1. 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 (~ and ~ )

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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)

18. 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

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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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