Modern Tragedy?

Far From Men (Loin de hommes) Essay

Write a four page (minimum) essay examining the tragic heroism (or lack thereof) of the two principle characters: Daru and Mohammed.  Essentially, argue that one are both are or are not tragic heroes. Answer in a way that shows a strong understanding of all the elements that define tragic heroism and use specific examples from the film.

As you answer the above, take into account:

The definition of a tragic hero.

All the elements that define hamartia and use specific examples from the film.

All the elements that define hubris and use specific examples from the film.

As you address the above, include comparisons of each character to Aeschylus' portrayal of Clytemnestra and/or Orestes and to Sophocles' portrayal of Oedipus.  Include specific examples from the film and the plays.

Consider as well how the film's themes relate to those of the Orestia.

Essay Guidelines:  4 pages (bare minimum: 4 full pages of actual essay writing, not 3.5 pages etc.), thesis-driven essay.  Use standard MLA format, Times New Roman or similar 12 pt font and standard punctuation. Double space, 1” margins, page numbers and staple.

Edit to college level writing standards.  Poorly edited papers will be docked accordingly.

Quoting and citing Sources:  Although it’s not necessary to quote directly from the film (although there are websites that will help you with this), it is vital that you quote from the primary texts and cite, cite, cite. We can simplify the format to a certain degree to save you some time, but as a rule you are using MLA style citation.

a) If quoting and/or citing our anthology or the film, just write “Lit of West. Civ.” and the page #s. Example for page 358 from our anthology: (Lit of West Civ, 358)

 b) If citing lectures and/or online course material, just write the author’s name etc.: (Drake, Locke Lecture) etc.

 c) If citing some source other than these, you will need to use full MLA style citations.  Guidelines to doing so are available online.

 d) If you use an electronic source you will still need to cite page numbers.  If your electronic source does not supply them, you will need to get a copy of our anthology or copies of the required other texts and cite them, including a MLA Works Cited page citing the book(s) that you used.

 Help and Discussion:  Obviously we will discuss the film in class and in groups, and I’d like to encourage y’all to discuss everything about the class whenever you want to.  On the other hand, this is an essay test, so I ask that:

a) all of the writing and all of the words be your own, unless they are quoted from the lecture notes etc.

b) you do not share your essay with anyone, at all, before all essays are turned in. 

c) you honor the above not only to the letter but to the spirit: no one but you knows what you have written, or plan to write, or are writing etc etc etc until all the papers are in, period.

d) you restrict your cited sources to course lecture notes (including student presentations) and assigned reading.  Cite these sources as you use them (author name, lecture title is ok, and include URL in Works cited page).
 
e) in short, you do not plagiarize or cheat.  The clearest way to avoid doing so is to cite every single idea and phrase that is not your very own.