We will start exploring the Hero's Journey in both reading and writing. Think of a novel you would be interested in reading or I can assign one for the whole class. We will discuss this process as a class and then dive in to analyze the Hero's Journey as it relates to your novel. We will then translate the Hero's Journey and how this process works for everyday life. We will then take what we learn and analyze from our reading and then apply those skills to writing your own stories.
To Structure Or Not To Structure? That Is The Question...
Every story has a beginning, a middle and an end. In the beginning you setup your hero (or heroine) and his story, then you throw something at him that is a great source of conflict and takes him into a whole heap of trouble. After facing many foes and overcoming various obstacles the hero saves the day and wins the girl. If only writing a movie was that easy... The thing is, there are many forms of structure and some writers subscribe to one formula, while others subscribe to another. Some try not to subscribe to any and see the whole idea of structure as "evil", feeling that a story should evolve organically without rules confining ideas or obstructing the creative flow. In the end, a story should dictate the kind of structure it follows or whether it shouldn't follow a structure at all. There's no point trying to write a comedy and forcing the structure of a thriller upon it - it won't work. Well, theoretically it won't but I'm sure someone will find a way! Let your characters define the story and your story define your structure and then use a formula if necessary to tighten your script. The trick is to initially let the ideas flow without paying too much attention to structure and then in your second pass begin to focus your story and separate the wheat from the chaff.
The 12 Stages of The Hero's Journey
1. Ordinary World
This is where the Hero's exists before his present story begins, oblivious of the adventures to come. It's his safe place. His everyday life where we learn crucial details about our Hero, his true nature, capabilities and outlook on life. This anchors the Hero as a human, just like you and me, and makes it easier for us to identify with him and hence later, empathize with his plight.
2. Call To Adventure
The Hero's adventure begins when he receives a call to action, such as a direct threat to his safety, his family, his way of life or to the peace of the community in which he lives. It may not be as dramatic as a gunshot, but simply a phone call or conversation but whatever the call is, and however it manifests itself, it ultimately disrupts the comfort of the Hero's Ordinary World and presents a challenge or quest that must be undertaken.
3. Refusal Of The Call
Although the Hero may be eager to accept the quest, at this stage he will have fears that need overcoming. Second thoughts or even deep personal doubts as to whether or not he is up to the challenge. When this happens, the Hero will refuse the call and as a result may suffer somehow. The problem he faces may seem to much to handle and the comfort of home far more attractive than the perilous road ahead. This would also be our own response and once again helps us bond further with the reluctant Hero.
4. Meeting The Mentor
At this crucial turning point where the Hero desperately needs guidance he meets a mentor figure who gives him something he needs. He could be given an object of great importance, insight into the dilemma he faces, wise advice, practical training or even self-confidence. Whatever the mentor provides the Hero with it serves to dispel his doubts and fears and give him the strength and courage to begin his quest.
5. Crossing The Threshold
The Hero is now ready to act upon his call to adventure and truly begin his quest, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. He may go willingly or he may be pushed, but either way he finally crosses the threshold between the world he is familiar with and that which he is not. It may be leaving home for the first time in his life or just doing something he has always been scared to do. However the threshold presents itself, this action signifies the Hero's commitment to his journey an whatever it may have in store for him.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies
Now finally out of his comfort zone the Hero is confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that test him in a variety of ways. Obstacles are thrown across his path; whether they be physical hurdles or people bent on thwarting his progress, the Hero must overcome each challenge he is presented with on the journey towards his ultimate goal. The Hero needs to find out who can be trusted and who can't. He may earn allies and meet enemies who will, each in their own way, help prepare him for the greater ordeals yet to come. This is the stage where his skills and/or powers are tested and every obstacle that he faces helps us gain a deeper insight into his character and ultimately identify with him even more.
7. Approach To The Inmost Cave
The inmost cave may represent many things in the Hero's story such as an actual location in which lies a terrible danger or an inner conflict which up until now the Hero has not had to face. As the Hero approaches the cave he must make final preparations before taking that final leap into the great unknown. At the threshold to the inmost cave the Hero may once again face some of the doubts and fears that first surfaced upon his call to adventure. He may need some time to reflect upon his journey and the treacherous road ahead in order to find the courage to continue. This brief respite helps the audience understand the magnitude of the ordeal that awaits the Hero and escalates the tension in anticipation of his ultimate test.
8. Ordeal
The Supreme Ordeal may be a dangerous physical test or a deep inner crisis that the Hero must face in order to survive or for the world in which the Hero lives to continue to exist. Whether it be facing his greatest fear or most deadly foe, the Hero must draw upon all of his skills and his experiences gathered upon the path to the inmost cave in order to overcome his most difficulty challenge. Only through some form of "death" can the Hero be reborn, experiencing a metaphorical resurrection that somehow grants him greater power or insight necessary in order to fulfill his destiny or reach his journey's end. This is the high-point of the Hero's story and where everything he holds dear is put on the line. If he fails, he will either die or life as he knows it will never be the same again.
9. Reward (Seizing The Sword)
After defeating the enemy, surviving death and finally overcoming his greatest personal challenge, the Hero is ultimately transformed into a new state, emerging from battle as a stronger person and often with a prize. The Reward may come in many forms: an object of great importance or power, a secret, greater knowledge or insight, or even reconciliation with a loved one or ally. Whatever the treasure, which may well facilitate his return to the Ordinary World, the Hero must quickly put celebrations aside and prepare for the last leg of his journey.
10. The Road Back
This stage in the Hero's journey represents a reverse echo of the Call to Adventure in which the Hero had to cross the first threshold. Now he must return home with his reward but this time the anticipation of danger is replaced with that of acclaim and perhaps vindication, absolution or even exoneration. But the Hero's journey is not yet over and he may still need one last push back into the Ordinary World. The moment before the Hero finally commits to the last stage of his journey may be a moment in which he must choose between his own personal objective and that of a Higher Cause.
11. Resurrection
This is the climax in which the Hero must have his final and most dangerous encounter with death. The final battle also represents something far greater than the Hero's own existence with its outcome having far-reaching consequences to his Ordinary World and the lives of those he left behind. If he fails, others will suffer and this not only places more weight upon his shoulders but in a movie, grips the audience so that they too feel part of the conflict and share the Hero's hopes, fears and trepidation. Ultimately the Hero will succeed, destroy his enemy and emerge from battle cleansed and reborn.
12. Return With The Elixir
This is the final stage of the Hero's journey in which he returns home to his Ordinary World a changed man. He will have grown as a person, learned many things, faced many terrible dangers and even death but now looks forward to the start of a new life. His return may bring fresh hope to those he left behind, a direct solution to their problems or perhaps a new perspective for everyone to consider. The final reward that he obtains may be literal or metaphoric. It could be a cause for celebration, self-realization or an end to strife, but whatever it is it represents three things: change, success and proof of his journey. The return home also signals the need for resolution for the story's other key players. The Hero's doubters will be ostracized, his enemies punished and his allies rewarded. Ultimately the Hero will return to where he started but things will clearly never be the same again.
The way of the peaceful warrior
Ordinary World
Dan’s ordinary world is…. He was a junior at UCB, being a popular gymnast has its perks. He had tons of trophies piling up, he was doing well in school and having good grades. Having a girlfriend has made him happy, what else could he want.
Call to Adventure
Dan’s call to adventure started when….There was a problem, he kept having recurring nightmares that dragged him down. In the dream, there was a weird man that seemed to be the answer to everything. In fact the man is the solution, Dan meets him at the gas station.
Refusal of the Call
Dan’s refusal of the call is about.... Socrates gives him lectures and abilities, to give Dan vision. To give him happiness and to stop trying to figure the world out, learning the difficult discipline of living in the moment. healthy and free. Dan straddled the fence between Socrates conventional wisdom, for a few months feeling alienated from his classmates and gymnastics team.
Meeting the Mentor
Dan’s meeting of the mentor….Dan accepted the teacher's advice to take the way of the peaceful warrior, Dan was making progress around Socrates’ path. Dan got into a motorcycle accident, his leg all smashed up and now he may never go back to gymnastics. But Dan makes a stunning comeback, following Socrates’ instructions to meditate. Eating a super-healthy diet- develops attentiveness; and maintains an inner calming life.
Crossing The Threshold
Dan crossed the threshold..After Dan fulfilled his comeback, his team won the 1968 national collegiate championship. Cheering him on. Dan learned that the route isn't happiness, Dan decided to quit gymnastics. Finished up school and learned more from Socrates, But he was still sad.
Tests, Allies, Enemies
Dan’s tests,allies,enemies…. Dan was living an unsatisfying life for several years, with marriage and divorce. He began to coach gymnastics, he sold all his possessions and headed off into the mountains. Determined to find happiness.
Approach to the Inmost Cave
Dan’s approach to the inmost cave…. Socrates surprises Dan by showing up in the mountains, the teacher takes him to a cave for a final vision. Witnessing his own death, body decomposing and even the landscapes change. Over the thousands of years, He also learned that he’s one with everything. Beyond his mortal self.
Ordeal
Dan’s ordeal…. After Dan’s return from the vision, seeing the truth that nothing can possibly matter. Finally being free, he dances blissfully with the teacher. Plus, marrying Joy. Dan sets off as a future warrior, heading to Berkeley campus to begin college.
Reward(Seizing the Sword)
Dan’s reward…. Even though Dan was getting things together, recurring dreams jolt him awake. The Grim Reaper beckons him with a bony finger, but the man sends him away. Then welcomes Dan, the student merged into him.
The Road Back
Dan’s road back…. One night, sleepless at three in the morning probably downed a couple drinks to keep him awake. Waiting for an exam, Dan went to the gas station to get some snacks. Finding an old man from his dream, the encounter spooks Dan out.
Resurrection
Dan’s resurrection….Dan was creeped out, he walked past the man before looking back. Realizing he’s not on the bench, the old man asked to help Dan. Giving him advice, and odd vexing answers.
Return with the Elixir
Dan’s return with the Elixir... With the man calling Dan a fool and himself a warrior, still wondering if he’d live a happy life. Falling in love with joy, and having Susie who's a great friend. Makes him feel happy, and living the life.
The week of Oct 26-30th will be the last week for the readings and the 12 stages of the hero's journey. We will finish the Documentary on Joseph Campbell (Finding Joe) and the Hero's Journey by Tuesday and you will be finalizing your paragraphs on the 12 stages for your novels. Then, you will either complete a cartoon of what your learned from the Hero's Journey unit and your novel, or you will write up the stages of the hero's journey for your own personal life and experience.
Ordinary World
He lives with his Aunt and Uncle. He doesn't like them. Then he leaves to go to school at Hogwarts witchcraft and wizardry.
Call to Adventure
Not only does he have to deal with Voldemort and watch out for the day he comes back, but now he also has to be careful not to be caught by Sirius Black because Black wants to kill him supposedly.
Refusal of the Call
Nobody wants him to go looking for Black. They also don't want him to go/doing anything because they don't Black to find Harry.
Meeting The Mentor
Harry mentor is Dumbledore
Stage 12 Return With The Elixir: With the loss of both Old Dan and Little Anne, Billy learns something. Billy matures throughout this book. He obtains skills in leadership, loss of close relatives and hard work. This can also be seen as the classic "self-reliance and man's relationship to nature."
Stage 11 Resurrection: In this part of the story, what Billy has feared the entire time has finally caught up with him. You can only roll the dice so many times before you roll a snake eyes. In this section, the mountain lion returns. To summarize this section, Billy loses Old Dan to the mountain lion. The morning after, Billy is devastated, but even more so is Little Anne. Little Anne suffered the most, heart broken by the loss of Old Dan, she couldn't, she was truly heartbroken. Little Anne later passed away, leaving Billy to retire from his days of hunting.
Stage 10 The road back: Even though Billy worked very hard and obtained his dream very quickly, it can also be taken away just as fast. The road back for Billy in this story is the Mountain lion. All it takes for him is one more run in with the beast, and his dream is over.
Stage 9 Reward: Billy is at the top of his game. He has everything he could ever want. He's wealthy, he bought his family a bunch of neat things, like his sister real candy or his mother a nice dress. For once, his sister can actually taste real candy. Billy's ultimate reward has been granted. He hunts for sport, having fun, doing his dream job and being payed wealthy amounts.
Stage 8 Ordeal: The ordeal in this story is Billy's hunting. Billy hunts whatever animals his dogs find. He thrives in the world by hunting animals and selling their pelts for money. He will later enter in hunting competitions to support his family. This work is very dangerous. Every time Billy goes out hunting, he fears that this might be the day that the mountain lion shows up, the day he could possibly lose his own life.
Stage 7 Approach To The Inmost Cave: The sheriff actually knew Billy's dad. He sent Billy off on his way, giving Billy his first ever soda pop. During the walk back home, Billy grew very tired and decided to set up camp near in the middle of the woods. He lit a fire and fell fast asleep with his puppies in arms. Billy awakens to heavy stomping nearby. He can barely make out the big shadow through the tiny flames of the fire. He grabs the stick in the fire and pushes back a huge Mountain lion, the Mountain lion leaves Billy alone. The fear strikes Billy during this encounter, doubting his survival instincts and makes him fear the woods. This Mountain lion is an enemy of the book, we will see more of him later.
Stage 6 Tests, allies and enemies: Billy successfully made it into the town. He was put to the test when he had to make it to the town from his home, he had passed the test successfully. Billy met his friends when he made it to the town's delivery place, he obtained his brand new puppies Old Dan and Little Anne. Billy met his first set of enemies in his way back to his home. He was passing by the school, observing the children. A group of kids approached Billy, calling him names. Billy maintained his composure, that was until one of the kids started grabbing one of his puppies ear. Billy ran those hand at the kid. This action caused the kids friends to jump him. A local sheriff was nearby to help Billy.
Stage 5 Crossing The Threshold: When Billy's grandfather ordered his new puppies, he didn't realize that they couldn't actually be delivered directly to his home. In order to receive his puppies, he must venture away from his home and into town. He began by packing for his journey ahead and left early in the morning, when his family was asleep. He begin in his walk directly through the woods, that was the quickest possible path towards town.
Stage twelve is when both peeta and katniss make it out of the hunger games despite the fact that they thought they would both die but the capitol had a change of heart when they saw what appeared to be a dedication to each other between peeta and katniss. They both get to return home to their families.
Stage eleven is when both peeta and katniss decided that they would rather both die then kill each other so they decide to both eat poisonous berries so that neither of them will live but they wont have to kill each other either.
Stage ten is when Peeta almost dies from the infection of a slash in his leg and katniss has to nurse him back to health even though shes knows just about nothing on healing despite seeing her mother and the work she does for people.
Stage nine is when katniss finds peeta in bad shape after hearing that if both tributes from the same district are the last two alive then they both win and that gives her some small sense of hope.
Stage eight is when katniss finds rue because she hears her calling for her and she finds her caught in a net calling her name but before katniss can do anything rue is struck with a spear that goes through her body. And rue asks her to sing to her because she knows she is going to die and katniss does and tells her shes going to win for the both of them now.
Stage seven is when more of the tributes have died and there are now less then 10 left. Rue and Katniss have made a bond of sorts and are working together to steal all f the stringer tributes food but it proves to be very dangerous because it is always guarded as well as there are land mines surrounding the supplies.
Stage six is when katniss realizes rue and peeta help her in small ways even doe she doesnt under stand way. She is more taken aback buy peetas help when he tells her to run before the other tributes come after her
I think stage number five starts when katniss realizes that she has to ethier avoid being killed or start killing. She realizes that numbers are narrowing down and some players are working together.
I think the mentor for katniss would be her stylist Cinna. Because he always is there to re-sure her when she feels nervous. And she accepts him because he has a different attitude then everyone else in the capitol.