Vogler Annotation p. 107-125

Vogler, Christopher. “The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers." Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998 p. 107-125.

Summary
The Refusal of the Call in the Hero's Journey can be positive, neutral, or negative. Vogler speaks about how persistent refusal causes tragedy. This would be the "mark of a tragic hero" (109). Excuses are used by the Hero's to refuse the call. Willing Heroes show acceptance of the challenge. They may have doubts and fears but they have overcome them to accept the challenge. Threshold guardians may still test the heroes in their journey or block the heroes before the journey has begun. In the journey, there may be a secret door. In this situation it is an intangible object for the hero that is told it is intangible. By being told this the hero will come to break the rules and then have to overcome the consequences.
The Mentor acts to protect, guide, and help the Hero in their journey. This is important because the hero needs a place to go to for advice in times of crisis. Mentors may also give the hero a wrong sense of direction that can be better for the hero in the long run. Mentors and Heroes may have conflicts as well. They can relate to parents, a person who is there for you but has fallacies.


Reaction
I found the Refusal of the call not quite as interesting as the other aspects Vogler covers on texts. It seems slightly less important, although I can see how it would be important. Without the refusal of the call, the "get-going" for the story may lack a little drama. I found the mentor of more importance, however. The mentor is a guide for the character, whether it be internal or another being. The mentor is a key aspect and I could easily see it in stories once knowing what exactly to look for.



Questions
1. In what ways have you refused a call to adventure?
2. Who is the biggest mentor role in your life? Or are you the bigger mentor? Why is this?
3. Between the two, which do you think is of less importance?