Sample intro and topic sentence

In his epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer creates a hero filled with both arete and hubris, both excellence and excessiveness. Odysseus is stronger and smarter than any man alive, but because of these great strengths, he becomes over confident. He does not know when to stop; he cannot moderate his behavior. Through this character, Homer teaches us that great leaders must balance their strengths with moderation, that kings must be great warriors, but also be great husbands; they must fight tremendous battles, but also feed their people.

At the beginning of the poem, Homer reveals Odysseus’ intelligence. Odysseus can think on his feet and beat terrible monsters by outwitting them. When Odysseus becomes trapped in the Cyclopes’ cave, he is able to escape by tricking the Cyclopes. He tells Polyphemus, “