IS 105

Lovejoy

Analysis II: Mythmaking and Storytelling

1 - 2 pages
20 points
Due: Thursday, 11/20
In a short essay, please answer one of the following questions:
1. Offer an analysis of one of the stories we read: The Tiger, the Brahman, and
the Jackal, The Legend of Sway-Uock, or What Are You the Most Scared
Of? In your analysis, you might do the following: reflect on the archetypes
used in the story (and remember, archetypes are more than just people!);
consider if the characters follow the heros journey; and/or argue about the
themes and lessons the story teaches.
In your response, be sure to quote and summarize the story.

2. Referring to Roger Fernandess visit, reflect on the power and meaning of

storytelling in our lives. Why do we tell stories? Why might storytelling be a
necessary act? In your answer, refer to at least one of the following texts:
Segers Creating the Myth; Zipess Introduction: Recalling Scheherazade;
or Gottschalls TEDTalk, The Storytelling Animal.

3. Analyze The Dark Knight according to Segers or Rays argument about

Hollywood myths. Does the film follow Segers or Rays argument? Why or
why not?

4. Analyze a character from The Dark Knight according to Devors arguments

about gender identity. Does the character fit with the traditional
understanding of masculinity and/or femininity? Why or why not?

5. Analyze the female characters from The Dark Knight according to Rays
arguments about women and the Hollywood hero. Do the films women fit
into Rays theory? Why or why not?

Whatever question you select, include at least one direct quote from the class reading.
Use the quote to add depth and meaning to your analysis, grounding your assertions in
the theory that weve read so far. Finally, be sure to read your essay carefully for any
typos. Bring it by my office or take it to the writing lab for a quick review!