The Obvious and Outrageous Archetypes in The Princess Bride

Taken from Google Images

 

The Princess Bride is a comical fairytale told by a grandfather to his grandson, and the film is loved by people old and young, but why? Because it is full of archetypes that we have all seen many times before! As a matter of fact, the film makes fun of archetypes, illustrating them in a blatantly obvious light for viewers. As we conclude our unit on archetypes, I want you to watch this film closely, making notes of the various archetypes that you find within it.

Your last journal prompt for this week will be based on this film. Some ideas for your blog entry based on The Princess Bride and its archetypes are...

1. An autopsy of the archetypes within the film - if you cut them open, what do you find?

2. A critique of the archetypes in the film - how accurate are they to your knowledge of primary and secondary archetypes?

3. A diagram similar to the Jungian archetypes handout - where would each secondary archetype be placed within the diagram?

4. A Facebook page for one of the characters that illustrates them as an archetype, along with your knowledge of Jung's archetypes

5. An interview - "Mr. Westley, how does it feel when you are your Ego self? What about when you put the mask on and become the Shadow?" or "Miss Buttercup, what is the most difficult part of being a lovely maiden?"

6. A nursery rhyme or poem that illustrates the various archetypes in the film

7. A portfolio of the various secondary archetypes within the film that analyzes each of them

8. A compare/contrast essay of Westley's Ego and Shadow - what he shows others and what he hides from them

9. A funny song that illustrates your knowledge of the film's archetypes

The possibilities are endless! Have fun with this prompt, and show me that you can apply your knowledge of archetypes to the things you read and watch!

 

Taken from Google Images

 



Homeward Bound

Taken from Google Images

 

Before we start watching The Wizard of Oz, I want you to respond to this quote below.  What is T.S. Eliot trying to convey? What does the quote mean to you? How do these words relate to mythology?

"We shall not cease from exploration, and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." -TS Eliot

Secondary Archetypes in Your Life

Gandalf - the Wise Old Man
Taken from Google Images

 

Now that you are all pros concerning secondary archetypes, I want you to apply them to your own life.  Of course, you are the Hero of your own life, but who is your Wise Old Man?  How about your Maiden (or "Man Maiden" as one student said last year)?  What about your Evil Monster or Trickster?  Earth Mother?  Father?  Fatal Man/Woman?

Choose at least 5 secondary archetypes in your life, and give a description of who each are and why they are qualify for these roles.  Have fun with this! :)

Modern Myths

What did you discover in your Modern Myth research (places/geography, companies/products, movies/music, arts/culture, and science/astrology)?  

 

Were you surprised at how prevalent myths are in your life?  Why/why not? 

 

Lastly, what was your most interesting find while you researched?

 

Take at least 10 minutes to write, and be ready to share afterwards!

Your Mythological Hopes and Dreams :)

What you hope to learn...

-learn about the different myths of the world
-Freud (id, ego, superego)
-Greek and Roman gods and goddesses
-ties to current religions
-expand my knowledge of mythology
-psychology of mythology and archetypes
-mythological creatures
-heroes
-myths from different cultures
-why/how myths started and the significance of them
-Titans

What you hope to do...

-do more projects
-watch films
-learn in a fun and exciting manner
-group projects
-have fun while learning
-fun assignments
-make a myth of my own
-blog
-see interpretations of various deities
-research gods/goddesses


Your expectations of me...

-be a "cool" teacher
-not be a homework "Nazi"
-be understanding
-keep class fun
-be yourself
-help with writing skills
-be awesome
-teach to the best of her ability
-don't be dry/boring
-teach us a lot!
-sing to us (okay!)
-freedom on final project
-assign some essays
-"learn me good"
-teach about ties/contrasts to current religions

Why Study Myths?

Taken from Google Images

 

For this prompt, there are a few parts...

Part #1 - In your own words, what is a myth?  What do myths entail?

Part #2 - Why do we study mythology?  What's the point?

Part #3 - How/why have ancient myths lived so long?

In your journals, answer each part of this prompt thoroughly, and be ready to share!