which stage of the hero’s journey is represented in this passage?

3 min read 01-10-2024

which stage of the hero’s journey is represented in this passage?

In the study of literature, the Hero's Journey is a pivotal framework developed by Joseph Campbell. This monomyth encompasses a universal set of stages that heroes typically traverse, from their ordinary world to extraordinary feats. But how do we identify these stages in specific passages? Let's explore this question through a detailed analysis.

What is the Hero's Journey?

The Hero's Journey typically consists of 12 stages:

Ordinary World: The hero’s normal life before the adventure begins.
Call to Adventure: The hero is presented with a challenge or quest.
Refusal of the Call: The hero hesitates or refuses to embark on the adventure.
Meeting with the Mentor: The hero encounters a mentor who provides advice and tools.
Crossing the Threshold: The hero leaves the ordinary world and enters a new, dangerous realm.
Tests, Allies, Enemies: The hero faces trials, makes friends, and encounters foes.
Approach to the Inmost Cave: The hero prepares for a significant challenge in the new world.
Ordeal: The hero confronts their greatest fear or battle.
Reward (Seizing the Sword): The hero achieves their goal and gains a reward.
The Road Back: The hero returns to the ordinary world, often with a new perspective.
Resurrection: The hero faces a final test, where everything is at stake.
Return with the Elixir: The hero returns home transformed and brings back something to help others.

Analyzing a Passage: Which Stage of the Hero’s Journey?

Suppose we have a passage from a well-known story:

"With trembling hands, she stepped into the cavern, the shadows swirling around her. Doubts flooded her mind as she recalled the warnings of her mentor. Just beyond the threshold lay the monster she had to face, the very thing that had haunted her dreams."

Question: Which stage of the Hero’s Journey is represented in this passage?

Answer:

This passage embodies Crossing the Threshold and Ordeal. The protagonist is on the verge of stepping into an unknown and dangerous world, suggested by "she stepped into the cavern," indicating a significant departure from her ordinary life. The mention of her mentor’s warnings and her doubts underscores the gravity of her decision to confront a fearsome enemy.

Analysis:

Crossing the Threshold: This is the pivotal moment when the hero leaves the known for the unknown. Here, the cavern symbolizes an entrance into a new world filled with challenges. The protagonist is stepping out of her comfort zone, which is a crucial aspect of personal growth in any journey.
Ordeal: The reference to the monster indicates that she is on the brink of her greatest challenge. The psychological state of fear and doubt is an essential element of this phase, illustrating the internal struggle every hero faces before overcoming their fears.

Practical Example:

Consider Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. When Harry first steps onto Platform 9¾, he is leaving his ordinary world behind (Crossing the Threshold). The challenges he faces at Hogwarts, especially against Voldemort, signify the Ordeal stage where he confronts his deepest fears and desires.

Conclusion

Identifying stages of the Hero's Journey in literature not only enhances our understanding of narratives but also allows us to relate personal experiences to these universal themes. Each stage serves a purpose, fostering character development and emotional connection with the audience. In our analyzed passage, we see the protagonist grappling with fear, which resonates with many readers who have faced their "monsters" in life.

By recognizing these themes, we can appreciate literature on a deeper level and draw parallels to our own journeys.

For further reading, you can explore Joseph Campbell’s "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," which provides a thorough examination of the Hero’s Journey framework.

This article incorporates elements and analysis inspired by various academic discussions on the Hero’s Journey, providing an expanded view for readers seeking deeper insights.