Vogler, Christopher. “The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers." Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998 p. 107-125.
Summary:
The crossing of the first threshold in the hero's journey marks the time when the hero makes an act of will that commits them "wholeheartedly to the adventure" (127). The mentor may be used to push the hero into the act, but generally some external factor will be the cause of the commitment to this new adventure. An event like murder of a loved one can be used to push the character into the Special world. Internal events may also play a role in the crossing of the first threshold. When the character comes to the threshold there is likely to be characters who try to act as obstacles and block the way. These are known as threshold guardians. They act as the obstacles, and can be seen as a part of the training of the hero for future difficulties. Crossing the first threshold takes a special courage or leap of faith from the hero to begin in all earnestness the new adventure.
In this new adventure in the Special World the hero will have tests, allies, and enemies, which are all important. Contrast should be noticeable between the ordinary world and the special world. The special world may have tests that act as a continuation of the mentor's training for the hero. The hero may fall in traps as the special world is commonly controlled by the villain or shadow. The hero may go through the special world with a sidekick or ally. The allies act as supporters of the hero. Many allies may form a team for the hero. Encountering of the enemy or the enemy's servants is likely to occur. Enemies can range from antagonists, to simply a rival who is only a threat in terms of competition.
Reaction:
I found the tests, allies, and enemies chapter interesting. Vogler talks about teams created in the Special world which I never gave much thought to. Upon reading about it I realized this is fairly common, for example in the Wizard of Oz Dorothy first makes allies and friends, and this expands from one to three; this is more like a team. I especially enjoyed the line Vogler wrote about leaps of faith. Vogler states, "we must take the leap of faith into the unknown or else the adventure will never really begin" (129). This was interesting to me because its a way I believe people should go about their own lives. If a story uses this, it is likely to intrigue the reader because they may relate.
Questions:
1. What is a time in your life when you were in a "special world" and found an enemy who created obstacles and problems for you?
2. Does the hero see their sidekicks and allies as friends more so or as supporters who are below them?
3. Are sidekicks or allies necessary like many view friends or can the hero go alone?
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2 comments:
I believe that allies and side kicks are a hero's friends because they are the ones that are there for the hero when he or she falls and bring a comeic relief, as well as give the hero advise. The allies and side kicks know the hero just like our friends know us and at the end of the journey establish a bond just like we have with our friends!
I think that allies are necessary because they help the hero get adjusted to the Special world and help him/her get through it by protecting them from danger. I think the Autumn term is a good example of this because the freshmen get to meet new friends, who are going through a similar experience and so they help each other get through college (Special world in this case).
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