Rites of Passage The journey of a hero

Rite of Passage Events: Initiations: A rite of passage is a ritual event that marks a person’s progress from one status in life to another. Events: Puberty Coming of Age Marriage Death Initiations: Baptism Confirmation Bar or Bat Mitzvah Graduation Show what values and beliefs are important to a society.

Rites of Passage have 3 Phases Separation Transformation Reincorporation

Separation People withdraw from their current status and prepare to move to another. (In stories, a character leaves his home and everyday routine). There is often a detachment or “cutting away” from the former self, which is signified in symbolic actions or rituals. Cutting the hair of a person who just joined the army. He/She is cutting away the former self: the civilian.

Transformation The person has left one place or status but has not yet entered or joined the next. (He/she is in an in-between stage in his/her life.) Where the growth, challenge or obstacle, and change takes place. A person must overcome the challenge(s) to become a hero. If they do not overcome the challenge(s), they become either do not survive or become villains.

Reincorporation Having completed the rite and assumed his/her new identity, a person re-enters society with his/her new status. Characterized by elaborate rituals and ceremonies. Debutant balls, high school graduation, quinceañera, sweet sixteen, bar mitzvah, etc.

4 RITE OF PASSAGE: A story that depicts a life-changing realization. The Hobbit The Lord of the Rings Harry Potter Star Wars Wonder Woman Divergent Hunger Games Odyssey (ancient Greek)

5 MOMENT OF INSIGHT: When the “light bulb comes on.” The hero learns and becomes what he/she needs to. TRIGGER: The event that starts the hero’s journey and ultimately brings to pass the Moment of Insight.