Define Hero & Compare and Contrast the Ancient heroes we read about to the new heroes of the 20th, 21st century; in your view, what is a hero? How do they stand up to the heroes of the past we have read about?t to the new heroes of the 20
th, 21st century; in your view, what is a hero? How do they stand up to the heroes of the past we have read about?
PAGE 1 Essay #3: Define Hero & Compare and Contrast the Ancient heroes we read about to the new heroes of the 20th, 21st century; in your view, what is a hero? How do they stand up to the heroes of the past we have read about? The Power-Point, “Myths and Heroes,” (CANVAS) features that hero myths, epics, and tales instruct members of the community in the attitudes and behavior necessary to function successfully in that particular culture. Hero myths provide models for human behavior. Heroes are the models of human behavior for society. Heroes are forced by circumstance to make critical choices where they must balance one set of values against competing values. They achieve heroic stature in part from their accomplishments and in part because they emerge from their trials as more sensitive and thoughtful human beings. The hero myths examine the relationship between the individual’s desires and his or her responsibilities to society. Heroes define themselves by how they relate to external circumstances. Note: You may use the thesis idea as a guide as stated in class, but it is not a mandatory format: · First a clarification for readers (what is a hero to you): Heroes do (or do not) exist in the way they are described in literature, because today they do (or do not) have features A, B, and C (or more) in the 21st century, as compared to the heroes we have read about in literature from the past. · You must use the three primary texts: (The Epic of Gilgamesh and the heroic myth of Demeter and Persephone) and (Kon Tiki) to create a comparison and contrast with the hero[s] you choose of our world today after you have defined what a hero is (or is not) to you. Or you may entirely focus in a comparison of the ancients to Thor Heyerdahl’s journey. · You must also use Joseph Campbell’s documentary film Hero’s Adventure (Program One of The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers) to put forth your ideas · You may also use/refer to the hero/heroic efforts featured in the film, Hotel Rwanda, (if you feel there are any heroic attributes/ we were to have seen in class). · You may also reference Kim Clarks’ “Heroes’ They’re Hard to find,” and the MSNBC News Report about the little boy who saved his mom (on Canvas). · You may also reference “Lullaby,” “the story of Ayah’s heroic journey, or perhaps one other source from your textbook anthology (One world, Many Cultures) to accomplish your persuasive essay. · No other research allowed; no outside research; you must only use the sources posed here. · You must use the sources provided including the outside text you read, Kon Tiki, as textual evidence to prove your valid ideas. You must have quotes from that text as textual evidence. A few FEATURES of the first Hero in literature we read about: · Gilgamesh, for example, is an unusual hero because his major quest is an intellectual pursuit in that he searches for the acquisition of knowledge. · He possesses great courage. · He has great determination. · He has great fortitude. · He endures physical hazards. · He battles despair because he learns he can become immortal. · His life experiences make him a worthwhile human-being. · He must perpetuate his name due to the understanding that he is born in a society that already determined acceptable ways a person can achieve fame and an immortal name. · Remember there are female heroes as well as male heroes. (“Dorothy” in Wizard of Oz vs. Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, for example, that Campbell refers to in his film. · Cultural narratives involving heroic quests, trips to the underworld, narratives with sacrifices etc recur throughout various mythologies and pervade our literature. · Do more than summarize/give more detail about what is at stake/or the implications of your definition argument. · Introduction: Set up the issue/concept and/or controversy (Heroes existence today) · Explain why the definition is important. · Give background to the readers they need (you may refer to the stories/ news reports read or films viewed and ancient texts read) · Body: 1.Set out the criteria/ 2.argue for appropriateness of your criteria/ 3.determine whether the criteria apply to the case in point/ 4.where might your readers question your criteria and how it applies to your subject/ 5.address opposing views by acknowledging how their definitions differ and by showing why your definition is better while accomplishing a comparison/contrast to heroes today as compared to ancient heroes we have read including Kon Tiki from the · 20th century · Conclusion: Do more than summarize/give more detail about what is at stake/or the implications of your definition argument and your comparison and contrast concerning ancient heroes from our past as compared to the heroes of today. · Your Main Claim/Thesis is? · How did you Support your claim/claims? · Re-analyze your Organization. · Examine your Evidence closely. · Consider your Title and Introduction closely. · Consider your Conclusion closely. · Check the Connections between sentences and paragraphs (use transitional phrases and/or transitional words). · Finally, re-analyze the Visual aspect of your text/check Punctuation, Mechanics, Grammar and edit before you hand in to the instructor · GET HELP: See a Tutor at Writing Center if you need help or See Instructor by email for questions ).