The Evolution of Heroes: A Comparative Analysis of Odysseus and Gilgamesh

Write an analysis of one of the significant heroes or anti-heroes from
one or more of the texts in the class so far. You can also compare and contrast two heroes/ anti-he-
roes. Some ways to approach the topic: What is the significance of this hero to the text, audience,
and culture of the time and today? What kind of example does this hero give the reader and what
kind of values does this hero represent? Does the hero change through the course of the story? Are
the hero’s actions still laudable? Why or why not? How is the hero presented differently in different
stories? What is the significance of the structure of the hero’s quest? What do the challenges (and
the way the hero responds to those challenges) say about the hero? Relate to a present time Hero/
Anti-hero and find some similarities.
OPTIONS: 
Odyssey
Iliad
The Epic of Gilgamesh
No matter which topic you choose, your paper must have a clear argument, it must use evidence from the text—
both from the plot and specific lines/words used—and it must address those “how” and “why” questions. While
a little plot orientation may be needed, assume that the readers are familiar with the text, so there is no need for
an extended plot summary! Use “How to Write a Critical Analysis” as your guide. In the draft, you can add
comments or questions for me so I can give you feedback for the final.
Formal Requirements
• Final version between 800 and 850 words, not including bibliography, images, etc. Your draft has to be
at least 600 words long.
• Double-spaced, no more than 1” Margins, 12 Point Font (New Times Roman or equivalent).
• The draft is due on D2L.
• The final version should be submitted ASAP after receiving feedback.
• If you use parts or citations from previous written papers you need to cite yourself. ( check MLA on how
you cite yourself)
• Citations must conform to MLA 9 th Edition Style for in-text citations and works cited.
• Two scholarly sources are required for this paper, but not more than 3 (just be careful they do not over-
whelm your own writing/observations).
• You must use at least one literary term covered in the class to enhance your analysis of a specific mo-
ment in the text (allegory, metaphors, symbolism, etc.).
• Please review the plagiarism and deadline policies in your syllabus ( especially the use of AI/ ChatGPT).
Grading checklist
You will be graded according to the following criteria.
Content – 30 p ( 10 p each)
The paper…
Addresses the topic or question
Accurately presents assigned authors’ viewpoints
Provides sufficient textual evidence to support the argument
Structure – 30 p ( 3 p each)
The introduction…
Is present in the paper
Includes a clearly stated thesis
Indicates how the paper is organized
The body…
Contains a complete discussion and support
Each paragraph…
Includes a topic sentence
Develops one main idea
Has a transition sentence linking it to the next paragraph
The conclusion…
Recaps the thesis statement and the essay’s main points
Presents a closing statement of the writer’s position
Organization and Development – 20 p (5 p each)
The entire composition
Is logically organized
Has a solid argument with supporting evidence
Main points
Are relevant to the thesis statement
Are discussed without too much repetition
Style -20 p ( 2 p each)
Is concise and precise
Is free of misspellings
Is free of grammatical mistakes
Lacks incomplete sentences
Uses correct punctuation
Includes subject/verb agreement
Uses pronouns correctly
Is free of jargon and cliches
Cites references correctly