World Literature Argument Essay-Archetypal Heroes
An argument essay is a sound argument of a position backed up with facts, details, examples and one
additional element—appeal. Persuasion is the kind of writing that depends on the reader’s reaction to
what the writer says. One should remember that the goal of persuasive writing is to make the reader
change from his viewpoint to the writer’s viewpoint. Therefore, the writer must present his argument in
a way that will not offend his reader.
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TOPIC: The Honorable Literary Hero Hall of Fame is poised to induct a new hero into their legendary
company from the epic poem Iliad. The problem is that half of the prestige company including
Odysseus, William Wallace, Simba and King Arthur think Achilles best fits the traits of the archetypal
hero while Gilgamesh, Luke Skywalker, Moses and Harry Potter feel that Hector is the real archetypal
hero of the epic.
In an essay, persuade your audience of heroes that either Achilles or Hector is the better example of an
archetypal hero deserving a place in the Literary Hero Hall of Fame.
I. Introduction- Your introduction is an important road map for the rest of your paper and conveys a lot of
information to your readers.
 Begin your introductory paragraph by hooking the heroes’ interest with a compelling story, a fascinating
quotation, an interesting question, or a stirring example.
 Set the context – provide general information about archetypal heroes, include the title of the epic poem
(The Iliad) and the author (Homer), but don’t insult your readers intelligence as they ARE heroes
themselves.
 State why the main idea (selecting the true hero of the Iliad) is important – tell the heroes why they
should care and keep reading. Your goal is to create a compelling, clear, and convincing essay your
audience, the heroes, will want to read and act upon.
 State your thesis at the end of the paragraph—Achilles or Hector is the better example of the archetypal
hero and should be included in the Literary Hero Hall of Fame.
II. Body Paragraphs
 Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence—an example of an archetypal/epic hero trait that the
hero possesses
 Include specific examples from The Iliad.
 Use logos (logical), pathos (emotional) and ethos (ethical) appeals to win your heroes over.
 End each paragraph with a Clincher/Transition sentence that wraps up this idea and moves us to the next
idea.
 Address counterpoints
Warning **Pitfalls to avoid in body paragraphs: stereotypes, name-calling, slanting the truth, quoting out of context, and
distortions of the oppositions’ views.
V. Conclusion Paragraph
 Begin the conclusion paragraph by introducing a new, but related idea.
 Make a general statement about your hero choice and why he is the better choice of hero
 Make a general statement of counterpoints.
 End the paragraph with a fabulous sentence that makes the audience really want to change their own
ideas and adopt yours.
Standards Addressed. CC: ELACCL9-10W1: Write arguments to support claims. ELACCL9-10W4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience ELACCL9-10W5: Develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising,
editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience ELACCL9-10W9: Draw
evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research ELACCL9-10L1: Demonstrate command of the ELACCL9-10L2:
Demonstrate command of the conventions. ELACCL9-10L3 a. Write and edit work so that it conforms to the guidelines in a style manual (e.g., MLA Handbook)
Teacher
Check:
THESIS:____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Using notes & handouts with information on the archetypal hero, complete the following:
What main ideas will you use to develop the idea of Achilles Now, on this side, cite quotes to support the ideas that you
or Hector as an archetypal hero deserving to be in the Hero have listed on the left side. These will be your supporting
Hall of Fame? List them here in COMPLETE sentences. No details. To cite lines, use quotation marks and note book
number requirement. You can combine ideas, and pick and and line numbers in parentheses at the end. Use the slash
choose. Select elements of the epic hero that you will be
mark at the end of each LINE of text. -- Example: “Rage –
able to support with lines from the text, These will be your Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus’ son Achilles, murderous,
topic sentences.
doomed/ that cost the Achaeans countless losses” (1.1-2).
NOTICE the use of the slash.
Teacher
Check:
Teacher
Check:
Once you have composed your intro paragraph, have Mrs. Hagerty check.
YOU MUST ATTACH THIS COMPLETED SHEET TO YOUR FINAL DRAFT
ALONG WITH THE RUBRIC IN ORDER TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY FOR GRADING!