Download Cast Away/Survivor Archetype writing prompt

Mythological Association Unit
“Cast Away” writing assignment
In Robert Zemeckis’s 2000 release “Cast Away,” he tells the story of Chuck
Noland, an over-worked and uptight career man of the 21st century if ever there were one.
In doing so, Zemeckis draws upon mythic structures and archetypes to address age-old
anxieties in modern day contexts. Specifically, he utilizes the archetype of The Survivor.
In a 1-2 page, typed response, describe Nolan’s (played by Tom Hanks) problems,
limitations and encumbrances before the plane crash, and explain the skills and selfknowledge he gains while stranded on the island (1). Importantly, and you may need to
do a little research for this, connect his travails and enlightenment to those of another
survivor archetype from mythology (2). In conclusion, write about how this film can
serve as a helpful myth for all of us today (3). So, it’s a response in three parts.
Suggestion: For the middle part wherein you draw on other’s who’ve served as the
Survivor archetype, you might try using one or more of the following: Odysseus (from
The Odyssey), Utnapishtim (from the epic of Gilgamesh), Harry Potter, Noah/Nuh (from
the Bible/Qu’ran), Deucalian (Greek mythology/Prometheus), or others who seem to fit.
Feel free to draw on other films too since they often serve as myth-delivery vehicles.
Mythological Association Unit
“Cast Away” writing assignment
In Robert Zemeckis’s 2000 release “Cast Away,” he tells the story of Chuck
Noland, an over-worked and uptight career man of the 21st century if ever there were one.
In doing so, Zemeckis draws upon mythic structures and archetypes to address age-old
anxieties in modern day contexts. Specifically, he utilizes the archetype of The Survivor.
In a 1-2 page, typed response, describe Nolan’s (played by Tom Hanks) problems,
limitations and encumbrances before the plane crash, and explain the skills and selfknowledge he gains while stranded on the island (1). Importantly, and you may need to
do a little research for this, connect his travails and enlightenment to those of another
survivor archetype from mythology (2). In conclusion, write about how this film can
serve as a helpful myth for all of us today (3). So, it’s a response in three parts.
Suggestion: For the middle part wherein you draw on other’s who’ve served as the
Survivor archetype, you might try using one or more of the following: Odysseus (from
The Odyssey), Utnapishtim (from the epic of Gilgamesh), Harry Potter, Noah/Nuh (from
the Bible/Qu’ran), Deucalian (Greek mythology/Prometheus), or others who seem to fit.
Feel free to draw on other films too since they often serve as myth-delivery vehicles.