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272 G: heroic wrap up (essay # 4)
| Overview: We live in an age where hseroes
do not seem to exist. If they do exist, they seem to have
a secret motivation—maybe they want more exposure,
perhaps they want to be seen in a positive light, maybe
they just want $$$. This view, of course, is cynical,
but in the view of most archetypal heroes, true heroes
are rare. Your task is to compare two heroes such as Donnie
Darko and Superman, and to discuss the differences between
their heroism. |
Student-Learning Outcomes. In this final
essay, students should attempt to:
--Review concepts and
wrap up elements covered in the class,
with a possible focus on heroes and hero myths. The
student should attempt, if possible, a character comparison.
--Apply proper P.I.E.
paragraph structures to the essay
so as to outline and organize
the major points consistent with the essay's thesis
statement (e.g. setting, character, plot-conflicts,
point of view, symbols);
--Apply proper M.L.A.
or A.P.A.-based quoting conventions to the essay with
regards to proper quote introduction, parenthetical
citation, and other quote dynamics;
--Examine quotes or images
from the formal and informal text or visual-based
resources so as to significantly comment on
the relevance and impact of those selected images/words.
--Employ at least 3 quotes
from various source materials that you find, of a textual
or visual nature.
--Create a final, polished
draft of at least 4-6 pages, with a List of Works Cited.
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Tasks: 1. Select two heroes that
we have studied or select two heroes in the vast world
of pop culture or reality and compare them.
2. Identify the core values or traits
of each hero and begin to craft a comparitve thesis,
one that establishes the relevant similarites or differences
between each.
3. Support your assertions regarding
these heroes in the course of your essay, paying careful
attention to general similarities and differences as
well as specific ones. (For example, a general paragraph
might focus on how the hero was brought up (Superman
was raised, for example, in a much different way than
was V in V for Vendetta). A specific paragraph might
focus on the attire of each hero).
4. Draft your essay. |
Potential
Outline:
I. Intro
Thesis bridge
Thesis
II. Body
General Bckd A
General Bckd B
General Characteristics A
General Characteristics B
Specific Differences A
Specific Differences B
Core Differences/Behaviors
III. Conclusion |
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At every stage, you are always able to select your own topic. Nonetheless,
the trick towards selecting your own topic is meeting with me so as to
solicit ideas and advice--I don't want to tell you what to investigate,
but I want to assist you in your investigations. You may also address
questions found on the WIND page.
The final project is largely a hodgepodge and amalgamation of themes
and concepts related to our mythological and symbolic inquiries in this
class. This is purely a take home assignment, but one that is rooted in
our comprehension of concepts covered throughout the semester. It should
ultimately be treated as a wrap-up essay that engages research and analytical
insight garnered this semester.
Some alternative topics:
| Of all of the source texts we have read thus far, which character
MOST demonstrates the essential qualities of a hero? Explain. |
| Myths and Symbols as a pursuit of study has generally taught me
that humanity ___________________ (fill in the blank). Draw upon one
stable theme in the class related to humanity and use textual examples
to support your observations. |
| Create your own myth using some of the conventions that you have
seen throughout the myths you have read. Analyze your own myth (2
part assignment that requires both creative writing and analytical
writing components) |
| Write a story in which Superman chooses evil over good. Discuss
why and how he came to that decision. |
| What makes Superman a hero? What heroic qualities does Superman
have that are common to other mythological heroes? |
| Why should Superman adopt the alter-ego of Clark Kent? Why even
bother? |
| Discuss the role of Lex Luthor in the Superman mythos. Is he an
effective villain? Or, is he an effective archenemy? What is the difference
between villain and archenemy? What makes him so nasty? |
| How did Lex Luthor become a villain? Conversely, how did Superman
become Superman? Is it solely due to the environment in which they
were raised? |
| Compare and contrast the concept of the hero in Superman Birthright
to another hero in pop culture (Frodo Baggins, Luke Skywalker,
Neo in the Matrix, Harry Potter, etc.) |
| The comic book, Superman Birthright, and film, Superman
Returns, attempts to make the essential story of Superman's
origins more contemporary, for the 21st century. Why and how is the
story made more contemporary? How do the contemporary political and
social issues emerge in the graphic novel? |
| Is there a didactic purpose behind a graphic novel that you've read?
What is the purpose? |
| What is the purpose of heroic myths? Cite examples. |
| What is the role of kryptonite? Why is this substance mythological
in nature? |
| What is the role of Lois Lane in any Superman text? How does she
play/defy the role of the damsel in distress? |
| What makes Superman a Messiah or Mahdi figure? What is the Messiah
in Judaism? Christianity? What is the Mahdi in Islam? How do these
figures tie in to the text? |
| Who is Jimmy Olsen? Why should anyone care about Jimmy Olsen? |
| Adopt the voice of Lex Luthor. Write a five to six page journal
entry regarding your business, and your hatred of The Man in Blue
Tights. |
| Write the essay, "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman,"
or write, "Why the World Needs Superman." |
| Adopt the persona of Jor-El, Superman's daddy. Write a letter (5-6
pages) to your son on the importance of being a hero/role-model. |
| Look at common elements between comic book superheroes across manga,
DC or Marvel comics. |
| Discuss the character in Alan Moore's V for Vendetta. How
is "V" remarkably different from other heroes? Is he a hero? |
| Write a journal entry in the tone and style of a Greek hero. |
| Compare three heroes in any of the texts we have read. Who would
win in a "Battle of the Heroes" and why? |
| Discuss a modern controversy or event that has mythological implications.
Why have you conferred mythological status upon this event? |
| What is the most powerful symbol in the world? |
| Comprehensively apply Jungian archetypes and symbolic analysis to
one of your dreams. |
| Select a topic of your choice and conference with me on it before
you write it. |
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