Analyzing the Hero's Journey

8th GradeELA45 min

aligned to Ccss Ccss.ela-literacy.rl.8.3

Learning Objective

I can analyze a hero’s journey and present my analysis to others.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

12 min

Explaining the Hero's Journey (with Iron Man)

HotRodster

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • Joseph Campbell's book, "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," discusses the theory of an archetypical hero's journey, which was later expanded upon by Christopher Vogler in "The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers," outlining 12 steps.

  • The hero's journey begins with the ordinary world, where the hero's everyday life is presented, followed by the call to adventure, which initiates the hero's journey.

  • The hero faces challenges such as the ordeal, where they confront their greatest challenge, and ultimately experiences resurrection, representing a climactic encounter before finally achieving the return with elixir, signifying their transformation and contribution to the ordinary world.

Practice

14 min

7 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Choose a movie or book you know well. Describe how that story fits TWO of the steps in the hero's journey. Be sure to name the steps you are describing.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts