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