Mrs. T’s Reflection on Beowulf
Tragic Hero Essay
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS!
•
HOOKS!
–
–
•
Example: In ancient times there were many people
fought and defended their people, but only some were
remembered for years on. Those remembered had
proven themselves as brave and courageous warriors,
and earned the right to known as epic heroes.
Example: What do you envision when you hear the word
“hero”? Do you picture someone with superhuman
strength who can fly through the air and save a whole
city from evil crime? Or do you see a big, bulky solider
who uses the help of the gods to rip a man-eating dragon
to shreds with just his bare hands?
Overall structure and fully-developed INTRO
PARAGRAPHS!
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS!
•
•
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPHS
Remember:
–
–
–
–
MINIMUM of 5 sentences
6-7 sentences is strong/advanced
8+ sentences is TOO LENGTHY
Example: In ancient times there were many people fought and
defended their people, but only some were remembered for years
on. Those remembered had proven themselves as brave and
courageous warriors, and earned the right to known as epic heroes.
In the poem, Beowulf, a brave hero named Beowulf is summoned
from Sweden to defend the Danes from monsters trying to kill the
entire race. Another hero-type exists in Jason and the Golden Fleece
in which Jason must obtain the Golden Fleece to gain the rightful
throne. Beowulf and Jason are two perfect examples of epic heroes,
but one shines over the other. Beowulf is much more epic than Jason
because his bravery is far superior and his legacy will reign forever.
Most of all, Beowulf also fights for much more than what Jason
fights for in his story which is for the betterment of an entire country
and not simple for himself.
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS! (cont’d)
• THESIS STATEMENTS!—ADVANCED!
– Example: Overall, Theseus is a better hero than
Beowulf because he goes above and beyond of
what Beowulf did by not seeking fame but doing
what is best for the people. Furthermore,
Theseus’ actions make him a perfect example of
an ideal Greek because he exhibits attributes
such as courage and bravery.
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS!
*STRETCCCCCCCCCCH THINKING!
Thesis: Overall, Theseus is a better hero than
Beowulf because he goes above and beyond
of what Beowulf did by not seeking fame but
doing what is best for the people.
Furthermore, Theseus’ actions make him a
perfect example of an ideal Greek because he
exhibits attributes such as courage and
bravery.
THE CLAIM!
THE
SUPPORT!
The STRETCH!
Good use of
Transitions!
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS! (cont’d)
• THESIS STATEMENTS—a Proficient Thesis
statement
– Example: Beowulf is more of an epic hero than
Jason because he fights for the betterment of a
whole society, is from nobility and held in high
regard by his people, and his legacy transcends
time.
THE CLAIM!
THE
SUPPORT!
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS!
*Transitions and Transitional Sentences
• Examples:
– The first key attribute of an epic hero that both
Beowulf and Theseus possess is their long dangerous
journey.
• Examples:
– Another key characteristic of an epic hero is the
“larger than life” presence they carry in their daily
lives.
• Examples:
– The final important characteristic Theseus and to
some degree Beowulf possess is that they are born of
nobility and are a significant person in their society.
PLACE WHEN BEGINNING A NEW SUPPORTING PARAGRAPH THAT PRESENTS A NEW
EXAMPLE!
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS!
*Quotes
• Strong selection of quotes!
• Always continue to LEAD-IN the quotes
and don’t allow them to hang on their
own
• Be careful of in-text citation!!!
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS!
*STRETCCCCCCCCCCH THINKING!
• Where does it exist in supporting paragraphs???? 
AFTER the more literal analysis
(comparing/contrasting the characters)
• Example of a Supporting Paragraph:
– Another key characteristic of an epic hero is the “larger
than life” presence they carry in their daily lives. (1
sentence)
– Explain how the characteristic further and then show
how Theseus demonstrates this characteristic better. (45 sentences)
– With a quote and interpretation!
– STRETCH THINKING Clearly, Beowulf is more an idol
than an actual hero like Theseus because Theseus does
what is best for his people and is not worried about the
fame. He completely embodies the Greek society’s
ideals of bravery and would have been a figure they
could strongly look up to.
GREAT IMPROVEMENTS!
Conclusions
• Many revisited the same way they began
the hook and it made for a MUCH
stronger conclusion
Continue to Work on...
• ORGANIZATION!
– Paragraphs are TOO long!
– 5-8 sentences for a fully developed
paragraph
– 6-7 is SOLID/ADVANCED!
• PROOFREADING!
• WRITING IN THE PRESENT TENSE FOR
LITERATURE!
As a whole...
Nice Job!
And continue to
STRETCCCH!
Golden Writers...
Alex
Sean
Emily
Macie
Partner Activity
• With a partner or in your small group, you will
revise the following:
– ONE person’s introductory paragraph
• Focus on a good hook, going from general to specific,
and thesis
OR
– ONE person’s supporting paragraph
****Type in ONE Word Document with both names
****USE YOUR NOTES TO HELP YOU!!!!!!!!
****SEND THE REVISIONS to Mrs. T:
itompkins@soudertonsd.org
Independent Revision
1. Choose ANY section of your essay to revise.
2. Complete on loose-leaf
3. Write name and section you are revising at
the top.