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Heroism
Atticus, to many people,
is an heroic character. He stands up for what he believes is right
(for example, is, equal rights for African-Americans) despite the
personal cost to himself and his family. He says to Scout that if
he didn't defend Tom Robinson he wouldn't be able to hold his head
up in town, he couldn't represent the county in the legislature
and he couldn't tell Jem or Scout not to do anything ever again.
Being instructed to represent Tom Robinson at trial sets Attics
on a journey: a hero's journey.
The idea of the hero's journey is called
an archetype. An archetype is a typical or original example on which
all other examples are based. The following archetype is based on
Joseph Campbell's "Heroic Pattern" that traces the hero's
journey steps.
| 1 |
The hero receives a call to go on a journey
for a specific reason. |
| 2 |
The hero fights for good, truth or justice
against the 'baddies' or the forces of evil. |
| 3 |
The hero has special qualities that make him
or her the right person for the journey. |
| 4 |
The hero learns something about himself or
herself in the process of the quest: he or she gains strength
and/or wisdom. |
| 5 |
Those on the side of evil will try to prevent
the hero from reaching his or her goal. |
| 6 |
The hero may encounter tests of his or her
determination, courage and skill. |
| 7 |
Before reaching his or her goal the hero faces
a final dangerous and difficult ordeal. |
| 8 |
The hero reaches his or her goal and is usually
rewarded, remembered and applauded for his or her achievements. |
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| Activities
Tasks
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1
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Create a table with the heading 'Hero's
journey steps' in column one and the heading 'Atticus's
journey' in column two.
(a) Skim and scan through the novel to find examples
of Atticus's journey which fit each of the hero's journey
steps.
(b) Create another table for the character of Scout. |
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2
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In what ways does Atticus's journey
differ from the hero's journey as described by Joseph
Campbell? |
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3
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Scout, Jem and Dill are on a different
journey to Atticus. What, specifically, is their journey? |
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4
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In what ways are Scout, Jem and Dill
heroic in the novel? |
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5
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Atticus describes Mrs Lafayette Dubose
as 'the bravest person I ever knew'. Do you think Mrs
Dubose undertakes a hero's journey of her own? |
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6
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Which other characters in the novel
do you consider to be heroic? Do they undertake the hero's
journey or show heroic qualities? |
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7
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Drawing on your theme study of The Hero,
write your own definition of a hero, citing examples.
How does your definition compare with the character of
Atticus. |
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8
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Write the script for a courtroom scene
in which Atticus Finch is on trial. Your characters will
consist of the prosecuting and defense attorneys and characters
from the novel who testify for or against Atticus. You
may wish to add Harper Lee to the list of witnesses.
Two opposing views regarding Atticus Finch's status
as hero appeared in Legal Times (February 24, 1992 and
March 9 1992, respectively). Monrow Freedman attacks
Atticus Finch while R. Mason Barge criticises Freedman's
views. If you are able to obtain copies of these articles,
you may wish to add Freeman and Mason to your list of
witnesses.
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