The Last Samurai, conclusion/ The Silver Kiss III

Grade 12

• Distributed essay question for movie (see below)
• Finished movie, discussed conclusion
• Next college app essay is question 6: First experiences can be defining. Cite a first experience that you have had and explain its impact on you. (University of Pennsylvania)
• Due Wednesday for peer review. Final copy due 10/14 (Fri.)
• Tomorrow and Tuesday in computer lab (Mr. G's room) working essay for movie.
• Tuesday, Groub 'B' journals due on Tuesday
• Samurai essay:

“The journey the hero gets is the one he’s ready for.” ~Joseph Campbell

“The hero journey is a going out and a returning. It’s a cycle.” ~Joseph Campbell


“The hero quest does not involve simply the hero’s discovery of some boon or Holy Grail, however; it also involves finding him or herself, which ultimately means finding a home in the universe.” ~ Susan Mackey-Kallis

“They say Japan was made by a sword. They say the old gods dipped a coral blade into the ocean, and when they pulled it out four perfect drops fell back into the sea, and those drops became the islands of Japan. I say, Japan was made by a handful of brave men. Warriors, willing to give their lives for what seems to have become a forgotten word: honor.” ~Simon Graham (from the movie).

Joseph Campbell says there are two types of hero: the psycho-spiritual and the physical. The Last Samurai is an archetypal story of the hero in both aspects. Indeed, Nathan Algren cannot complete the physical hero journey until he completes the other. Nathan’s psycho-spiritual transformation required a journey into the unknown, where he was subject to the functions of myth of traditional Japanese culture.



In a well written essay containing specific details from the story, explain Nathan’s hero journey in terms of the stages of the hero journey and the four functions of myth.


Remember that the hero journey is not linear, is not a rigid formula. This will be an explanation of Nathan’s transformation. Consider the importance of ‘gifts’ and the concept of ‘atonement with the father,’ in your treatment of this subject.

Characters:

Katsumoto
Nathan Algren
Sergeant Gant
Colonel Bagley
Omura
Simon Graham: translator, photographer
General Hasegawa: committed suicide with Katsumoto’s assistance
Ujio: Nathan’s adversary/foil
Taka
Taka’s sons
Nobutada: Katsumoto’s son
Emperor Meiji


Grade 10

• Journal: What is revealed about Christopher in chapter 2?
• Check Reading Logs for grade
• Discuss journal entry, and chapter 2
• (Note: Too many did NOT do last night's hw. Students who did were allowed to begin tonights, everyone else had finish what was due today.)
• HW: Chapter 3 plus reading log.