British Literature Characteristics of an Epic The hero is of noble birth or high position The heros reflects the ideals of society The hero performs courageous deeds The heros actions determine the fate of many ID: 213337
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Slide1
The Epic Hero + Archetypes
British LiteratureSlide2
Characteristics of an Epic
The hero is
of noble birth or high position
The hero’s
reflects the ideals of society
The hero
performs courageous deeds
The hero’s
actions determine the fate of many
The setting is vast
. Takes place over time and space.
Written in formal diction
with a serious tone
Characters make long,
formal
speeches
Some form of
the hero’s journey
takes place
Poem reflects
timeless values
(courage, etc)
Treats
universal themes
(good vs. evil, etc.
)
Supernatural powers involved.Slide3
Separation
–
a break away from local social order
, the beginning of a quest.
Initiation
– a long deep retreat inward with a series of chaotic encounters which provide new insight.Return – reintegration into society, coming back as a more evolved person.
Phases of the Hero’s JourneySlide4
Identify a hero or heroine from a film or story and explain how their journey fits the three phases – be sure to give examples.Slide5
A test
(Does the hero have what it takes?)
A
main
antagonist
(Often supernatural) A magical/unreal world (Unable to be visited by a normal human, but the hero visits anyways (e.g. the underworld or the world of the gods) A resurrection (Either from being dead or from a dead-like state of mind. Hero was thought to be lost and is rediscovered) Basics Elements of Heroic CycleSlide6
Archetype
A recurrent pattern, character type, theme or image which is identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature. Slide7
General Terms
An archetype is a recurring symbol, theme, character, or setting.
It's something that's appeared in literature so often that it is very recognizable.
Example of an archetypical theme: “Love conquers all."
Example of an archetypical plot structure: The love triangle.Slide8
Character Archetypes
Many different character archetypes throughout literature.
Any time you can compare some heroic or evil character to another you are dealing with archetypes on some level.Slide9
The Hero
Often participate in the classic hero journey.
“The main character leaves his or her community to go on an adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community” (
Herz
and Gallo 121).
Examples:
D’artagnan from the three musketeersSimba from the Lion KingHobbits in Lord of the RingsSlide10
Mother Figure
Surrogate Mother. Comforts and directs child, especially when he or she is confused and needs guidance.
Fairy tales characters such as the stepmother in Cinderella, fairy godmothers, Mother Goose, Little Red Riding Hood, Briar Rose, Pocahontas
Literature: Galadriel from Lord of the Rings,
Glinda
from the Wizard of Oz, Dante’s Beatrice
.Slide11
The Great Teacher/Mentor
Wise elder –
P
rotects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges.
Sometimes they work as role models and often serve as father or mother figure. They teach by example the skills necessary to survive the journey and quest.
Examples
Obi Wan KenobiRafikiSlide12
The Innocent
Child or inexperienced adult
Their greatest strength is their trust and optimism. Their positivity endears them to others.
Their main danger is that they may be blind to their obvious weaknesses or deny them. They also may become dependent on others to fulfill their heroic task.
Frodo –
Lord of the RingsSlide13
The Sacrificial Redeemer
“The protagonist is willing to die for his or her beliefs; the main character maintains a strong sense of morality” (
Herz
and Gallo 123).
Often features some aspect of higher power.
On a mission to save others/humanity.
Jesus ChristSimon from Lord of the FliesSlide14
Scapegoat/Sacrificial Victim
The one who gets blamed for everything, regardless of whether he or she is at fault.
Snowball from George Orwell’s
Animal Farm
Hassan from The Kite RunnerSlide15
Enchantress/Temptress
Characterized by beauty, this is usually a woman whom the protagonist is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his downfall. May appear as a witch or other mystical character.
The Sirens in Mythology
Mystique from
X-Men
Elektra King from James
Bond The World is Not EnoughSlide16
Villain
The Antagonist
The Bad Guy
Examples:
Cruella
DeVilleThe Big Bad WolfSlide17
Trickster
A
trickster
is a god, goddess, spirit, man, woman, or anthropomorphic animal who plays tricks or otherwise disobeys normal rules and conventional behavior.
Loki
CoyoteSlide18
Evil Incarnate
The Devil or Serpent
This character represents evil itself. He or she may offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the protagonist in exchange for possession of the soul or integrity. This figure’s main aim is to oppose the hero in his or her quest.
Voldemort
Sauron
DraculaSlide19
Archetypical Settings
Forest
Caves and tunnels
The Mountaintop
The River
The Sea
IslandsSlide20
Archtype
Events
Journey
– The protagonist takes a journey, usually physical but sometimes emotional, during which he or she learns something about himself or herself or finds meaning in his or her life as well as acceptance in a community
Linear
Circular
QuestsQuest for material wealthQuest for security, as a secure place to liveQuest for kinQuest for global good, such as when a kingdom is threatenedQuest for self, for self-identity or self-assuranceSlide21
Rite of Initiation/Passage
This is the process by which a character grows into a new sphere of influence, usually into adulthood.Slide22
Parental/Relational Conflict
The protagonist overcomes parental conflict or abandonment by bonding with others or pursuing some greater good.Slide23
Sleep/Dreams
Person is somehow renewed or enlightened through sleep/dreams. New information is obtained or psychological truth is revealed. Slide24
The Test/Trial
Faced with a seemingly insurmountable struggle, the protagonist must overcome to show his or her quality.Slide25
Birth/Death and Rebirth
Through pain and suffering the protagonist overcomes feelings of despair. Then, either physically or through some level of self-realization, the hero is “reborn” into something greater.Slide26
The Fall: Expulsion from Eden
The main character is expelled from the place he/she wants to be due to a mistake or grave sin.