Odysseus and Hubris: The Hero's Monologue
Odysseus and Hubris: The Hero's Monologue
Do now:
Items in this lesson
Odysseus and Hubris: The Hero's Monologue
Do now:
What do you already know about Odysseus and heroic flaws?
Odysseus has heroic strengths:
Courage
Intelligence
Leadership
Perseverance
Loyalty to his home and family
Pride (hubris): His pride often gets him into trouble. For example, after escaping the Cyclops, he boasts about his identity instead of leaving quietly, which leads to serious consequences.
Overconfidence: He sometimes believes he can outsmart anyone, causing him to take unnecessary risks.
Curiosity: His desire to know more can be useful, but it also puts him and his crew in danger.
Stubbornness: He can be determined to the point that he ignores warnings or advice.
Who is Odysseus?
Odysseus is a legendary Greek hero known for his intelligence and adventurous journey in the Odyssey.
What is Hubris?
Monologue in Literature
A monologue is when a character speaks alone for some time, revealing their thoughts, feelings, and motives.
Strengths and Flaws in Monologue
Odysseus is brave, clever, strategic, and strong in leading his men.
Strengths
Flaws
He can be proud, curious to a fault, and seeks danger to test himself.
Key Lines from the Monologue
“Lash me to the mast.”
He confesses his desire for knowledge and beauty, risking everything.
He wants to listen to the Sirens, but remain safe. Shows both bravery and pride.
“I wanted it. I wanted it all.”
Emotional Vulnerability
Odysseus is honest about his temptation. He pleads to be released — showing he is human and flawed.
Hubris and Heroism Linked
Odysseus’s desire to test himself shows hubris.
He survives because he plans and accepts help from others.
Heroism
Pride
Using Epithets in Topic Sentences
An epithet is a short, descriptive phrase for a character (eg, ‘clever Odysseus’). Use them to start topic sentences.
Independent Writing Task
How is Odysseus presented as a hero in this scene? Write a paragraph with: - A thesis statement - Topic sentence (with epithet) - Embedded evidence - Explanation of evidence
