chapters 5-10 Ant

Leslie Navarrete Analytical and Persuasive Writing 09/08/08
Vogler, Christopher, and Michele Montez. The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd ed. Boston: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 49-80
Summary:
I the six chapters presented to the reader; the threshold guardian, herald, shape shifter, shadow, the ally, and trickster. The threshold guardian is stated to be like a body guard of the main villain. He or she is our obstacles in the real world and attempts to stop the hero / us from achieving our goals. The threshold guardian is all about testing the hero and with the test the hero discovers new powers and gain strength. Threshold guardians actually help the hero become more mature and teach the hero new experiences . Yet, this archetype does not necessarily have to be a character it can also be a prop. The shadow, resembles the threshold guardian because it is also a obstacle that attempts to interfere in the hero’s journey. The shadow represents our doubts and tries to get us from starting a new chapter in our lives or go for our goals. It is also our oppressive ideas and mind sets. Yet, the shadow wears many masks and can be wear by any archetypes even a mentor and the hero . The shadow is closer to the dark side ,but not completely wicked. It is pivotal to give the shadow a humanistic characteristic in order for audience to relate to this characteristic because like I said before any archetype can wear this mask even the hero.
A hero always needs an ally or sidekick as it is called today. The ally assists or aids the hero when he or she is needed. An ally can come in multiplies , be non -human, or even spiritual. Their physiological function is that they are our hidden personalities that will be needed during our journeys and at time our friends posses that personality. Another helper is the shape shifter , this archetype is mostly the opposite sec and is inconsistent. This helps the hero though prepare of the unknown and have knowledge of different situations because it constantly changes. One mostly can see the shape shifter in romantic scripts because the shape shifter represents the animus and anima of the sexes. The shape shifter is necessary in a script because he or she keeps the story in suspense and also helps the audience see different sides of the hero.
The hero also can be the trickster, which is the person who relieves tension in situations. He or she is the comical relief ,but also sometimes is selfish character. The trickster’s function is to belittle individuals who think they are superior than others. They change everyone around them ,but themselves. The trickster is a neutral character and brings the best out of his or her surroundings. Another, neutral archetype is a herald , which is a messenger . They mostly bring the call to adventure to a hero and are played by a mentor. Their physiological function is to bring change or new ideas to our life. It is the brainstorm or itch you get that takes you to a different course. The herald is like a second chances to redeem oneself because it brings new opportunities to the hero’s path.

Overall these chapters spoke about struggles heroes and human beings go through as well as, the aids of a hero. Everything dark always helps a hero and individual become a better person ,and gets them ready for bigger and more difficult obstacles.

Reaction:
I can not stop reading Volger, it honestly helps me understand myself and organize my own journeys. I love the physiological functions that each stage or archetype has and how he can connect his discussion with life situations. I love the shape shifter chapter and he states that you see our shape shifter archetype in relationships and how what we as individuals take for granted in relationship actually helps us discover more about ourselves and our mate. Example , how we are in certain situations . I really agree that shape shifters deals with the animus and anima , which is now greatly appearing in today’s men and women. Woman are trying to become more in touch with their aggressive and competitive side and men are trying understand the world around them and their mate. It actually, make one think of how scary this world is, and how the roles in society seem to be inter changing and where will that leave us at? I already think majority of today’s women no longer give themselves the self value they deserve and just act like men in the sexual area. I also loved shadow chapter because it made me evaluate myself and I have realized that I have let my shadows win in a lot of areas in my life. Now , that I realized this how do I stop this from happening? How do I stop the doubt and empower my good? It also makes me realize that I have much to discover of myself ,but once again where does one start ? This book is a self help book, seriously and it and kind of scary.

Questions:
1. Can shadows be the falling of a hero and give an example?
2. What do you think is the biggest and most common shadow we as human beings face and how does overcoming the shadow help us?
3. Are human beings like shape shifters and if so can we stop that attribute?
4. Have you had a herald in your life and what did it help establish your life?