Nov 25 – Lit – The Monomyth Agenda: Quick-write Notes: The Monomyth Applying the Monomyth Extra reading time Take out: Notebook Pen/Pencil Homework: FOR MONDAY Read chapter 2 (through the end of page 151) Complete two more journal entries (~100-125 and ~125-150)

Quick-write What do all of these things all have in common?

Our Essential Understanding: There is only ONE STORY – even in YOUR OWN LIFE

The Monomyth Joseph Campbell The Hero with a Thousand Faces Pub. – 1949 Appears in drama, storytelling, myth, religious ritual, and psychological development Describes the typical adventure of the archetype known as “The Hero” Cited as inspiration for many major works of literature and film

The Monomyth – The Hero’s Journey Three main parts: I – The Separation The Hero is separated from the normal world. II – The Initiation The Hero gains heroic stature through trials/rites. The true character emerges III – The Return The Hero can return to original state. Main parts can overlap Each main part has a subset of events Subset events do not necessarily have to occur “in order” Subset events can occur multiple times As we go, try to think about examples from movies, books, myths or other stories that apply to each part

The Normal World Where the hero exists before the monomyth cycle begins Often characterized as being boring, mundane or normal

Separation – 1 – The Call to Adventure Occurs in the “normal world” Information is received that initiates the separation May be a problem, challenge, request Hero’s motivation could be emotional, physical, spiritual

Separation – 2 – Refusal/Acceptance Refusal – Hero may initially hesitate, ignore the call, or show reluctance or fear Acceptance – Hero accedes for internal or external reason May realize importance, succumb to pressure, interest or responsibility

Separation – 3 – Supernatural Aid Help – often unexpected – is given Tangible (weapon, food, map, talisman, etc.) Intangible (guidance, magic, advice, etc.) Help often furnished by mentor figure Hero may also be joined by other character(s)

Separation – 4 – Crossing the Threshold The Hero sets out upon the journey Crosses the “point of no return” Often into unknown territory

Separation – 5 – Entering the Belly of the Whale Hero enters the zone of danger May begin immediately after crossing the threshold

Initiation – 1 – Road of Trials The Hero faces trials and adventure Adventures faced may grow in scale as the Hero develops Allow confidence and capabilities to grow Hero may be rewarded for “battles” (trials) that he faces

Initiation – 2 –Meeting With the Goddess Hero may bond with powerful female figure while on the Road of Trials Assistance (tangible or intangible) may be given

Initiation – 3 – Temptation The Hero may encounter temptation, most often of the opposite gender Offers the Hero short-term relief, gratification Giving in to this urge would cause failure of the journey

Initiation – 4 – Atonement with the Father Hero may encounter father or father figure with which there is a relationship that must be reconciled Must win the approval of, persuade, or otherwise defeat May be a person with authority, power, or be a god or immortal figure May be symbolic

Initiation – 5 – Apotheosis After facing trials on the road (Temptation and Atonement with the Father), the Hero transcends Achieves higher place, understanding, knowledge, perception Allows Hero to face difficult part of adventure Often symbolized by change in appearance

Initiation – 6 – The Ultimate Boon Eventually, the Hero achieves an ultimate goal May not be aware of the goal until it is reached May be gained after a difficult final “battle” (trial)

Return – 1 – Refusal Hero may tarry where he gained the Ultimate Boon Wants to remain where enlightenment/bliss was achieved May compare it to “normal life” from which he came

Return – 2 – Magic Flight Hero returns with the “treasure” gained Can take many forms May be travel reminiscent of the original Road of Trials

Return – 3 – Rescue From Without Hero may be rescued from a final plight (major or minor) Plight and rescue both unexpected sources

Return – 4 – Crossing the Return Threshold Hero crosses to safety from his journey Destination may or may not be point of origin May face a challenge in this final crossing

Return – 5 – Master of the Two Worlds Completion of the journey makes the Hero the master of both domestic and alien worlds Internal and/or external Often denoted by the ability to pass between/transcend the threshold of both worlds Physically or otherwise

Return – 6 – Freedom to Live Having conquered the “demons” (internal and/or external) the hero has earned the right to live life as they choose Path of the hero often becomes one of wisdom May become rulers, teachers or advisors. May get married/ settle down… until the next time

Applying the Monomyth We are going to apply the idea of the monomyth to our reading of All the Pretty Horses. You will complete the chart on the worksheet as we continue our reading of the novel. Work with your table partner to begin the worksheet – you will not be able to complete the entire thing today