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.