Shreks Journey An Archetypal Story Pattern arkuhtiepull Heros

Shrek’s Journey An Archetypal Story Pattern (ark-uh-tie-pull)

Hero’s Journey w Some crisis occurs. w Hero becomes an outcast. n Separates from home

How does Shrek leave home?

The “Night See Journey” Begins w Dark and dangerous w Filled with new experiences w Filled with challenges

What dangers does Shrek face?

The Journey Continues w Hero is given a talisman n n Magical object Powerful Wanted by many others Can be used for good and evil

What is Shrek’s talisman? w Does a talisman exist in this story?

Could Fiona be the talisman?

The Journey Continues w Hero will meet one or more characters who challenge him/her. w Help the character become more heroic.

Who does Shrek meet? w Donkey w Fiona w Lord Farquaad w Dragon

What does he learn from each one?

Hero’s Sidekick w Often accompanied by an animal n n n Uses animal’s sensitivity to warn or guide hero Shows hero valuable information Helps hero make important decisions w Often introduced as character(s) who provide hero with an early challenge or scare n n Help the hero see dangers Provide the hero with solutions

What is Donkey’s role?

The Hero Has A Guide w Appears early in the story w Gives important information to hero w Leads hero away from traps

Who is Shrek’s Guide? w Fiona? w Donkey? w What important information does Fiona or Donkey give Shrek? w How does Fiona or Donkey help Shrek escape danger?

Hero Faces Test of Worthiness w Hero meets someone powerful. w Hero needs help from this person. w Powerful person tests the hero by asking him/her to complete a task

Shrek’s Test w Who was Shrek’s powerful person? w What task did this person ask Shrek to complete? w How would this task prove Shrek’s worthiness?

Lord Farquaad

After the Task w Hero completes task; thus, w All powerful person must now help hero. w All powerful person usually helps hero understand the lessons learned on the journey.

After the Task

Hero Returns Home w Changed and improved because of the journey.

There’s no place like home.

Influence on Modern Literature w Get into pairs w Brainstorm a list of any other stories which follow this same archetypal pattern n Don’t just list the other Shrek movies w Pairs will share list with class.