Who is the hero or heroine in Summer of the Mariposas? You can choose more than one character. Use evidence to explain why you chose this person or people.

Describe the hero’s ordinary world in Summer of the Mariposas. What about the ordinary world is not right or troubling for the hero?

The Hero

The hero refers to the central figure(s) of the story who must go on the journey. The hero often feels uncomfortable or anxious about something in the ordinary world. During the journey, the hero learns something significant about the world and gains self-knowledge. The hero often shares that knowledge with others upon the return home.

The Ordinary World

This is the world in which the hero lives. Often, something in the ordinary world is not right or does not feel right to the hero.

Describe the moment when the hero is called to adventure in Summer of the Mariposas. What is the adventure that is suggested? Does the hero try to refuse that call? What finally convinces the hero to accept?

Describe the mentor in Summer of the Mariposas. What wisdom and/or gifts does the mentor offer to the hero for the journey?

The Call to Adventure and the Refusal of the Call

The call to adventure is an event, a piece of information, or an actual request for the hero to leave the ordinary world and begin the journey. The hero fears the unknown and refuses to leave and often must be convinced or tricked (or both) to begin the journey.

The Mentor and the Talisman

The hero meets the mentor, a figure who is wiser, more experienced, or perhaps magical. The mentor provides important wisdom or help for the journey. The mentor often gives the hero a talisman or tool to use during the journey.

When does the hero cross the threshold between the ordinary world and the unknown world in Summer of the Mariposas? Explain your thinking.

Identify the main people who help the hero and explain what help they give.

Crossing the Threshold

The moment in which the hero leaves the ordinary world and enters a world where the inhabitants and rules are unknown and usually different from the ordinary world.

Helpers

The hero is assisted on the journey by helpers, who can be constant companions or appear only briefly.

Describe the tests and enemies the hero faces in Summer of the Mariposas. Which enemy presents the biggest challenge and how does the hero overcome that challenge?

What is the moment where the hero achieves the goal of the journey in Summer of the Mariposas? What treasure does the hero receive at the end of the journey?

Enemies and Tests

The hero must pass a series of tests (battles or challenges) during the journey. Overcoming these obstacles makes the hero stronger, wiser, or more skillful. Enemies may be hard to recognize because they often are not what they appear to be (they are disguised, they can change shape, or they can take the form of evil traits within the hero).

Achieving the Goal

Once the final obstacle is overcome, the hero has achieved the goal. The hero is often rewarded with a treasure such as a special object, important knowledge, or a better future for the world.

How does the journey change the hero in Summer of the Mariposas or what does the hero learn that helps the hero feel whole and at peace? What is the final test and how does this test complete the transformation?

What treasure does the hero share with the ordinary world upon returning home in Summer of the Mariposas? How does this treasure help heal the ordinary world?

Transformation and Final Test

The hero changes or learns something important from the journey, which allows the hero to feel whole and at peace in the ordinary world. Often, the hero must face a final test before the transformation is complete. This final test and transformation may occur before or after the return home.

The Return Home With the Treasure

The hero returns home and brings some part of the treasure from the journey to share with the world. This treasure could be an object, new knowledge, or new values that can help heal the ordinary world.