Name
Period
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (circle one)
Date
Assignment
1-28-13 Assigned
Compare/Contrast Research Paper
Comparing & Contrasting: Lance Armstrong and Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Exploring What Constitutes A Tragic Hero?
We have been reading the Shakespearean classic play, Macbeth, for quite a few weeks. You should have
a good grasp on what makes Macbeth a tragic hero. In addition, you should better understand the
concept of a tragic flaw. Having all that knowledge in your noggin, what constitutes a modern day tragic
hero? As we’ve discussed together in class, is it Tiger Woods, the famous golfer who strayed outside of
his marriage, and disgraced himself as a morally married man, a tragic hero? Or, is Bill Clinton, a former
President, who lied under oath and was later impeached, a tragic hero?
Our book defines the tragic hero as:
The main character who comes to an unhappy or miserable end. They go on to say that the tragic hero is
generally: a person of importance in society, such as a king or a queen. And finally, the text suggests that
this tragic hero exhibits extraordinary abilities, but also a tragic flaw, a fatal error in judgment or
weakness of character, that leads directly to his or her downfall. (pp. 335)
Utilizing Technology: Preparing For Your Senior Paper/Project
As we prepare for the next two marking periods in English IV, I’d like to continue to expose you to
technology. That said, you are being given three class sessions (in the W205 computer lab) to complete
the following written challenge, and you are being required to use your online resources to construct
that paper. (Please also reference pp. R35 – Comparison and Contrast, and pp. R38-39 – Persuasive
Writing, as you structure your paper.) The following rubric will be used to grade your paper:
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Hook the reader’s attention with a strong introduction. Must include thesis statement.
State the issue and the writer’s position
Give opinions and support them with facts or reasons (One point per paragraph - minimum)
Have a reasonable and respectful and appropriate tone
Answer opposing views
Use sound logic and effective language
Conclude by summing up reasons or calling for action
Utilize the MLA format required effectively
Meet length requirement (3 page minimum) typed
Submitted on time
Your writing prompt:
Write a 3-5 page (typed) paper, where you compare and contrast, Lance Armstrong, to Macbeth. Argue
whether or not you think Armstrong, world famous bicyclist and humanitarian (Live Strong Foundation),
is a tragic hero, like Shakespeare’s literary giant, Macbeth. Analyze this headline grabbing athlete
(Armstrong) as he falls from grace, to the Renaissance great (Macbeth).
Some things to consider:
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Were both men responsible for their own demise?
What were their tragic flaws?
Do you have empathy for them, or do you think they both got what they deserved?
Do they meet the requirements of a tragic hero? (Why or why not?) DEFEND your answer.
MUSTS:
Your paper will have to be written/typed in MLA format. I have provided a link to the Perdue Owl
website on our class website, where you can find all the specifications and requirements.
Length: 3 page minimum (double spaced/Times Roman/10 point/1 inch margins)
Sources: You must also have, at a minimum, THREE direct quotes from your research on Armstrong
(with source information provided) and THREE quotes from Shakespeare’s play. This is a MINIMUM
requirement.
All students must also submit a printed copy of their paper for credit.
DUE DATES:
1/29 & 1/29
Session #1 – Online research/ Construct your introductory paragraph(s) and thesis statement.
1/30 & 1/31
Session #2 – Come to class with 2 additional articles that provide detail and support for your argument
(preferably on Lance Armstrong). Have them outlined and highlighted, as well, with key details. By the
end of class, have your graphic organizer for your essay completed. Begin your rough draft.
2/4 & 2/5
Session #3 – Your homework prior to session 3 is to complete your rough draft. Come prepared to
finalize and/or type your final draft. Ideally, have your draft posted online by the end of class.
2/6 & 2/7
Session #4: Your paper is due at the start of session four. Failure to submit this paper on time, will result
in a failing grade. You may submit the paper electronically if you are absent, but it MUST be posted on
the class website by the end of 2/6 or 2/7 at midnight. You must also bring a printed copy with you the
next class session you attend. (Your absences, of course, must be excused for late work to be accepted.)