Who's Your Hero?

Taken from Google Images



To begin our unit on Heroes, I want you to think about the various heroes you've been exposed to in your life.  What do each of these Heroes have in common?  What makes each of them unique (if anything)?  What it similar about the Journeys they go on to fulfill their individual Quests? 

Whether you know it or not, there is a "formula" for the Quests that each Hero finds him/herself embarking upon, filled with the archetypes that we learned about last semester - The Hero's Journey.  And despite the fact that many of the Hero stories you've seen or heard about seem different (what does Frodo Baggins have in common with Luke Skywalker?), they have a lot more in common than you might think because they all embark upon a similar Journey to fulfill their individual Quests!

For this journal prompt, I want you to discuss the various Heroes you've been exposed to in your life.  What commonalities do these Heroes have with one another, and what makes each of them so great?  Use your genre sheet!

Fatal Flaws

Bloodthirsty Ares
Taken from Google Images

It's good that the Greeks created the gods with flaws - what fun would it be if the Olympians didn't have something they struggled with?  Zeus is known for his womanizing ways, Hera is known for her jealousy, Poseidon is vengeful, Hestia must be boring since she's not featured in any myths, Ares is a hot-head, and Hades - well - he is just plain creepy. 

For this journal prompt, I want you to consider your flaws (you have them, I promise) and make a list.  Out of all of them, which one would you consider to be the worst - that one fatal flaw?  Use your multi-genre sheet for this journal prompt!

What Would Hades Have to Say?

Taken from Google Images



For this journal prompt, I want you to think back on the story of Hades, Persephone, and Demeter - the whole situation is a bit messed up, right?  What ever possessed the Greek god of the Underworld to snatch a woman from earth and make her his wife?  How do you thinks Persephone felt having to hang out amongst the dead for a few months out of the year?  We know that Demeter was torn up about it because as legend goes, the three months when Persephone is gone, her mother weeps and neglects her godly duties, hence why we endure winter (who knew it was Hades' fault all along?!).

Write a journal or diary entry from the perspective of either Hades, Persephone, or Demeter.  Maybe you want to create a twist to the story: perhaps Hades is just lonely and misunderstood, and he really is a good guy.  Perhaps Persephone actually likes the down time in the Underworld.  Maybe Demeter has plotted something evil to pay Hades back for taking her daughter.  This is your journal prompt from the perspective of one of these Greek characters - do with it as you please, but for the wrath of Zeus - be creative!

Like Father Like Son

Zeus battling his father Cronos.
Taken from Google Images

Cronos overthrew his father Uranus.  Zeus overthrew his father Cronos.  Why do you suppose that sons defeating their fathers is such a major theme in mythology?  Why do you suppose that fathers are so afraid of giving up power to their sons? 

In what other stories, plays, or films have you seen this idea?  Let me tell you this - it is more common than you think!  Use your example and compare it to the stories of Uranus, Cronos, and Zeus for this journal prompt.  Use your genre sheet to come up with an original and fresh writing approach!

The Obvious Archetypes in The Princess Bride

Look at the cover of this film; which side
represents the Ego, and which the Shadow?
Taken from Google Images

The Princess Bride is a comical fairytale told by a grandfather to his grandson.  This film is loved by generation after generation, but why?  Because it is full of archetypes that we have all seen many times before!  As a matter of fact, the film makes fun of archetypes, illustrating them in a blatantly obvious light for viewers.  As we conclude our unit on archetypes, I want you to watch this film closely, making notes of the various archetypes that you find within it. 

Your last journal prompt for this week will be based on this film.  Some ideas for your blog entry based on The Princess Bride and its archetypes are...

1. An autopsy of the archetypes within the film - if you cut them open, what do you find?
2. A critique of the archetypes in the film - how accurate are they to your knowledge of primary and secondary archetypes?
3. A diagram similar to the Jungian archetypes handout - where would each secondary archetype be placed within the diagram?
4. A Facebook page for one of the characters that illustrates them as an archetype, along with your knowledge of Jung's archetypes
5. An interview - "Mr. Westley, how does it feel when you are your Ego self?  What about when you put the mask on and become the Shadow?" or "Miss Buttercup, what is the most difficult part of being a lovely maiden?"
6. A nursery rhyme or poem that illustrates the various archetypes in the film
7. A portfolio of the various secondary archetypes within the film that analyzes each of them
8. A compare/contrast essay of Westley's Ego and Shadow - what he shows others and what he hides from them
9. A funny song that illustrates your knowledge of the film's archetypes

Possibilities are endless!  Have fun with this prompt!

...know the place for the first time.

Mr. Frodo leaving his home - the Shire.
Taken from Google Images

As we conclude our unit on archetypes, I want you to think about a time in which you left home, came back, and knew "the place for the first time" as TS Eliot suggests we all do.  How did home seem to you before you left?  How did this once-familiar place seem when you got back?  Why do you suppose this change occurred?  How had your perception changed from the time you left, lived (experienced something new), and returned?

TS Eliot had it Right...

Before we start watching The Wizard of Oz, I want you to respond to this quote below (use your genre sheet).  What is TS Eliot trying to convey?  What does the quote mean to you?  How do these words relate to mythology?

"We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." -TS Eliot