Before Entering the World of Heroes, It Is Important to Understand the Hero Archetype

Before entering the world of heroes, it is important to understand the hero archetype and establish a definition of “hero.”

DO NOW: What is a hero?

• Definition of “hero”:

• Make a list of all the traits a hero must have.

• Who do you consider a hero? (real, fictional, famous, etc…)

• Do you think everyone will agree that the people/characters you listed are heroes? Why (not)?

• Are heroes always role models? Are role models always heroes? What is the difference?

• When we disagree whether someone is a hero, what are we considering? Why do we disagree?

CLASS NOTES

Definition of HERO:

What are some traits that everyone would agree a hero exhibits?

Create a list including physical, mental, moral, and social traits all heroes exhibit.

Joseph Campbell’s Hero Journey Archetype

Joseph Campbell, a famous writer and philosopher, came up with a popular archetype (“pattern”) in studying heroes that he referred to as the “hero’s journey”.

We have discussed the traits we associate with heroes, but Campbell focused his work on the idea that regardless of the age, gender, or culture of a hero, they all experience the same type of journey to becoming heroes. You will see through the literature studied in this class that Campbell’s ideas are true.

Here are some of the traits Campbell says all heroes exhibit:

• Unusual circumstances of ______; sometimes in ______or born into royalty

• Leaves ______or ______and lives with others

• An event, sometimes traumatic, leads to adventure or ______

• Hero has a special ______only he/she can use

• Hero always has ______help

• The Hero must prove himself/herself ______times while on adventure

• When the hero ______, he is rewarded ______

Can you think of any heroes in books, movies, or other media who exhibit these traits?

Following Max’s Quest:

Directions: Fill in the following chart to prove how Max follows Joseph

Campbell’s hero journey.

Freak the Mighty: Major Assessment

Is Max a Hero?

Persuasive Essay

Now that we have tracked Max’s heroic journey through the story, we will now write a well-developed essay in which we persuade our audience that Max is or is not a true hero.

Think about our class definition of a hero and what qualities or traits put someone in that category. How might you best persuade an audience that Max is or is not, in fact, a hero?

STEP 1: Pick a Side

First, let’s weigh our options. Brainstorm below the reasons/ways you could argue for or against Max being the hero:

Now, determine whether you will claim that Max is or is not a hero. Consider which side you have more/stronger arguments for. Then, write your claim below:

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STEP 2: Outline

When all is said and done, you will have a written a 5-paragraph essay.

You will use ClEER for the entire essay as a whole (with an extra “E”), and within each paragraph:

Cl: Introduction (Paragraph 1)

E: Body Paragraph(Paragraph 2)

E: Body Paragraph(Paragraph 3)

E: Body Paragraph(Paragraph 4)

R: Conclusion(Paragraph 5)

Typically, a persuasive essay will have three major arguments. You will brainstorm the three best reasons Max is or is not a hero. Each of these arguments will later become body paragraphs.

• The first two arguments should explain the top two heroic traits/actions your hero is known for. You should have at least 2 quotes/paraphrases with details supporting these arguments.

• The third argument will consist of a counterargument. This means you consider an opposing viewpoint. Beat them to the punch by not only bringing up what they would say against your claim, but also overturn it with an explanation of how they are wrong. “The best offense is a good defense” mentality is employed.

-Identify the top argument someone opposing your hero would make.

-Acknowledge their viewpoint.

-Then create a counter-argument that refutes their idea.

-Again, elaborate using quotes and details from the story.

Outline:

Step 3: Rough Draft

Using ClEER, begin drafting each of your paragraphs below:

Introduction (Paragraph 1):

NOTE: You will use ClEE(E), but your R will come in the concluding paragraph.

Hook (open with a quote or interesting statement about the topic that will engage your reader): ______

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Claim (restate the question/prompt): ______

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• Evidence: Present 1st argument (DO NOT ELABORATE with examples/quotes): ______

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• Evidence: Present 2nd argument (DO NOT ELABORATE with examples/quotes): ______

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• Evidence: Present counterargument (DO NOT ELABORATE with examples/quotes): ______

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Body Paragraph (Paragraph 2):

Claim (present first argument/trait/characteristic):______

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• Evidence: Present 1st example/quote/paraphrase: (Cite using page #) ______

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• Evidence: Present 2nd example/quote/paraphrase: (Cite using page #) ______

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• Reasoning/Realization: How does this trait prove your claim true? What does it reveal about Max? ______

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Body Paragraph (Paragraph 3):

Claim (present first argument/trait/characteristic):______

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• Evidence: Present 1st example/quote/paraphrase: (Cite using page #) ______

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• Evidence: Present 2nd example/quote/paraphrase: (Cite using page #) ______

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• Reasoning/Realization: How does this trait prove your claim true? What does it reveal about Max? ______

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Counterargument (Paragraph 4):

Claim: Argument that could be made in opposition of your claim: ______

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• Explanation of Counter-Argument (why would someone in opposition to your hero use this argument against him/her? what proof do they have?)

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• Rebuttal: ______

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• Evidence: Present 1st example/quote/paraphrase: (Cite using page #) ______

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• Evidence: Present 2nd example/quote/paraphrase: (Cite using page #)

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• Reasoning/Realization: How does this argument prove your claim true? What does it reveal about Max? ______

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Conclusion (Paragraph 5):

Claim (restate your overall claim AKA whether Max is a true hero or not): ______

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• Evidence: Recap 1st body paragraph: ______

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• Evidence: Recap 2nd body paragraph: ______

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• Evidence: Recap counterargument:

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• Reasoning/realization: Explain what the evidence showed or proved to you.

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