|
SAMPLE LEARNING GUIDE |
|
TWM does not provide the movies . . .
|
THE CHILD SAVIOR MYTH AND LITERARY ARCHETYPES
|
||
Subject: ELA: Archetypes, Child Savior Myth |
Learner Outcomes/Objectives: Students will be able to recognize and analyze the child savior myth, a recurring element in literature and film. Students will be introduced to the concept of literary archetypes.
Rationale: Images of children are important in literature and are used to sell products, win elections, and encourage religious devotion. The child as savior, through whom people find truth, the answer to their problems, or salvation is an important feature of many works of fiction. An understanding of the literary archetype of the child savior will help students analyze and appreciate works of fiction. An understanding of the use of images of children in advertising and the media will help students make informed decisions. Finally, this lesson can be used to introduce students to the concept of literary archetypes, an important element of most works of fiction.
Description of the Snippet: "Man on Fire" is an action film in which a former Special Forces operative named Creasy is employed as a bodyguard to protect the young daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman. Creasy is suffering from remorse for savage deeds committed when he was working in counter-insurgency. As the snippet opens, Creasy is shown drunk, guilt-ridden, and puzzled by a failed attempt to kill himself. Standing in the rain, a clear symbol of purification, he looks up to see the child watching him from the window. Thereafter, Creasy begins tutoring the girl and coaching her efforts to become a better swimmer. He grows increasingly fond of her unrelenting innocence. At the snippet's end, Creasy reaches for the bottle, uncaps it, recaps it, puts it down, and picks up the Bible. He is saved.
Possible Problems: None.
The remainder of the movie is violent and well deserves its R rating. DO NOT ALLOW THE MOVIE TO RUN BEYOND THE SNIPPET, SINCE IT QUICKLY BECOMES VERY VIOLENT.
How to Use This Guide:
TWM suggests that teachers keep a pre-selected film in their classroom along with any handouts, readings, and other materials that a substitute will need. Be sure to get all of the required permissions from school administrators to allow this snippet to be shown.
As you adapt this lesson to the needs and abilities of your classes, modify the Instructions to the Substitute to take account of any changes you make. [The Guide has a link to a word processing file which contains the Instructions.] Pay special attention to the following points:
- TWM has allotted fifteen minutes for students to read the handout. This should be changed, if necessary, based on the reading abilities of the class. Modify instruction #3 as appropriate.
- If the handout is to be read aloud in class, revise instruction #3 and specify the method of choosing students to read to the class.
Instructions to the Substitute:
1. Before the class arrives, cue the film to DVD scene 7.
2. Tell the class that today's lesson will be on the Child Savior Myth and literary
archetypes. 3. Give students the handout and have them read it silently. Give the students no more than 15 minutes to read the handout.
4. Introduce the snippet. The class need only know that in the movie an American named Creasy is employed as a bodyguard to protect the young daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman from being kidnapped. As the snippet opens, Creasy is suffering from remorse for actions taken while working on counterinsurgency for the Special Forces. Ask the class to look for what role the child plays in the snippet.
5. Show the snippet beginning at DVD scene 7 and running until Creasy puts down the bottle of liquor and picks up the Bible. The snippet is about 22 minutes. DO NOT ALLOW THE MOVIE TO RUN BEYOND THE SNIPPET, SINCE THE MOVIE QUICKLY BECOMES VERY VIOLENT.
Get the best that Hollywood has to offer.
Pay for your subscription with a credit card and get immediate access to 350 Learning Guides and Lesson Plans.
6. At the end of the class, collect the handouts so that they can be given to the next class.
Only $11.99 for a one year subscription.
Literary Archetypes and the child savor myth are important topics for any ELA curriculum.
This Sample Set Up the Sub Guide was updated on October 6, 2011.
It was written by James Frieden and published on June 1, 2009.