Hero Study Reflective Writing

Now that we have read the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf and you have created and heard stories of 21st century heroes, it is time to reflect on the archetypal character traits of contemporary heroes and the ways in which heroes of today reflect our culture.

Describe the role of the hero in our world today and what we as individuals and a society gain from examining them.

Next, identify and discuss at least five important character traits of contemporary heroes and discuss how they reflect the values, attitudes and aspirations of our culture. Use your group’s Hero for Our Time story and the notes you have from listening to the stories of your classmates to provide specific evidence to support your observations. When referencing a particular group’s story and hero, cite the source by including the title of the group’s story after your paraphrased evidence. For example, “A 21st century hero must have the ability to think on his/or her feet and be decisive when confronting challenges (“Gerald’s Conquest of the Giant Beast”).

Finally, talk about why people of all time periods and cultures are compelled to create heroes.

Suggested length: 2 pages

Reminder: write about literature in the present tense.

Hero Study Reflective Writing

Now that we have read the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf and you have created and heard stories of 21st century heroes, it is time to reflect on the archetypal character traits of contemporary heroes and the ways in which heroes of today reflect our culture.

Describe the role of the hero in our world today and what we as individuals and a society gain from examining them.

Next, identify and discuss at least five important character traits of contemporary heroes and discuss how they reflect the values, attitudes and aspirations of our culture. Use your group’s Hero for Our Time story and the notes you have from listening to the stories of your classmates to provide specific evidence to support your observations. When referencing a particular group’s story and hero, cite the source by including the title of the group’s story after your paraphrased evidence. For example, “A 21st century hero must have the ability to think on his/or her feet and be decisive when confronting challenges (“Gerald’s Conquest of the Giant Beast”).

Finally, talk about why people of all time periods and cultures are compelled to create heroes.

Suggested length: 2 pages

Reminder: write about literature in the present tense.