Epic Hero Defense Writing Instruction

What exactly is an argumentative paper?!?  You investigate the topic  Collect, generate, and evaluate evidence  Establish a position in a concise manner  Imagine you’re having a formal debate in class

What goes in a defense?  A clear, concise, defined thesis statement  Clear and logical transition sentences between the Introduction, body, and conclusion  Body paragraphs that include evidential support. (accurate and detailed)  Be sure to consider at least one conflicting opinion  Discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis

What goes in a defense (continued)…..  A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis.  Readdress the thesis in light of the evidence provided.  Restate why your argument is important.  A profound or thought provoking ending statement.

Let’s get started…  Select an epic hero from the list provided or the hero from your previous written response.  Analyze the following:  Character’s development  Interactions  Relationships  Consider:  How does he or she fulfill each step of the Epic Hero Cycle (blue packet) as defined by Campbell?  How does he or she demonstrate the values integral to his or her culture?

Sample Thesis Blueprint: As outlined in Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand faces, ________________ from __________________, fulfills the steps of the epic hero. OR As explained in Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces, ___________________from _______________meets the qualifications of an epic hero.

Include two quotes from Campbell’s text  Remember to integrate your quotations. Try following this format: SIGNAL PHRASE + QUOTE + PARENTHETICAL CITATION + 2 SENTENCES OF COMMENTARY  In-Text Citations  If you know the author, include the author’s name and the page number where the quote can be found in parentheses after the quote.  Example: (Campbell 4)

How to organize your essay. 1 st Paragraph- Introduction (Thesis) 2 nd Paragraph- Separation (Call to Adventure/Helper) transition sentence 3 rd Paragraph- Initiation (Trials and Triumphs) transition sentence 4 th Paragraph- Return (Return and Wisdom Gained) transition sentence 5 th Paragraph- Conclusion (Restatement of thesis)