Archetypes Essay - DUE in class October 3rd

Choose an archetype, and compare and contrast the traditional characteristics with a modern example.

Step 1: Choose one of the 11 archetypes discussed in class(hero, villain, misfit, outcast, faithful companion, caretaker, trickster, rebel, rugged individualist, earth mother, innocent) Example: Hero

Step 2: Choose a character from a literary work or movie that exhibits characteristics consistent with a traditional archetype and one the exhibits characteristics that have changed or adapted in modern works. Example: Beowulf = traditional, Harry Potter = modern

Step 3: Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the characteristics of both examples.

Beowulf Harry Potter

Similarities: brave, loyal, determined

Step 4: Pick one similarity and two differences (or vice versa) and write your thesis. The body of your paragraph will follow the outline stated in your thesis.

Example Thesis Statement: Beowulf and Harry Potter are both heroes that are brave, but Beowulf is a traditional hero that seeks fame and is boastful, while Harry Potter is a modern hero that is humble and seeks justice rather than his own glory.

SAMPLE OUTLINE:

Paragraph 1 – Introduction

Paragraph 2 – Similarity EX: Discuss how Harry Potter and Beowulf are both brave. Give examples from the text that support brave actions and/or words. Be careful not to summarize!

Paragraph 3 – Difference #1: Seeking fame/glory versus seeking justice etc. Give examples from the text that show the difference in Beowulf and Harry Potters intentions. Beowulf comes to the Danes to defeat Grendel and win fame, glory, treasure etc. Harry Potter seeks to defeat Voldemort to save the world… etc.

Paragraph 4 – Difference #2: Boastful versus humble. Give examples from the text that show Beowulf boasting of his previous victories and Harry Potter showing humility despite his many “victories”.

Paragraph 5 – Wrap-up and conclusion. This is a good time to state your opinion and close out your thoughts on the archetype you chose to discuss.

Prewriting/Outlining:

Step 1: Choose one of the 11 archetypes discussed in class(hero, villain, misfit, outcast, faithful companion, caretaker, trickster, rebel, rugged individualist, earth mother, innocent)

Step 2: Choose a character from a literary work or movie that exhibits characteristics consistent with a traditional archetype and one the exhibits characteristics that have changed or adapted in modern works.

Step 3: Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the characteristics of both examples.

Step 4: Pick one similarity and two differences (or vice versa) and write your thesis. The body of your paragraph will follow the outline stated in your thesis.

Thesis Statement:

______

Drafting – Archetypes Essay

Title: ______

Format:

1st paragraph: Introduction

  • Start with a hook!
  • Introduce your topic and the archetype you’ve chosen
  • Introduce your two characters and a brief background of their stories (2-3 sentences max!)
  • End with thesis statement

______

2nd paragraph: Body paragraph #1 –Difference or similarity #1

  • Main topic sentence states your characteristic clearly and confidently
  • Supporting sentences include examples, details, and descriptions

______

3rd paragraph: Body paragraph #2 –Difference or similarity #2

  • Main topic sentence states your characteristic clearly and confidently
  • Supporting sentences include examples, details, and descriptions

______

4th paragraph: Body paragraph #3 – Difference or similarity #1

  • Main topic sentence states your characteristic clearly and confidently
  • Supporting sentences include examples, details, and descriptions

______

5thparagraph: Conclusion – END your compare/contrast:

  • wraps-up your discussion and states an opinion

______

Editing Checklist

Introduction:

_____has a hook that engages the reader and introduces the topic of the assignment

_____provides 2-3 sentences of support describing the topic

_____ends with a clear thesis statement (highlight)

Thesis:

_____is ONE complete sentence and answers the prompt and gives a preview of discussion

Body:

_____organization follows the thesis statement and is at least three paragraphs

_____paragraphs have a main topic sentence (based on thesis)

_____main topic sentences have 2-3 supporting details, examples, and descriptions

Conclusion:

_____wraps-up ideas/thoughts and gives an opinion

Usage/Mechanics:

_____relatively free of spelling/grammar mistakes

_____names, proper nouns, and first word of the sentence are CAPITALIZED

_____written in 3rd person POV (NO I, me, my, myself etc.)

Archetypes Essay Rubric

Requirements / Points Possible / Points Earned
Usage/Mechanics
  • 5 paragraphs typed, double spaced, standard font.
  • Relatively free of spelling and grammar mistakes.
  • Compare and contrast writing style.
  • Third person point of view.
  • Evidence of the writing process (prewriting, drafting, and revising).
  • MLA standard formatting (works cited list, in-text citations)
/ 20
Composition
  • Clear, concise, and cohesivethesis statement.
  • Organization is clear, consistent, and guided by the thesis.
  • Discusses a minimum of three (total) differences/similarities in the characteristics and character development of the traditional archetype and the modern example chosen.
  • Focus is on characteristics and not plot/events.
  • Includes specific examples, details, and descriptions from the works to defend the thesis.
  • Opinion is stated in the conclusion.
/ 30