I Need a Hero {It's more than a catchy tune} English 12

What is a Hero?

         A knight in shinning armor is the first picture that comes to mind of many when the word hero is spoken. However, before the idea of knights in shinning armor rescuing damsels in distress there was the archetypal hero. In order to understand "the hero" we must first understand the Journey of the Hero and what that encompasses.

There are three major components {yes, there are a lot of little sub-categories, but remember NOT all steps in the sub groups will occur and they do NOT have to be in any specific order} of the Hero's Journey:

I.   The Departure--the protagonist is separated from the known and steps into the unknown.

II.  Initiation--Crossing the threshold, the protagonist's world changes forever. A mental journey merges  
     with the physical journey to result in a spiritual revelation of purpose and self.

III. Return--Through the protagonist ultimate sacrifice of self, s/he walks in an enlightened state.

In any given journey readers can find from seven to twenty elements, but the most successful adventures have about fourteen recognizable steps.

So, we begin with the epic poem "Beowulf". Using  archetypal elements we will discover if Beowulf-the man meets the qualifications in order to be considered an actual hero. In class we will analyze the battle between Grendel and Beowulf and cite pieces of the poem that reflect the archetypal hero.

But, how will I know if you really understand what qualities a Hero must possess in order to be a Hero? I can't follow you in your daily lives and quiz you on the twenty plus elements. I can't force you to earn a cape and a mask fighting crime and all evil doers...can I? Or can I?
This proved a quandary you see.

So.... I've decided that you and a partner will be responsible for finding either a film or novel and trace the Hero's Journey archetypal steps. You and said partner will create a power point with a minimum of fifteen-twenty {15-20} slides. You will receive the handout with the basic information in class, but if you should lose it---here it is---again {and shame on you} Hero's Journey Power Point Presentation Steps one and two you can also view the Hero's Journey grading rubric  that I will use to judge your presentation. Yes, you will be graded for this it is not a credit/no credit assignment.


I would like to give a shout out to Ms. Cleek for this great idea---that I've stolen and taken as my own. In case you are stumped when creating your own power point here is the Hero's Journey Sample Power Point
that I showed in class. You may not use Up for your project, but this will allow you to see how you can lay out your power point presentation.