Download Star Wars Part 2 File

Film Notes - Star Wars
Name_________________________
Hour_______________
Mythology
Three thousand years ago, there was Greek/Roman Mythology. 25 years ago, there
was Star Wars. We have also had four Harry Potter films. Clearly, mythology stories
that explore lifeʼs problems and adventures help us understand the deeper meanings
that underlie daily life. The pattern of myths continue to be an important part of our
culture.
Joseph Campbell, in his book The Hero With a Thousand Faces, stated,
Throughout the inhabited world, in all times, and under every circumstance, the myths
of man have flourished; and they have been the living inspiration of whatever else may have
appeared out of the activities of the human body and mind...
“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...” became the beginning of the Star Wars
myth that not only embodied the spirit of the people in the 1970ʼs, but has been
rereleased recently as its appeal continues to flourish.
Part I
Luke Skywalker is a modern version of the epic hero. Briefly describe
Luke’s values, background, or actions that qualify him as an epic hero
according to the following criteria.
A. The Epic Journey (Quest)
1. Describe the story of Luke’s Birth. Were the circumstances surrounding
his birth mysterious or not? Explain.
2. Was Luke orphaned as a child or raised with his parents? Was he sent
away for his education/training, or was he raised more traditionally?
Explain.
B. In what ways does Luke Skywalker stake his life for an ideal or to prove his
own worth?
Parts II Perilous Journey- using the elements of the heroic quest, explain how
Luke S. becomes a hero.
1. Call to Adventure: What leads Luke to take on his quest? How was the quest
a voluntary or involuntary decision? Explain.
2. Threshold of Adventure: Does Luke have to enter another world to complete
his task? How is this world different from the ordinary world?
3. Helpers and Tests: What trials or tests must Luke face along his journey and
who helps him?
4. Enemies: Who are Luke Skywalker’s main enemies?
5. Supreme Ordeal: Explain the supreme ordeal that Luke faces during his
quest that almost destroys him.
6. Boon (Gift): What sort of boon or gift does Luke give to society? How does
he positively impact the community based upon his quest?
7. Flight/Pursuers: Explain how Luke Skywalker escapes from his enemies. Is
he pursued? How does Luke ultimately get away, if at all?
8. Recross Threshold: How does Luke grow, mature, or change because of his
journey?
9. Return (Reclaim, Recognition): How is Luke greeted when he returns from
the quest? Does he receive any sort of recognition or award? Is he greeted
warmly?
Part III Compare the following characters from Star Wars to a god, goddess, or
mortal from Mythology.
Be sure to explain how the characters are alike.
Luke Skywalker
Ben Kenobi
Hans Solo
Darth Vader
Princess Leia
C3PO
R2D2
1. __________________________ is similar to _________________________.
Explanation:
2. __________________________ is similar to _________________________.
Explanation:
3. __________________________ is similar to _________________________.
Explanation:
4. __________________________ is similar to _________________________.
Explanation:
Extra Credit – A student may earn extra credit if he or she chooses to write a
paragraphs in response to one of the following prompts. Five points of extra credit.
1. Trace Luke Skywalkerʼs heroic journey using the Joseph Campbell model
(from the “Call to Adventure” to the “Gift/Boon”). As you trace his journey,
you should compare him to other heroes that we have studied
Use specific examples from the movie to discuss each stage
of the the heroic quest and refer at least four times to other heroes we have
read about and discussed in class.
2. Remember that a journey is often more than a physical adventure that takes
a hero from one place to another. Often, it is also spiritual, as the hero moves
from ignorance and innocence to experience and enlightenment. Clearly
discuss Luke Skywalkerʼs spiritual journey in the film Star Wars and
compare his growth to at least one other character we studied this term.
3. In describing the process he used to write the screenplay, George Lucas said,
I was trying to take certain mythological principles and apply them to a story.
Ultimately, I had to abandon that and just simply write the story. I found that when
I went back and read it, then started applying it against the sort of principles that
I was trying to work with originally, they were all there.”
Remember our study of archetypes. Many of the characters, places, and themes
of Greek mythology have become a part of our collective unconscious, and they
tend to “show up” again and again in modern literature and films. Identify
at least three characters, places, and/or themes in the film Star Wars that seem
to be based on or reflect similar characters, places, and/or themes in Greek
Mythology. Explain how these things are similar and different. Where has
Lucas really borrowed from the mythology we have studied, and where has
he taken it and extended it as he transformed it into art?