Overview

In this assignment, you will write a critical analysis of a film or book or television series in which you identify the mythic symbolism, the use of myth, the imitation or adaptation of myth, specific reference to myths that we have read.

When the original myths were told to a rapt audience, their imaginations brought the gods, the creatures, the events to life. We have a similar experience when we see the symbols that arise out of the myths come to life when we see them played out before our eyes on television, in the theater or on film. We enjoy these stories just as our distant ancestors enjoyed them. Although our ancestors probably put far more belief in the reality of the stories than we do, we do not escape the impact of the underlying truths of the myths even though we proclaim ourselves "too educated" or "too enlightened."

Instructions

In this assignment, you will write a critical analysis of a film or book or television series in which you identify the mythic symbolism, the use of myth, the imitation or adaptation of myth, specific reference to myths that we have read. The emphasis in this assignment is on analysis. Do not simply retell the story line; rather show not only the mythic elements that are present in the film/book that you selected, but also how those elements bring the mythic values from the original myth into the film/book.

It is recommended that you stay in the area of concentration that you chose for your annotated bibliography, but you are not required to do so. See topic suggestions at the bottom of this page.

Instructions for the Critical Analysis Essay
(In other words, exactly what I am looking for in this assignment)

• View the "Guide to Writing a Critical Analysis" below for precise instructions for writing the essay.

• Select one film, one television series, one play, or one book in you identify the mythic symbolism, the use of myth, the imitation or adaptation of myth, or specific reference to myths that we have read.

• Consider to what extent mythology is involved, for instance what motifs from ancient myth are used, what ideals and values from the myths are reflected in the modern work.

• If you analyze a film or television series, examine not only the plot, but also themusic score, the special effects, the choice of actors, and the expectations of the audience, making sure that you stay focused on the myths present in the film, and not the film alone.

• While you are not limited to one myth, for clarity, it is important to make specific references to our readings. Direct comparisons can really help you identify how "mythic symbolism" is at play in your film.

• This essay will also allow you to compare and contrast different messages in our readings. You may also wish to consider how much of a "message" a film/production may carry and to what extent you think the film-makers intended any message. Or, is it just another attempt to make money by striking the moral or ethical chords of the audience and capitalizing on popular sentiment?

• Consider the characters, paying close attention to the actions and attitudes of the characters in the myths and how they appear in the film or book. Be specific and support your statements by referencing details. For example, what kind of hero is Achilles? What kind of hero is Frodo from Lord of the Ring series?

• This essay should convey what you have learned and the connections you have made. Outside references are not necessary but please adhere to either APA or MLA style if using them.

• Please double-space your submission, include your name at the top of the first page, and be sure to use proper formatting for citations.

Submit it to the Module 4 Critical Analysis Essay assignment in the Dropbox no later than the last day of this Module. If you adhere to all guidelines, you can expect this essay to be at least 3 pages total.

See the Schedule in the Start Here! Module for due dates and the rubric attached to this dropbox for grading information.

Guide to Writing a Critical Analysis Essay:

These are the essential elements that I will be looking for in your essay. Be sure to also refer to the "Instructions for Writing a Critical Analysis Essay." You will be offering your own evaluation in this essay, but you must include specific details from the myths and from the film/show/book that you have chosen.

• Introduction with thesis statement - Here you will identify the book/play/film that you will explore and then briefly explain one or more of the main concepts that you will be exploring. You will include a single sentence (the thesis statement) that states what conclusion you have drawn from your evaluation/comparison. Note that the thesis statement is not the same as a topic. Do not write, "I am going to write about Ragnarokand The Last Battle." Rather, a thesis statement would be, "In The Last Battle, C. S. Lewis employs many of the same elements as appear in the accounts of Ragnarok in Norse mythology, but from a Christian perspective."

• First body paragraph - Provide a synopsis of the plot of thebook/play/film in no more than 4 sentences.

• Subsequent 3-4 body paragraphs - Discuss the work's organization and the treatment of the mythic elements. Include an examination of the concepts from the myths as shown in characterization, music score, special effects, set design, etc. Be sure to give examples from the myths in our textbook to support your evaluation. Consider the reader of your essay as someone who is also familiar with the myths in the textbook, so that there is no need to repeat the entire myth, just a simple reference. The body paragraphs should be 6-8 sentences long.

• Conclusion - Your conclusion will represent a brief (very brief!) summary of the key points of your essay or an overarching justification for your assessment of the connection between myth and modern work.

For more complete information about how to write a critical analysis, go to http://www2.southeastern.edu/Academics/Faculty/elejeune/critique.htm

Formatting
MLA or APA

Total Points Possible: 40 pts
Length: 3-5 pages

Topic Suggestions:

Films/Plays:

• Clash of the Titans (1981 or 2010)
• 300
• Beowulf
• How to Train your Dragon
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians
• Lord of the Rings
• Stargate (movie or TV show)
• Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
• House of Flying Daggers
• Ring of the Nibelungs
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
• Midsummer Night's Dream
• The Water Horse
• Indiana Jones
• Jason and the Argonauts
• Return of Hanuman
• Legend of Rama
• Secret of Roan Inish
• Conan the Barbarian
• The 13th Warrior
• Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
• Dark Crystal
• Thor
• Neverending Story
• Hercules (movie or TV series)

Literature:

• Baba Yaga (folktale)
• The Hobbit (Tolkien)
• A Hundred Years of Solitude (Garcia Marquez)
• The Sword of Shanarra (Brooks)
• The Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Mishima)
• Siddhartha (Hesse)
• Don Quixote (Cervantes)
• The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Raspe)
• Skinwalkers (Hillerman)
• Chronicles of Narnia (Lewis)