Today we learned the term archetype and discussed an archetypal plot, The Hero’s Journey.
- Archetype Notes. An archetype is a universally recognized type of character, symbol, plot, or setting. Some examples of archetypes: the hero, the villain, the damsel in distress, the sidekick, the villain’s evil lair, the country to city story, the hero’s journey. This term was coined by psychologist Carl Jung. Read more about archetypes here. Students gave their own examples.
- Hero Notes. The hero archetype is characterized by the following traits (examples follow in parentheses): Noble birth and/or orphan (Hercules born to Zeus; Harry Potter with no living parents), Special abilities and/or weapons (Spiderman can shoot web; Harry Potter’s wand is the same as Voldemort’s), Mentor/Guide (Dumbledore to Harry Potter), Faithful companions (this could be a sidekick like Robin is to Batman, or a group of people like Ron and Hermione are to Harry Potter), and Appropriate Use of Force (has the power to destroy someone but uses force only for good, like Luke Skywalker). Students gave their own examples.
- Hero’s Journey. I will upload the handout on the Hero’s Journey later this weekend. The stages of the Journey:
1. Call to Adventure (Harry receives the letters from Dumbledore; Hagrid shows up at his house).
2. Refusal of the Call (Harry tells himself he’s not really a wizard).
3. Supernatural Helper. Often the same as he Mentor/Guide (Dumbledore appears).
4. Initial Obstacles. Before the adventure even starts, the hero has troubles.
5. Crossing the Border. The hero crosses from the Everyday World to the Other World (or the Under World). There is often a guardian of the border to defeat.
6. The Road of Trials (with helpers along the way). The many obstacles the hero has to overcome before locating the “treasure” or achieving the goal.
7. Crisis and Salvation (stealing the treasure). This could be an Atonement with the Father or a Meeting with the Goddess. In general, this is the climax of the story.
8. Transformation and Flight. Having changed, the hero flees the Other World. He has accomplished his goal and just needs to get out of there!
9. Return. The hero often has to accomplish one last feat in order to get back to the Everyday World. This stage is also called the Resurrection.
10. Sharing the Treasure and Freedom to Live. The hero brings back the treasure or the knowledge gained and shares it with his people.
4. Hero’s Journey Today Posters. Students began working on (or brainstorming) posters to display how the Hero’s Journey applies to a modern story.
HW: Study for WordSkills test on Monday. A review session will be held at 8:00 am for extra credit. Make flashcards for extra credit. 5th period finish charts for homework.
ALEXA GARVOILLE 