Thursday August 9th 2012

After creating a mind map of my essay question, I was able to create more depth in each paragraph, while also giving them more structure. Below is a revised plan of my essay, however it will have considersably more detail, as this will be the last piece of planning before I begin writing my essay:

How is the theme of the treachery of women explored in The Illiad, The Odyssey and The Argonautica?

Introduction

• address the theme of the treachery of women in reference to the three epic Greek novels
• provide a brief explanation of the three epic Greek novels being used
• address the essay question and provide an appropriate statement to it

Paragraph 1: Treatment of women in epic Greek poems

• address the role of women in Mycenaean society
• explain the amount of power women held in this time (eg. physical, intellectual, political, etc.)
• address the level of punishment for a treacherous Greek woman in Mycenaean society

Paragraph 2: Medea

• Role as Princess of Colchis and the amount of power and trust that gives her
• Reasons for her treacherous actions in assisting Jason to retrieve the Golden Fleece
• Consequences of her treachery for those around her

Paragraph 3: Helen

• Role as Queen of Sparta and the amount of power and trust that gives her
• Reasons for her treacherous actions when committing adultery with Paris of Troy
• Consequences of her treachery for those around her

Paragraph 4: Penelope

• Role as Queen of Ithaka and the amount of power and trust that gives her
• Reasons for her loyalty when confronted by the one-hundred and eight Suitors
• Consequences of her loyalty for those around her 

Paragraph 5: Sexism in epic Greek poetry

• Bias due to all epic Greek poets being males
• Extremities of punishment between men and women for the same offence
• Lack of epic Greek heroins in the poems

Conclusion

• Summarising the key points of the essay, especially the consequences of treachery
• Applying evidence to support the earlier statement of the essay question
• Personal opinion and reflection of the essay question, including a concluding statement

As the word count is 2000 words, I feel that each paragraph shall be around 250 words long, allowing me to have at least 300 words in both the Introduction and Conclusion.