Posted: June 4th, 2015

A Sympathetic Hero?

Essay #3: A Sympathetic Hero?

Background:

Tracy Kidder’s story of Deogratias Niyizonkiza in Strength in What Remains is touted as inspirational, a work that captures “what it means to be fully human” (back cover). And one might argue that most of this is due to the true-life character of Deo, whom we meet and with whom we travel through hell and back within the text. But we must not overlook the fact that it is only through the skillful narration of Kidder that we see Deo fully. The role of the author is powerful! And in Jean-Philipe Stassen’s graphic novel, Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda, we encounter the fictional account of the Rwandan genocide through which we are exposed to similar atrocities, similar relationships between Hutu and Tutsi individuals, and a somewhat parallel experience of a young man, uncannily named Deogratias. The expectations for the work also mirror the reviews of Kidder’s text. In the introduction to Stassen’s work, Alexis Siegel writes:

Stassen’s compassionate narration and his beautifully expressive artwork enable us to imagine the unimaginable, in a way that few will forget. We come through the fire of that experience a better person, I feel, because it is only through deep, heartfelt understanding that we have a chance to overcome—within ourselves, first—the false divisions that have brought such horrors into the world.

And find reasons to hope.

Both authors seem to have devoted their time and attention to capturing these events in an effort to bring understanding and hope to the reader. And they do so with a focus on a central figure named Deogratias. But beyond the obvious similarities, there are also shocking differences in the ways the two young men are portrayed. And this makes us consider, do we agree with Siegel’s statement? Has Stassen’s novel given you reason to hope, made you a better person? Or has it diminished your faith in humanity? In other words, what effect has Stassen’s work had on you and why? And how does his depiction of the central character contribute to that effect?

Your Task: In a 5-6 page thesis-driven essay, argue your opinion in response to the following questions: Is Deogratias of Rwanda a sympathetic or unsympathetic character? Why? And how does this presentation of Deogratias affect your opinion of him, your view of others involved in the conflict, or your understanding of the crisis, the region, the culture, or even humanity at large?

Hints: The following are not required questions, but suggested avenues for investigation and consideration:

• How is Stassen’s character of Deogratias different or similar to that of the true-life Deo in Kidder’s work?
• Do we feel greater sympathy for one Deogratias over the other?
• What creates sympathy toward an individual or a situation?
• What feelings do you have upon completing the book? What actions are you inspired to take if any?
• Do you agree with Siegel’s view? Have you experienced a greater or lessened faith in humanity as a result of this story?

Requirements: A strong essay will . . .

• Open with a well-developed introduction paragraph which provides your reader with the necessary background information he or she will need in order to understand and relate to the topic of your essay, and which correctly references the text.
• Reference any additional sources that you will be using in the intro or an early background paragraph.
• Provide a focused thesis statement at the end of your introduction which clearly states your argument in response to the task above.
• Categorize your ideas to organize and group your points.
• Organize your arguments and paragraphs to progress and deepen your argument.
• Use direct comparisons and contrasts between Kidder and Stassen’s text if applicable.
• Use well-developed, coherent PIE paragraphs.
• Clearly introduce, quote, paraphrase, detail and cite information from the texts.
• Conclude by offering new insight into the topic for your reader and drawing connections to the class theme.
• Use MLA format.
• Use clear, complex, and logical sentences, focusing on concession, causation, and relationships between ideas.
• Be carefully proofread for minimal sentence-level errors.
• Include a Cover Letter for your essay, discussing strengths and areas for improvement (some reference should be made to instructor comments from the previous work).
• Provide a Works Cited page.

Required Texts:

Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda by Jean-Phillipe Stassen

“9 Character Qualities that Generate Sympathy”

Optional Text:

Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

DUE DATES:

DEBATE & Thesis/Outline Workshop: Wednesday, 6/3

Revised Thesis & Outline, Intro and Body Paragraph: Monday, 6/8

Peer Review Rough Drafts: Wednesday, 6/10

FINAL DRAFT Due through Turnitin.com: Friday, 6/12