Argument: Beowulf is a classic hero that portrays parts of the Norse culture that created him and the Christian culture who edited his exploits. Claim 1: Beowulf is Norse, not English. Evidence: Norse warriors settled on the British Isles in the 500's and brought their oral traditions with them. Claim 2: Christianity was an integral part in Beowulf's character and setting. Evidence: The Monks who wrote down Beowulf used allusions to Cain when describing Grendel.
Quotes: "Beowulf's actions speak of selfless sacrifice; if he is violent, it is because, like people of his age, the times required violent action to secure peace and bring about prosperity."
Argument: Crichton is superior storyteller, but not a creator. Claim 1: Crichton uses old plots and themes. Evidence: "Terminal Man", "Next", "Andromeda Strain", "Jurassic Park" are all based off of works by other authors. Claim 2: Crichton uses literary elements in tandem with "hard" science to write well. Evidence: He integrated Chaos Theory into "Jurassic Park". Archetypes are prevalent in his works, as well as allusions. The Greek notion of Hubris-extreme pride-manages to work its way into most of his stories.
Argument: I might be mistaken, as I have not read all 80 pages of this magazine, but the argument for pages 79-80 is certainly that people enjoy literature they perceive to be real. Good writers give their plots 'Authority'. Claim 1: Crichton demands 'moral attention' by using scientific facts. Evidence: The Velociraptor of "Jurassic Park" is considered an accurate representation of a predator, and after the publication of the novel, the dinosaur entered popular culture.
Claim 1: Beowulf is Norse, not English.
Evidence: Norse warriors settled on the British Isles in the 500's and brought their oral traditions with them.
Claim 2: Christianity was an integral part in Beowulf's character and setting.
Evidence: The Monks who wrote down Beowulf used allusions to Cain when describing Grendel. Quotes: "Beowulf's actions speak of selfless sacrifice; if he is violent, it is because, like people of his age, the times required violent action to secure peace and bring about prosperity."