By: Brooke Brownlee
When watching Disney’s 1996 production of Aladdin for the first time, one character stands out strikingly as the alleged hero and protagonist of the film-Aladdin, the poor street rat who eventually wins the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine. Many of Aladdin’s actions lead to the instant conclusion that he remains the hero. However, another supporting character, Genie, challenges this belief and characterization. Underlying the action of the film, Genie assists Aladdin in all of his challenges and offers advice that strengthen the moral lessons taught to the audience. Many assume that Genie exists just as a companion to Aladdin or just for a humorous touch, but Genie offers more to the story than to simply please the viewers. Because of the building of the characters and the relationship between the two, a discussion arises regarding the definition of hero that creates the standards that movie producers follow to display characteristics of heroism. Determining who represents the hero of the film begs the question of whether or not the protagonist of the film follows the hero archetype.
In discussion of the determination of a hero, it makes sense to bring up the characteristics and the journey that archetypal heroes share among all of time and all genres of literature. Joseph Campbell, a mythologist, describes The Hero’s Journey as a three stage process found in many ancient stories and modern day adventures. An in depth description of the Hero’s Journey can be found here: A Hero's Journey. It is important to understand the aspects of the journey followed for centuries by heros in mythological and adventurous stories and productions. However, age old definitions and standard do not necessarily fit traditional mindsets regarding heroes or fit who the audience chooses to admire in terms of a role model. Along with following a path, characters display certain traits that align with this path outlined by Campbell. These common characteristics can be explored here: Hero Characteristics. While Aladdin’s actions and various traits align with both of these discussions of heroism, many of his actions fold. With these variations away from the pattern, Aladdin may not be the best character to boast the name of hero.
With that said, who takes the place of Aladdin as the hero? Genie acts as an inspiring and helpful character who many audience members, especially children, love. Genie differs from the archetypal hero path and characteristics, so according to a mythological sense, he can not be the hero of the film. However, in a modern sense, Genie challenges Aladdin as the true hero. Many elementary aged children are often asked who they believe represents a hero in their lives. The responses vary from local firemen & police officers, teachers, and family members to superheros, cartoon & movie characters, and famous people. These various people do not follow a archetypal hero pattern and instead create a new sense of heroism in a modern lense. They display traits such as bravery, selflessness, helpfulness, positivity, patience, and humility. In this sense, Genie clearly overtakes the position as the hero of the film. His actions not only display these characteristics, but he acts as a leader in a sense by offering life lessons to the audience.
It’s up to discussion and debate whether or not Aladdin is the hero of the film and who holds the position if not Aladdin. Can a film break a pattern and display two characters as a hero? Continue this discussion with your class. There is not a right answer to this question, but continue to probe all of the various outlooks on this. Consider the both the positive and negative aspects of both Aladdin and the Genie in determination of heroism.
Day One Lesson Plan
Goal: To introduce the theme of the week (Aladdin) and to help students understand the basic outline of an argument
Keywords: interpretation, heroism
Introduction Activity (15 minutes)
Purpose: to introduce the importance of understanding two sides to a discussion by including a claim, a counter argument, and a few pieces of evidence to support their claims; force students to learn these parts of argumentation because they have no choice on which side to argue
Use the powerpoint (under the resources page) to go along with this activity. The powerpoint includes multiple slides on which each slide has a discussion topic that has two clear sides (yes or no questions). Pair off the students. Give each pair a coin. They will flip the coin to determine who argues each side (heads-yes, tails-no). The affirmative side has one minute to argue. Then, the negative side has one minute to argue. Go through about 5 slides.
Introduction to Argument (20 minutes)
Purpose: to teach the parts of an effective argument; these skills will be needed throughout the week
Have the students create an outline of argument (claim, counterclaim, reasons, evidence) and spend a few minutes independently researching the definitions of the terms
Come together as a class to ensure understanding
Introduction to Aladdin Activity (5 minutes)
Purpose: to familiarize the students with the characters, plot, setting, and motifs within the film to ease discussion throughout the week
Fill out the worksheets as a class (under the resources page- character matching and plot arrangement)
Video Essay (10 minutes)
Purpose: to use Aladdin as a way to learn how to form an argument; to encourage discussion among peers
View the first video essay: “Who is the real hero?”
Discuss the implications of argument within the video and further discuss the topic itself with the class
Homework
Watch the following Youtube video for an intro for the discussion tomorrow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ARX0-AylFI)