Write a paragraph or two in response to each of the following prompts. The extra credit questions are hard ones, but I’d love to see how you can answer them. What is the Call to Adventure? What are Ashitaki’s heroic traits and what makes him uniquely qualified for this hero’s quest? How does Ashitaki describeContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “Princess Mononoke””
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Read This Before You Watch “Princess Mononoke”
Welcome back to another weekend adventure with our hero’s quest media series. This week we’re watching an anime film by Hayao Miyazaki called “Princess Mononoke” (1997). Anime combines elements of traditional Japanese art with more modern influences such as comic books. If you like this movie, and I think you will, Miyazaki made quite aContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “Princess Mononoke””
Wrap Up of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Hey, everybody, nice work with the discussion questions about “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” I loved reading your answers. You’re all definitely starting to develop strong ideas about how the hero’s quest plays out in these movies we’ve been watching. Indy’s Call to Adventure is when his Mentor figure Marcus Brody takes him to aContinue reading “Wrap Up of “Raiders of the Lost Ark””
Discussion Questions for “O”
This week we focus on exploring characters and characterization. Write a paragraph or two in response to each of the following prompts. We know that Odin James (Othello) is a star basketball player, but who is he as a person? What are his other defining characteristics? What are his hopes and dreams? What does heContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “O””
Read This Before You Watch “O”
We continue our “Secret Shakespeare” media studies series this week with “O” (2001), based closely on Shakespeare’s tragedy of Othello (1603). This movie is yet another high school film. That makes three out of four so far. Apparently, Shakespearean drama translates well to the teen experience of romantic turbulence and high passions. However, where “She’sContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “O””
Wrap Up of “She’s the Man”
Well, I hope you all enjoyed the frantic silliness of “She’s the Man” with its update of Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night. Did you catch the posters in the hallways of Illyria Prep announcing their high school production of As You Will? That’s the subtitle of the play and a nice, subtle nod to the sourceContinue reading “Wrap Up of “She’s the Man””
Discussion Questions for “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
Write a paragraph or two in response to each of the following. We know all these elements by heart now, but some of the answers might still be tricky so be sure to explain your answers. I’m eager to see your answers this week. What is the Call to Adventure that starts the hero’s journeyContinue reading “Discussion Questions for “Raiders of the Lost Ark””
Read This Before You Watch “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
This week, our exploration of the hero’s quest takes a look at Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981). This classic action/adventure movie introduces us to Indiana Jones, one of all-time great heroes in cinematic history. Whether or not you’ve seen this one before, you’re in for a great ride! As you watch, be sure toContinue reading “Read This Before You Watch “Raiders of the Lost Ark””
Wrap Up of “Zootopia”
Thanks to all of you who sent me answers to the discussion questions this week. You’re doing great work and getting a good handle on the classic elements of the hero’s quest. “Zootopia” was a little more challenging than “The Hunger Games,” but you were still able to spot all those steps along the wayContinue reading “Wrap Up of “Zootopia””
Discussion Questions for “She’s the Man”
Shakespeare’s plays are known for their soliloquies, long one-character speeches often delivered as “asides” where the character addresses the audience directly. This style of dialogue is not as popular now as it was in Shakespeare’s time, but it served the useful function of letting an audience know what a character is thinking and feeling. Below,Continue reading “Discussion Questions for “She’s the Man””
Professor Chuck 