1. Themes in Spirited Away
IDENTITY
Themes in Spirited Away

2. What is identity? (copy this down)
Identity is the knowledge of who or what someone is. It includes all their characteristics and features that make them who they are. However, identity is constantly changing!
What are some characteristics that help you create your own identity? (First, use the prompts below and complete one as a class, then you do one independently)
Likes and dislikes
Name
Culture
Religion
Personality
Most memorable experiences
two relationships you have with other people

3. Class discussion What does your name mean?
Give 3 reasons why your name is important to you?
If you could choose your name, would you stick with your own name or change to a new one? Why ?
Do you think your name affects or influences your behaviour?
How would you feel if someone suddenly just stole and replaced your name now?

4. In the film… (copy this down)
THE POWER OF NAMES
Names are important in the film for the characters’ quest for freedom.
Yubaba takes control on her workers by taking their names and identities.
They are only free from enslavement if they don’t forget their original names.
The characters must remember the qualities that make them who they are (their identity).
If they have the inner strength to keep their names and identities, then Yubaba can never control them.

5. Answer the following questions in your notebook
Answer the following questions in your notebook.(scaffold on the next slide)
List two things that happened when Haku lost his name.
Using a TEEL paragraph, explain (with two examples) what happened to Haku when he lost his name.
List two things that happened when Chihiro lost her name.
Using a TEEL paragraph, explain (with two examples) what happened to Chihiro when she lost her name.

6. Scaffold and some sample answers to help you answer the questions
Q1) List two things that happened when Haku lost his name. A1) When Haku lost his name, he lost part of his identity and he also lost his memories.
Q2) Using a TEEL paragraph, explain (with two examples) what happened to Haku when he lost his name. A2) T: When Haku lost his name, he adopted a different identity and he also lost his memories E: After losing his name, Haku was no longer the River Spirit he was before. He adopted a different identity as Yubaba’s servant/ slave and is easily controlled by her; this is evident as Zeniba said “My sister put that there so she could control Haku.”
(Continued on next slide)
Main points you will be supporting in the E and E
Explanation of how Haku has adopted a different identity and evidence (quote) to support

7. E: Furthermore, Haku loses all his memories from before
E: Furthermore, Haku loses all his memories from before. He no longer remembers that he was the River Spirit nor what he used to do or be.
L: Therefore, when Haku lost his name, he had to adopt a different identity and he lost all his memories from before.
Explanation of how Haku has lost his memories from before