SAMPLE SNIPPET LESSON PLAN TO:
The Child Savior Myth and Literary Archetypes
-- An Introduction Using "Man on Fire"
Subject: Literature/Literary Devices: Archetypes,
Child Savior Myth;
Ages: 14+
Length: Snippet: 22 minutes; Lesson: one 45 - 55 minute class period.
Learner Outcomes/Objectives: Students will be able to recognize and analyze the child savior myth, a recurring element in literature and film. Students will be introduced to the concept of literary archetypes.
Rationale: Images of children are important in literature and are used to sell products, win elections, and encourage religious devotion. The child as savior, through whom people find truth, the answer to their problems, or salvation is an important feature of many works of fiction. An understanding of the literary archetype of the child savior will help students analyze and appreciate works of fiction. An understanding of the use of images of children in advertising and the media will help students make informed decisions. Finally, this lesson can be used to introduce students to the concept of literary archetypes, an important element of most works of fiction.
Description of the Snippet: "Man on Fire" is an action film in which a former Special Forces operative named Creasy is employed as a bodyguard to protect the young daughter of a wealthy Mexican businessman. Creasy is suffering from remorse for savage deeds committed when he was working in counter-insurgency. As the snippet opens, Creasy is shown drunk, guilt-ridden, and puzzled by a failed attempt to kill himself. Standing in the rain, a clear symbol of purification, he looks up to see the child watching him from the window. Thereafter, Creasy begins tutoring the girl and coaching her efforts to become a better swimmer. He grows increasingly fond of her unrelenting innocence. At the snippet's end, Creasy reaches for the bottle, uncaps it, recaps it, puts it down, and picks up the Bible. He is saved.
