HUM 2310 Valencia College Mythology Harry Potters Heroes Essay First, you should select a movie which is mythic; that is, it should NOT be a portrayal of a
HUM 2310 Valencia College Mythology Harry Potters Heroes Essay First, you should select a movie which is mythic; that is, it should NOT be a portrayal of an ancient Greek myth, but should be a story of a journey which follows the monomyth pattern . Such movies are too numerous to name, due to the fact that it is a familiar life pattern followed in so many films; this pattern rings true to human experience. A few obvious examples would include Star Wars, any Harry Potter film, Matrix, Aladdin, any of the Lord of the Rings films, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, any Indiana Jones, and so on. Sometimes the not-so-obvious examples make for more interesting essays.
Essay length: minimum of 5 paragraphs, but more may be necessary
A good pattern for a 5-paragraph essay would be:
Introductory paragraph (including an overview of the monomythic pattern). Your introduction should briefly define Campbells idea of the monomyth, and then the body of your essay should discuss in detail the elements of the monomyth that are present in the movie of your choice.
Separation/initiation of the hero paragraph (with details)
Trials of the hero paragraph (with details)
Revelations/Transformations/Return of the hero paragraph (with details)
Conclusion (perhaps applying this theory to wider applications) In his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell asserts that all heroes journeys
follow the same basic cycle. He calls this template the heroic monomyth, which begins with a
call that pulls us away from our familiar world and, if were successful, ends with our returning
home transformed. We have come close to the end of our epic journey together, having
hopefully gained revelations and possible transformations, and its almost time to complete the
circle and return home. But there is one more trial: the final exam. Your exam and last essay
are wrapped up in one. Its aim is to pull together your best writing skills with all your
understanding of myth, applied to a modern mythic story.
First, you should select a movie which is mythic; that is, it should NOT be a portrayal of an
ancient Greek myth, but should be a story of a journey which follows the monomyth pattern.
Such movies are too numerous to name, due to the fact that it is a familiar life pattern followed
in so many films; this pattern rings true to human experience. A few obvious examples would
include Star Wars, any Harry Potter film, Matrix, Aladdin, any of the Lord of the Rings films, The
Chronicles of Narnia, The Wizard of Oz, any Indiana Jones, and so on. Sometimes the not-soobvious examples make for more interesting essays.
Essay length: minimum of 5 paragraphs, but more may be necessary
A good pattern for a 5-paragraph essay would be:
1. Introductory paragraph (including an overview of the monomythic pattern). Your
introduction should briefly define Campbells idea of the monomyth, and then the body
of your essay should discuss in detail the elements of the monomyth that are present in
the movie of your choice.
2. Separation/initiation of the hero paragraph (with details)
3. Trials of the hero paragraph (with details)
4. Revelations/Transformations/Return of the hero paragraph (with details)
5. Conclusion (perhaps applying this theory to wider applications)
Make an intelligent conclusion, avoiding the all-too-common In conclusion
and especially
avoiding the even-more-common summary of everything you just said. Let your conclusion
push beyond the analysis of the film.
There is no need for a Works Cited page or citations, since you will be naming the movie in your
introduction, and since you should be making your own conclusions, without using sources.
I recommend that you review Campbells monomyth (a good site for review is
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monomyth (Links to an external site.), which includes a diagram of
the stages) and I also recommend that you take notes while watching the film to find specific
examples that will support general points made in your essay.
Submit essay as an attachment.
*
*
*
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.
It is by going down into the abyss that we recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble,
there lies your treasure.
The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.
-Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Characteristics of an A paper
Has an INTRODUCTION that is well-developed, leading smoothly to thesis
THESIS clearly and effectively indicates your focus
Is WELL-DEVELOPED, with ideas fully explained and supported with details/examples
Is WELL-ORGANIZED in a way that makes the ideas easy to follow
Provides EVIDENCE from the myths to support your ideas; Includes ANALYSIS
LANGUAGE is appropriate and sophisticated, using a rich vocabulary
FLOWS smoothly, with effective transitions and varied sentence structures
If QUOTATIONS are used, they are woven effectively into students own writing, without overusing
quotes
Has a CONCLUSION that avoids simple summary and that says something substantive
Is written in COMPLETE SENTENCES, without run-ons and fragments
Has been PROOFREAD carefully to eliminate errors
Previous
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero%27s_journey
1. Extraordinary birth- Humble beginnings, Mysterious origin, Parents are Royalty of Gods.
2. Call to action- 1st occurrence in a chain of events that will separate the hero from home and
family.
3. Refusal- Avoidance of the call, perhaps from fear, argument, or excuses
4. Guardian/guide- Hero receives wise words, training, talismans, amulets, etc.
5. Threshold- Point of no return, The 1st answer to the call. Usually guarded by some obstacle.
6. Trials- Initiation. The hero must face challenges on the way to solving the final conflict.
7. Decisive victory- The beast (evil) is killed or defeated
8. Flight- Leaving the battlefield. The journey home.
9. Return- The hero brings back an elixir or boon, to help the community.
Purchase answer to see full
attachment
