Examines the role and theme of the hero archetype in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, To Kill a Mockingbird, 12 Years a Slave, The Scarlet Letter, and Little Women. It features four analysis papers that consider the hero theme, each using different critical lenses, writing techniques, or aspects of the theme.

Introduction to themes in literature -- An overview of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone -- Harry Potter as anti-archetype -- An overview of To Kill a Mockingbird -- Atticus Finch : moral compass -- An overview of 12 Years a Slave -- Northup as abolitionist hero -- An overview of The Scarlet Letter and Little Women -- Feminist icons.