Download - October 24 – The Monomyth
October 24 – The Monomyth
Agenda: Quick-write Notes: The
Monomyth Applying the
Monomyth
Take out: Notebook Pen/Pencil
Homework: Read through the
end of page 121 Complete journal
entry #4 (90-120)
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
o The Hero is separated from the normal world.
II – The Initiationo The Hero gains heroic
stature through trials/rites.
o The true character emerges
III – The Returno The Hero can return to
original state.
Main parts can overlap slightly
Each main part has a subset of eventso Subset events do not
necessarily have to occur “in order”
o Subset events can occur more than once
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
separationo May be a problem, challenge, requesto 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 reasono May realize importance, succumb to pressure, interest or
responsibility
Separation – 3 – Supernatural Aid
Help – often unexpected – is giveno Tangible (weapon, food, map, talisman, etc.)o 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
developso 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 o 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 goalo 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
Boono 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
o 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 journeyo 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 o Internal and/or external
Often denoted by the ability to pass between/transcend the threshold of both worldso 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.
This will be a basis for a final project that you will complete after our reading is finished.
Work with your table partner to begin the worksheet – you will not be able to complete the entire thing today