Sample Directive Outline for Unit 3: The Tragic Hero Paper Thesis ...

Sample Directive OutlineforUnit 3: The Tragic Hero PaperThesis: Develop a clearly stated opinion thesis that reveals the similarities and/or differences betweenthe two characters. Introduce at least three traits of the two tragic heroes in your introduction.Example: While both Antigone and Medea appear to possess very different motives for 1) protectingtheir nobility, they share similar traits when looking at 2) their error in judgment (hamartia) and3) recognition of their errors (anagnorisis).Body Paragraphs:Trait #1: (Directive Topic Sentence) Begin with a directive “what statement” that identifies the firsttrait you will compare/contrast(Directive Analysis) (A) Follow with an “analysis” statement that tells “why” you will analyze(Directive Evidence) (B) Include an “evidence” statement summarizing the specific evidence youwill look at in the texts. Note: Refer to any of the outside essays in your research summaries in thissection.State the author and title of the article when referencing them as “evidence” you wish to refer to.Example: (Directive Topic Sentence): I will define the difference in both Antigone and Medea’smotives for protecting their nobility.(Directive Analysis) A) I will analyze “why” both characters have different motivesfor protecting their nobility.(Directive Evidence) B) The evidence I will analyze: 1) Antigone’s intentions on burying her brotherPolyneices, 2) Medea’s defense of her actions before Jason and 3) quotes from Norman DeWitt’sarticle “Character and Plot in the Antigone.”Trait #2: Continue with the three directive “what” statements for trait #2 listed in thesis above.Trait #3: Continue with the three directive “what” statement for trait #3 listed in the thesis above.Conclusion: No need to outline your conclusion in your directive outline. But when you write yourpaper, be open to the experience of what the writing process teaches you as your write this particularargument. Conclusions should include “what did I learn writing this paper?” Expand, explore, makeconnections, and ask provocative questions.****Remember: Do not write out your actual argument. The purpose of the “directive outline” is tostrategize your argument with “what” statements that outline “what” you intend to argue before youactually write the content of your argument.

Directive OutlineFrom Directive Outline to Final PaperTopic Sentence: I will define the difference in both Antigone and Medea's motives forprotecting their nobility.Analysis: I will analyze “why” Antigone motives for protecting her status as queen were noblewhile Medea's motives were driven by jealous rage.Evidence: The evidence I will use: 1) Antigone's intentions for burying her brother,2) Medea's defense of her sacrifices made for Jason and 3) quotes from Norman DeWitt from“Character and Plot in the Antigone.”Final Paper Sample ParagraphAntigone and Medea demonstrate very different motives for protecting their nobility andstatus. Antigone appears obedient and respectful of divine law and the god’s wishes to sustainher reputation while Medea is driven by jealous rage to defend her status in Corinth.Antigone proves she is well-intentioned when she commits to burying her brotherPolynecies. Even though she has to betray Creon’s state law, she honors a higher law that shefeels represents the needs of all Greek citizens and not just Theban’s. While this is a verypainful decision for her, she demonstrates a faithfulness to both her family, her country and thegods.Medea appears extremely jealous and protective at the beginning of the play and isfocused on protecting her role as a wife and mother in Corinth. She restates how much she hassacrificed for Jason, imposing guilt and retribution on her husband and Creon. She doesn'tstop there but proceeds to plot a way to bring retribution on not only Jason but his new wifewho would replace her status in Corinth. She does not think rationally nor question therepercussions of her plot against both Jason, his new wife or her own children.(Synthesis) While Jocasta proves herself to be faithful to her noble status as queen of Thebesand undeserving of losing her nobility, Lady Macbeth proves herself to be corrupted by powerand thus deserving of losing her nobility. Jocasta demands our sympathy while Lady Macbethonly gains pity from the audience for her short-sightedness.

From Topic Statements to Final ThesisThe HookFirst, create a “hook” that both introduces the main topic of this paper and expresses youropinion about this main topic: namely, the role of the tragic hero.Sample Hook: “The role of the tragic hero in literature demonstrates both the strengthsand weaknesses of the ever day person, challenged by both their own feelings of revengeand good will.Final ThesisBased on your three topic sentences, determine the final wording of your thesis:Topic Sentence #1: Antigone and Medea demonstrate very different motives for protectingtheir nobility and status.Topic Sentence #2: Antigone and Medea have similar errors in judgment. Both defy authorityto defend their course of action abandoning all sense of reason and compromise.Topic Sentence #3: Antigone and Medea have similar realizations of their errors. Neitherwoman admits to wrong-doing or feels regret for their actions. Both feel justified at the end.Final Thesis: While Antigone and Medea have 1) different motives for protecting theirnobility, they share similar traits when looking at their 2) errors in judgment and 3)realization of their errors.