Archetypes in literature are fundamental or prototypical characters that are used in stories. They have recurred in literature and art since the earliest writing. They personify universal patterns of human behaviour.
Film uses and reuses archetypes in various forms and with varying degrees of nuance, between realism and hyperbole.
In this exploration of Batman the Dark Knight we are exploring two archetypes, the hero and the villain. We will explore how the context in America, especially the events of 9/11, have reshaped the superhero and super villain in order to help the audience understand the world they live in and help them contextualise their fears. I want to explore how the superhero has become darker and the super villain has been redefined in this time of uncertainty, terrorism and fear.
Task
Complete one slide in this slideshow with an analysis of one Superhero that you have been given. Mr G & Miss H may be open to alternative suggestions of heroes depending on the quality of argument you make, that this superhero represents a fundamental human quality that is significant for the time.
Independent Study
Read this article from the BBC about Hollywood use of Archetypes and their roots in Greek myth. It also goes on to describe what it is about us humans that continue to retell the superhero story across the generation.
Embed the slide show into your reflective journal and also find a clip of your superhero online and reflect on how the film’s narrative at that moment conveys their heroic characteristics and/or their very human flaws.