Ant 127-141

Leslie Navarrete Analytical and Persuasive Writing 10/13/08
Vogler, Christopher, and Michele Montez. The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd ed. Boston: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 127-141
Summary:
In these two chapters the reader was exposed to two stages: The Crossing of the Threshold and Tests, Allies, Enemies. The Crossing of the Threshold signifys the hero finally commiting to the call to adventure; the hero commits because of an external factor(s). The external factors are what complys the hero to take action and is the turning point of the story. Sometimes the external factors does not give the hero an ultamatium and the hero now must cross the threshold unprepared. Another factor that accompanies the external factor is the internal factor. Internal factor(s) pertains the self conscious of the hero and the self evaluation of the hero’s life style.
The hero might want to complete his or her adventure because it is an oppurunity to reform his or her life style. Yet, the internal factor is not strong enough to comply a hero to cross the threshold like the external; they must combine in order for the hero to fully commit to the journey. When the hero crosses the threshold there wll be some physical barrier signifying the enterance of the new world and the exist of the ordinary world. This barrier might be an actually gate or body of waters. Whatever the barrier maybe between the two worlds the hero takes the “leap of faith”. The leap of faith symbolizes the hero’s courage to conquer his or her fear of the unkown,but also is the beinning of the tests.
When the hero decides to enter the Special World he or she will confront a threshold guardian, which is like a body guard to the greater ordeal. The threshold gaudrian(s) are very pivotal archtypes and help train the hero for the greater tests that he or she will face within his or her adventure. A hero will confront this archtype in unexpected moments and may at the end gain an ally as well. When the hero enters the special world the word contains a different atmosphere, a different feeling, and a different type of guideline. The hero is advised in the script to enter into a “water holes”, which are places that contain information on the world and the world’s rules. The water holes are social bars or gatherings that town people are located at; it is also a place for the hero to rest.
Now the hero must confront his fears and with that the tests arrive into the picture. The tests prepare him or her for the main battle and help him or her envolve from a novist to an expert. The first tests that the hero confronts are expressed as the enterance exams. Then in the beginning of Act 2 the tests are not life threating like later events; they are meant to sharpen the hero’s weak areas. The tests can also be the continuation of mentor training or can assist creating the Special world. Either way tests are meant to help the hero for unexpected events.
Tests continue throughout the hero’s adventure and in finding allies is considered challenging the hero’s good judgement. Allies are helpers of the new world or ordinary world and eventually turn into sidekicks. The sidekicks can come in multiples creating a team of justice. The allies are there to support the hero in anyway and to bring maturity into the hero’s life.
The crossing of the threshold is also a test because it challenges the hero’s strength and courage. Tests are everywhere and happen everyday,but prepares for the finals in our life!
Reaction:
I believe the statement the Volger states about how there must always be an external factor or factors that complys a hero to be fully committed to the advanture. That factor has to be a dilemma concerning pride or the hero’s intimate relationship; It can be both situations. The internal factor just does not enlight the flame it can be the hero’s foundation or additional reason,but it is just does not give the hero the drive to succeed and a reason to risk his or her life. I also like the mentioning on how enemies can actually in reality become a hero’s ally and help the hero with his or her journey. In addition the tests that a hero goes through really does prepare a hero for the greater ordeal and helps develop the areas of improvement. It can be related to real life; how our turbluances and pains have helped us overcome obstacles.Allowing us to become mentors to whom ever is going through that particular journey or stage.
Questions:
1. Do you believe that enemies are actually your allies why or why not?
2. What do you think is a rival’s purpose and has he or she helped you mature?
3. Can your blood or best friend be your rival and still be your ally?
4. What are the purposes on tests and what do you think happens if we fail the tests in life; what will be the outcome?
5. Do you believe your tests have made you into a stronger person or has oppressed from life?