1. The Challenge of the Hero’s Journey
Springboard 1.9
The Challenge of the Hero’s Journey

2. Hero
Now that you have reviewed, read, and know a little more about heroes, in your own words explain what a hero is and does (provide example).

3. Review What defines a hero?
How does a rhyme scheme differ from free verse?
What is an allegory?

4. Traits of a Hero
As you complete the activities in 1.8 answer the questions on the “Traits of a Hero” worksheet. This will help you identify characteristics of a hero and review.

5. Stereotype
On page 26 define stereotype (number 1) Examples: Look at the pictures and how are the people typically stereotyped?

6. Stereotypical hero
Who are some stereotypical heroes (question 2)?

7. Archetype
Archetype – a character, symbol, story pattern, or other element that is common to human experience across cultures. Examples – the underdog, the hero, helping animals Answer question 3

8. Journey
How many of you have taken a journey? Explain. Does a journey always require you to take a trip? Explain (hint: think of reflections). As a class, let’s think of books and/or movies where the hero goes on adventures and either purposefully or accidentally discovers his or her true self by undergoing challenges.

9. Journey Continued…
Watch the following video clip from the film “Remember the Titans”. The scenes show examples of the football team’s “journeys” throughout the movie. As a class, let’s select one scene where the hero goes through a journey and discuss.

10. Activity
You will watch three video clips from the movie “Remember the Titans”. As a class we will complete the three stages of a hero’s journey: Step 1 – departure (this is where we first learn the challenge) Step 2 – initiation (this is the action(s) the hero takes towards the challenge) Step 3 – Return (the goal of the adventure or journey is accomplished) Sometimes you will NOT complete all of the steps

11. Remember the Titans
Scene 1 – Look for the actions where the hero knows their life is going to change. (5:20 – 7:20)

12. Remember the Titans
Remember – there can be more than one hero! Scene 2: This scene is the first time the football team “comes together”. Think of the challenge, task, and what drives the team? (33sec – 2:15min)

13. Remember the Titans
Scene 3: The adventure has been accomplished

14. Wrap up
What defines a hero? What are the strategies of definition? Identify and explain the steps of the hero’s journey archetype (today’s activity)