Name:____________________________________
Critical Essay #2
In Literature, Odysseus is one of the truest examples of an epic hero. Natalia Breizmann, author
of “Beowulf as Romance: Literary Interpretation as Quest” describes the epic as “a narrative of
society” which supports the claim that Odysseus represents the values of his culture (1022). The
same can be said for Beowulf for he “presents a fictive history of a nation” and demonstrates the
qualities of the Algo-Saxon hero (1023). However, many would suggest that Odysseus and
Beowulf have some unsavory qualities and flaws in their characters.
Writing Prompt: What is heroism? For each person in his respective culture and era, the answer
is different with radically dissimilar examples to illustrate the qualities. Classical Literature
offers some examples- The Iliad, The Odyssey, Beowulf, etc. for our consideration. In a wellsupported essay that makes use of textual evidence, define heroism using examples from The
Odyssey and Beowulf as either positive or negative examples to support your definition, and
explain how each hero represents the values of his respective culture.
Guidelines:
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Must be three full pages in length- no more, no less.
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Introduction must include a thesis statement.
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Evidence must come from The Odyssey, Beowulf and at least one outside source.
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Must include at least two direct quotes from secondary sources.
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Must include a Work Cited Page.
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Must be completed in MLA Formatting.
Secondary Sources: (You may include Others we used in class)
“Heroism in The Odyssey” by Harold Bloom
“Hero with A Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell
“Beowulf as Romance: Literary Interpretation as Quest” by Natalia Breizmann
Outline: _______________________________________________
Title of your Essay here
I.
Introduction (8-10 sentences)
a. Topic Sentence
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b. Background Information for each work
i. The Odyssey _________________________________________________
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ii. Beowulf_____________________________________________________
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c. Thesis Statement
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II.
Body
a. Topic Sentence
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b. Quote from Secondary Source
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c. Support for The Odyssey
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d. Support for Beowulf
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III.
Body
a. Topic Sentence
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b. Quote from Secondary Source
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c. Support for The Odyssey
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d. Support for Beowulf
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IV.
Body
a. Topic Sentence
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b. Quote from Secondary Source
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c. Support for The Odyssey
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d. Support for Beowulf
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V.
Conclusion
a. Restate Thesis Statement
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b. How this was shown in
i. The Odyssey _________________________________________________
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ii. Beowulf_____________________________________________________
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c. Concluding Statement
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