In this lesson, students explore the characterization of heroes and their representation of the values and beliefs of the society in which they are created. Review the Academic Content Standards related to this lesson. Brainstorm the attributes and values possessed by heroes. Develop, in small groups, fictional heroes for the 21st century. Write stories about their hero s adventures.
Students then share their lists, and the teacher writes responses on the blackboard.
The featured article discusses much of George Lucas s personal life, specifically raising his children alone. The article refers to two famous mythology historians, Bruno Bettelheim and Joseph Campbell. Students should refer to the list of attributes on the board for guidance. Each student should keep track of the group s decisions in order to properly finish the homework assignment, and one copy must be submitted to the teacher for a group grade. Each group should then present their fictional hero to the class.