# The Most Difficult Challenge for Ulysses in "The Adventures of Ulysses" by Bernard Evslin
## Brainstorming Page
1. **Key Themes:**
- Perseverance
- Leadership
- Temptation
2. **Difficult Challenges:**
- Encounter with the Cyclops
- Confrontation with Circe
- The Sirens' song
- Traveling to the Underworld
3. **Character Analysis:**
- Ulysses' growth as a leader
- His strategic thinking and resilience
- Overcoming personal flaws and weaknesses
4. **Examples:**
- Specific events that highlight Ulysses' challenges
- Consequences of each challenge
- Ulysses' decisions and their impact on the journey
## Outline for Essay
### I. Introduction
- Brief introduction to "The Adventures of Ulysses"
- Mention the ultimate journey home after the Trojan War
- Thesis statement: Ulysses faced many challenges, but his encounter with the Cyclops was the most difficult due to its combination of physical danger, psychological strain, and the impact on his crew.
### II. The Encounter with the Cyclops
- Description of the Cyclops (Polyphemus)
- Setting the scene of the cave
- Ulysses' initial plan to escape
### III. The Experience of Captivity
- Ulysses and his men are trapped
- The threat posed by Polyphemus
- The emotional toll on Ulysses and his crew
### IV. The Clever Strategy
- Ulysses’ intelligence and use of cunning
- The "Nobody" trick
- Consequences of the escape plan
### V. Aftermath and Consequences
- How the encounter affects Ulysses and his men
- The curse placed on them by Poseidon
- Reflection on Ulysses' challenges
### VI. Conclusion
- Recap of the main points
- Final thoughts on Ulysses as a hero
- Broader implications of his journey and challenges
## Essay
### I. Introduction
In Bernard Evslin's "The Adventures of Ulysses," readers follow the thrilling and adventurous journey of Ulysses, a hero returning home after the Trojan War. Ulysses faces numerous trials during his odyssey, each testing his strength, leadership, and intelligence. Of all these, his encounter with the Cyclops Polyphemus stands out as the most difficult challenge. This encounter highlights not only the physical danger Ulysses faces but also the psychological strain it places on him and his crew, ultimately shaping their journey home.
### II. The Encounter with the Cyclops
The Cyclops, a giant with one eye, lives in a remote cave on an isolated island. Ulysses and his men seek shelter there, unaware of the danger that awaits them. When Polyphemus discovers the intruders, he captures them, eager to consume them. Ulysses must think quickly, knowing that brute strength will not save them from the monstrous giant. His initial strategy is to observe and understand the Cyclops, highlighting his instinct as a leader who relies on intelligence rather than force.
### III. The Experience of Captivity
Captivity is a psychological challenge for Ulysses and his men. Locked in the cave, they are terrified of being eaten. Ulysses feels the weight of responsibility for his crew’s lives. The pressure builds as the horror of their situation becomes increasingly clear. This emotional strain reveals Ulysses’ deep commitment to his men, emphasizing his role as a leader who must remain composed even in fearsome circumstances.
### IV. The Clever Strategy
To escape, Ulysses devises a clever plan. He tells the Cyclops his name is "Nobody," making it impossible for the giant to identify him later. Using cunning and bravery, Ulysses blinds the monster while he sleeps, ensuring their escape. This moment is pivotal; it showcases Ulysses' strategic thinking and the importance of intelligence over physical might. However, their escape is not without consequences.
### V. Aftermath and Consequences
Once free, Ulysses makes a critical mistake by revealing his true identity to Polyphemus. This act of pride invites the wrath of Poseidon, the Cyclops’ father, leading to dire consequences. Poseidon's curse prolongs Ulysses' journey and endangers his crew. This encounter serves as a vital lesson in humility and the perils of pride, illustrating how one moment of weakness can reverberate through an entire adventure.
### VI. Conclusion
Ulysses' encounter with Polyphemus encapsulates the essence of his struggles throughout "The Adventures of Ulysses." It is a test of strength, intelligence, and responsibility. The lessons learned from facing the Cyclops leave an indelible mark on Ulysses, shaping him into a more resilient leader. His challenges are not just physical but emotional and moral, teaching readers about the complexities of heroism and the importance of wisdom over brute force.
## References
1. Evslin, Bernard. *The Adventures of Ulysses*. New York: Random House, 1965.
2. Homer. *The Odyssey*. Translated by Robert Fagles, New York: Penguin Classics, 1996.
3. Barchiesi, Alessandro, and Michael McKeon. *The Cambridge Companion to Homer*. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006.
4. Heaney, Seamus. *The Odyssey*. London: Faber & Faber, 1997.
5. West, David. *Homer: The Odyssey*. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1990.
## Grading Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent (5) | Good (4) | Satisfactory (3) | Needs Improvement (2) | Unsatisfactory (1) |
|---------------------------|---------------|----------|------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|
| **Thesis Statement** | Clear and insightful | Clear | Present, but unclear | Weak or vague | No thesis present |
| **Argument Development** | Well-developed with strong evidence | Developed with some evidence | Basic development with few examples | Weak development | Little to no evidence |
| **Organization** | Logical and coherent | Mostly logical | Some organization | Disorganized | No organization |
| **Grammar and Mechanics** | Virtually error-free | Few errors | Some errors | Many errors | Difficult to read |
| **Conclusion** | Strong and reflective | Clear | Basic | Weak or unfocused | No conclusion |