Ms.

Hammond, 2014
Unit: The Rise of the Antihero
Grade 12 English, Literary Focus

Unit Duration: 4-5 weeks
Unit Dates: March 17
th
April 25
th

*Note: Spring Break March 31
st
April 7
th



Unit Overview:
As we explore a variety of texts including films, television shows, novel excerpts, comic strips
and short stories, I hope you will develop an appreciation for the difficulty involved in
separating hero from villain, learn that labels are never as clear-cut as we try to make them, and
come to understand the complexities of the human character. The unit will track the evolution of
societys concept of what a hero truly is, beginning with the classic definition of a hero (and
his/her antithesis, the villain), then moving into an exploration of the antihero, a character that
is rapidly gaining favor with modern audiences. The overall goals of this unit are to expand your
critical thinking, communication, and language skills as well as your knowledge of, arguably, the
most important element of both life and literature character.


Assignments for Assessment: Tentative Due Date
Anti-Hero Trading Card Set (6 cards, total) Ongoing
Rorschach Psychiatric Analysis (Character Sketch) Week 3
In-Class Essay (Comparing Anti-Heroes Studied in Class) Week 5
Anti-Hero Creative Analysis (Student Choice Inquiry Project) Week 6


Grading Breakdown:
Assignment Unit Grade %
Anti-Hero Trading Card Set 10%
Rorschach Psychiatric Analysis 20%
In-Class Essay (3 Anti-Heroes) 30%
Anti-Hero Creative Analysis 40%


Topics Covered:
Classic Heroes & Villains
The Heros Journey
The Anti-Hero: A Complicated Kind of Hero
Our Own Personal Antiheroes


Unit Texts
Lamb to the Slaughter (short story)
Fight Club (film)
Batman: The Dark Knight Rises (film)
V for Vendetta (film)
Wuthering Heights (novel)
The Watchmen, Chapter 6 (graphic novel/comic)