Arthurian Legend: Archetypal Criticism
Essay Directions:
1. View the links below that contain definitions of common literary archetypes
Resource Websites:
Definition of Archetypes: http://www.scribd.com/doc/18171537/Archetypes-to-help-with-literary-analysis
Archetype Cards: http://www.thecards.com/fullpage/index.html
List of Literary Archetypes: http://www.listology.com/list/character-archetypes
Periodic Table of Archetypes: http://mrob.com/pub/std/archetypes.html
2. Review your class notes and assigned texts to identify 3 archetypes that exist in Arthurian legend
3. Construct a 5 paragraph formal MLA essay response that clearly identifies and proves the existence of 3 literary archetypes in Arthurian Legend
4. View the outlined essay format below to aid in your essay construction
Outlined Essay Format (Minimum Requirements):
Introductory Paragraph:
· AGD – unique and interesting opening statement related to prompt’s content
· Transitional Statements – majority of intro paragraph; connects AGD to thesis
· 3-Tier Thesis
Body Paragraph #1:
· Topic Sentence – directly connects Arthurian character(s) to identified archetype
· Definition of literary archetype
· Textual evidence and independent analysis that explains how the identified character(s) fit the archetype’s definition / characteristics
· Closing statement / connective transition to next main point
Body Paragraph #2:
· Topic Sentence – directly connects Arthurian character(s) to identified archetype
· Definition of literary archetype
· Textual evidence and independent analysis that explains how the identified character(s) fit the archetype’s definition / characteristics
· Closing statement / connective transition to next main point
Body Paragraph #3:
· Topic Sentence – directly connects Arthurian character(s) to identified archetype
· Definition of literary archetype
· Textual evidence and independent analysis that explains how the identified character(s) fit the archetype’s definition / characteristics
· Closing statement / connective transition to next main point
Concluding Paragraph:
· Summative Transition: signals essay’s conclusion (Overall, Ultimately, etc…)
· Review of Main Points
· Clincher – final insightful statement that connects concluding thoughts to opening statement (AGD)
Note: No Works Cited is required
No Internal Citations are required
You MUST use MLA format – margins, heading, pagination, no
contractions, no 1st or 2nd person personal pronouns!