In this final essay, I would like you to examine the main characters of all three novels you have read in this course: Janie from Their Eyes Were Watching God, Jane from Jane Eyre, and Santiago from The Alchemist. As you examine and discuss each character, answer each of the following questions:
What is this character’s personal legend?
What is this character’s treasure? Is it a physical treasure? Is it a treasure of knowledge or wisdom about self or the world?
What does this character overcome to follow his or her personal legend and to find his or her treasure?
What can we learn from this character’s journey?
Discuss each character in 1–2 paragraphs. As you discuss each character and the answers to these questions, avoid simply stating the answers to the questions. Artfully and elegantly discuss the character, his or her legend and treasure, and lessons learned. Incorporate at least two quotes from the novels for each character you discuss in your essays. Use these quotes to strengthen your discussions.
Before you conclude your essay with a strong conclusion, include a 1–2 paragraph discussion of your own personal legend and treasure. What is your personal legend? What treasure do you seek (in this essay, focus on the treasures of knowledge and intangible things rather than actual treasure such as money or fame)?
Do you feel you have already been on a hero’s journey in your life? If so, describe it and explain how you have changed. Look ahead to your future and what you want to accomplish in your life and through the wisdom and understanding you gain.
Follow the following formatting guidelines:
Your essay should be double-spaced using a 12-point Times or Times New Roman font. Your margins may be no larger than one inch on each side (see the MLA formatting guidelines).
Include a header on each page with your last name and the page number.
Remember: format your essay according to the MLA formatting guidelines included in this document from the BYU Writing Center: MLA Style Formatting
Use informal diction in your writing. It is appropriate to use the personal pronoun in your essay; however, remember this is an analysis essay and should be written very carefully.
You must also submit a revised rough draft. This draft may be revised by you or someone else; however, in order to receive credit for this draft, your instructor must be able to see that you have completed the revision process. This means that highlighting a few words here and there does not suffice. Revise it carefully.
Once again, length requirements are difficult; however, please note that I expect your discussion of each character to be at least 1–2 paragraphs. You must also include 1–2 paragraphs discussing your own life and personal legend. Additionally, please remember to include a strong introduction with a clear thesis and a concluding paragraph that ties everything in your essay together.
For the part of the essay where it asks about your personal legend, Either Leave a space for me to write something, or message me when you get to that part and I will try my best to get back to you as soon as possible with my personal legend
