This document provides an introduction to the concept of archetypes for an 8th grade English class. It defines an archetype as a symbolic character that fits a certain role, such as the hero or villain, and lists some common archetypes like the mother, trickster, and wise old man. The lesson objectives are for students to define archetypes, identify examples in their class novel, and compare the novel's archetypal characters to others. Students will then analyze archetypes in their novel through group presentations that define, give examples from the text, and relate to other media.

1. Introduction to
Archetypes
Lydia Elrod
8th grade ELA

2. Standard
• ELACC8RL9: Analyze how a modern work of
fiction draws on themes, patterns of events,
or character types from myths, traditional
stories, or religious works such as the Bible,
including describing how the material is
rendered new.

3. Objectives
• The student will define what an archetype is in
his or her own words.
• The student will find examples of different
archetypes in the novel.
• The student will compare the archetypal
characters in the class novel, The House of the
Scorpion to characters of the same archetype
in other stories, television shows, etc.

4. What’s an Archetype?
• An archetype is a first model from which
others are derived or copied. This can be a
symbolic character that fits a certain role, such
as the hero or the underdog.

5. What are some other examples?
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The mother or father figure
The fatal woman/temptress
The witch
The monster/villain
The innocent
The alter ego or double
The wise old man or woman
The trickster or fool

6. Think-Pair-Share
• On your own paper, write your own definition
of “archetype” in your own words. Include an
example from a book, movie, or television
show that represents an archetype we’ve
discussed.
• When the timer goes off, turn to your
neighbor and discuss what you’ve written.

7. The Lesson/Activity
• The teacher will then discuss the many archetypes
represented in The House of the Scorpion.
• The students will work with a partner to research an
assigned archetype to create a presentation about this
particular archetype. It will include a description of
this archetype’s characteristics, examples of characters
from the book that identify with this archetype, and
other examples that they’ve recognized in books,
movies, television shows, etc.
• Pictures will be included in their presentations.