The Hero’s Journey and “Battle Royal”
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Consider this: Ralph Ellison, author of The Invisible Man used his short story “Battle Royal” as the first chapter of his novel. Ellison’s own struggle as an African American in the post slavery south is largely represented in his novel and short story. Although “Battle Royal” is a “coming of age” story, or an “initiation” story it also fits with Joseph Campbell’s theory about “The Hero’s Journey” or “The Monomyth” –
The Essay Prompt:
How do the 17 stages of the monomyth reveal that the invisible man is on a hero’s journey? Using the story “Battle Royal”– the 17 Stages Chart, and Campbell’s chapter develop a thesis that argues how Ellison’s story is a Hero’s Journey.
Read the questions below to help you develop an argumentative thesis:
Consider the archetypes in the story– who is the “hero”? Who are the “villains”? Who are the “allies”? How do they help or impede the main character’s quest?
“Battle Royal” takes place during the main stages of Separation and Initiation – why is this?
Why do heroes have so many “tests” “trials” and “ordeals” to endure? What are they supposed to learn from these?
Sources and Research:
For this essay you will be using a minimum of 4 sources
“Battle Royal” by Ralph Ellison Ellison.PDFPreview the document is your primary source
Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey” Chapter Campbell’s Chapter -1.PDFPreview the document is a secondary source
The Heroes Journey 17 Stages Charts Campbell’s 17 Stages of the Monomyth is a secondary source
You will need to select at least 1 additional source to use in the essay and to quote from directly. Your source should be a valuable one that you can quote from more than once. You should find a source that furthers your understanding of the short story, the writer, or the hero’s journey.
Essay Requirements:
The essay must be 5-7 pages long, typed, double spaced, 12 point type font.
The essay must have a properly formatted works cited page that includes the sources noted above and the source/s you find on your own.
The works cited page does not count as 1 of the required 5 minimum pages of writing.
Short papers will be docked according to syllabus rules and may lose the option for revision and will not get feedback.
The essay must use direct quotes– properly formatted– from all sources: the story, the chart, Campbell’s chapter, and the source/s you find on your own.
Failure to submit a draft to peer editing will prevent you from getting valuable feedback.
Failure to submit a works cited page will cost the essay a full letter grade.
Due Dates:
5/11: Drafts are due for peer editing by 11:59 pm- Use the peer editing rubric in your discussion group- give feedback to 2 members of your discussion group by Sunday, 5/13. You do not need to post a completed essay- no outlines though.
Homework: Using the feedback given by your peers (and me) continue to develop your essay for grading/submission
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