sample essay

Introduction: As a child, we grow up with a pure and genuine belief in superheroes. Again, as a child, there are many different forms of superheroes we hold as symbols of protection and strength. As we get older, our understanding of the character or idea of a superhero changes.

Thesis Statement: Being a superhero does not always mean we need super human strength, a cape, and fun gadgets that assist in capturing the bad guy; being a superhero could simply mean being that symbol of stability for one person in life.

I. Superheroes
A. What makes a superhero?
1. Official definition - “A hero, especially in children’s comic books and television cartoons, possessing extraordinary, often magical powers”. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/superhero
2. History of Superheroes - is there a difference in superheroes that were created in the 20th and 21st centuries? Where was the actual line of heroism drawn? A good example to answer this question starts with the Bible with David and Goliath. Another would be to go into detail of the Greek and Roman gods and demigods. http://coreknowledge.org/mimik/mimik_uploads/lesson_plans/1228/2_HeroesandVillainsGreekMythology.pdf
3. Comic books - when were they created, what characters were created that remain to be popular today. http://www.thecomicbooks.com/old/Hist1.html
4. With these supporting details, what symbolism in superheroes is carried over into the real life heroes today?
II. Symbolism between the superhero and the real life hero
A. Batman, Superman, The Hulk, and Wolverine
1. List their powers, characteristics, and personality traits
B. Use examples of actual icons throughout history (i.e. Martin Luther King Jr.) how are they similar with these fictional characters. What traits do these historical figures possess that would make them relatable to the Comic books superhero figures.
III. Heroes in our lives
A. As we age, from adolescent to adulthood, our idea of a hero