Reaction Paper: Monomyth of the Heros Journey
Image of Darth Vader from Star Wars. Author: Wsjswjs. Image is licensed under Creative Commons 3.0. Retrieved from Wikimedia CommonsIn this first Reaction Paper, you will examine and discuss modern examples of the Heros Journey and archetypes of the hero and villain in Star Wars IV. You will also evaluate the values revealed in the Heros Journey and how these values shape our own identities and influence our culture.

After you complete the reading and view the film, please compose a brief essay of 200-400 words examining how Luke Skywalker and/or Han Solo follow the elements of the Heros Journey. Within your examination, discuss:

1. How does either of these characters (or both, if you are so inclined) fit the archetype of the hero?

2. What role does the villain play in the Heros Journey?

3. What values are revealed about the characters as they move through the elements of the journey?

4. Why does a film such as Star Wars IV impact so many people? What draws us to these stories? How do we identify with them?

This should be your own original analysis. Use only the film and the assigned readings as the basis for your analysis. This is not a formal essay, but should follow academic writing conventions related to grammar and APA style for referencing and citation for your text and for the film.

Compose your work in a .doc or .docx file type using a word processor (such as Microsoft Word, etc.) and save it frequently to your computer. For those assignments that are not written essays and require uploading images or PowerPoint slides, please follow uploading guidelines provided by your instructor.

Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to submit your work, click Upload Submission. Enter the submission title and then click on Select a file to upload. Browse your computer, and select your file. Click Open and verify the correct file name has appeared next to Submission File. Click on Continue.  Confirm submission is correct and then click on Accept Submission & Save.