The New Dystopian HeroTaku Manika

Number FourAfter being forced from his planet Lorien, with nine others like him, Number Four was unaware of what was in store for him on Earth. He spent years running from place to place, changing his name and identity; not knowing where his next home would be or if he would be captured. It wasn’t until settling in Ohio that Four truly began his heroic journey, tasked with saving himself and others from the Mogadorians.

The Making of a Hero● Heroes are not often born, but rather

created.● When faced with a difficult challenge

true heroes rise to the occasion, regardless of the adversity they may face.

● Most heroes are accompanied by a mentor or guide who assists and encourages them through their heroic journey.

● During their journey heroes undergo a personal transformation which helps them fulfill their destiny.

The Rise of Four● With the Mogadorians hot on his trail,

Four quickly flees Florida with his guardia Henri.

● After arriving in the small town of Paradise, Ohio, Four assumes a new identity as John Smith and attempts to blend in as a normal high school student.

● Within a few hours of his first day, John (Four) begins undergoing a transformation as his otherworldly powers begin to develop.

● At this point it is evident that trouble is coming, and it will John’s responsibility to rise to the occasion and begin his heroic journey.

The Hero’s Journey

● As John’s powers (which are referred to as legacies) continue to develop, Henri trains him on how to utilize them and grow stronger.

● Because the Mogadorians are in search of John and Henri, John must hide his legacies and keep his true identity a secret.

● While attending the party of one of his peers, John is forced to use his legacies to save Sarah, who is an obvious love interest. After this incident John shares his identity with her and lies to Henri about it.

● Shortly after, a video emerges of John using his legacies which leads the Mogadorian to Paradise, presenting John’s true heroic test.

A Dystopian Warning● The planet of Lorien is torn apart when the

Mogadorians begin hunting the Legacies (Number Four and his people) one by one.

● The warning in this dystopian novel comes relatively early as Number Four explains the history of his planet after the death of Number Three.

● This story lightly touches on the dangers of conflict, war, and ethnic genocide, which are all issues in history and present times.

Dystopia and Modern Society● Dystopian literature and film have historically

been reflective of issues and concerns in present society.

● The most significant connection between I Am Number Four and modern society is the politics behind forced migration.

● John, Number Four, is essentially a refugee who is forced to flee his planet of Lorien, as the Mogadorians threaten the lives of him and his people.

● Because he is different from humans, he never truly fits in anywhere and has lived his life running from place to place.

Reflection on Society

Although dystopian literature is written to entertain audiences, it also brings attention to flaws within society. The issues presented in this genre are continuously adapting as societies evolve and change. The themes presented in I Am Number Four have been problems historically that have also become become more significant in the past decade. As countries have been torn apart through political strife, many people have been forced from their homes and have had to start new lives in an unknown place or continue running in fear of their lives.