald’s translation of The Odyssey. How’s THAT for a connection?) If we hold The Odyssey as the archetype of the hero on a journey, how do we see that archetype played out in this modern film story? Or do we? Is the main character, Ulysses Everett McGill, a literary descendent of Odysseus? What of his “adventures”? Feel free to acknowledge that all the hype connecting the movie to the classic epic may be just that – hype.

In short, take any approach that interests you. What I am looking for is engagement with both texts, the book and the movie, with a critical eye. I have no preconceived ideas about what this essay should say. Rather, I am looking for what you see in the works. The grade will depend on the depth of the critical thinking, the support for whatever positions you take, and the clarity and appropriateness of the writing style. Adhering to the English Department’s stated policy, I “value content and clarity over length.” I have no desire for you to wag on to fill up pages, but I do expect more than a cursory look at the two texts if you expect more than a cursory grade.

All essays should be typed using standard MLA format.

Please see me about any problems or questions you have BEFORE the essay is due. If you want, I will be more than happy to look over drafts of your essay and make general suggestions as long as you bring the draft to me ahead of time – as in not the day before (or even the day OF) the due date.

DUE DATE: February 11.