The Approach/The Ordeal

The first part of this reading starts off with the “Approach To The Inmost Cave”. This starts after the hero has gotten used to the special world. It is right before their ordeal or final test. Sometimes this part of the story can be where a courtship happens. This is also where the hero prepares himself for the ordeal by finding or strengthening ties with allies, weapons or any knowledge they need. Other obstacles may be faced and the hero will usually meet with the Threshold Guardian before he can go any further. The second chapter is the Ordeal. This is where the hero goes through a life changing event that changes him usually for the better. In many stories a lot of the heroes go through a near death experience. The Ordeal is not the Climax of the story. At this point the villain will either be injured and escape or he will be killed. If he is killed that means the hero will have to face another enemy later on in the story.

The “Approach To The Inmost Cave” is a very important part of any story because it builds up background and suspense for the ordeal. Many important events happen in this part of a story. How the hero deals with the Approach can say a lot about his personality and strengths. The Ordeal is the most important part of a story because it is usually the main purpose of the story. If the hero never goes through any personal changes in a story, the story is usually not as powerful. The Ordeal is the perfect opportunity for the hero to go through his transformation. I liked how at the end of the chapter of The Ordeal, Vogler uses an example from the Wizard of Oz. It really helps make me understand how The Ordeal is used in a real movie.

Are there any movies that don’t use an approach and go directly into The Ordeal? How does this change the story?

Explain the difference between the Ordeal and the Climax of a story?

What is an example of an Ordeal in a movie or book?

Tests, Allies and Enemies

After the hero enters the special world he faces tests and meets allies and enemies. There should be a strong contrast between the ordinary world and the special world so that the audience will notice the change. Once the hero is in the special world he will be tested. In some stories he will go through ordeals or challenges preparing her for future more important ordeals. The hero will also start making either enemies or allies. “The Rival” is a kind of enemy that is always in competition with the hero of some kind.

I thought the sidekick was a very interesting character. The sidekick usually serves as the hero’s really good friend who follows and helps him throughout his adventures and challenges. The relationship between these two characters can help create a stronger personality for the hero. The audience can see how the hero interacts with other characters helping them relate to the hero. I also thought using a team instead of using one hero was very interesting. In many movies such as the Fantastic Four there is more than one hero. This helps keep the plot fresh and interesting because there are more than one hero to watch and more of a chance for things to go wrong.

Meeting with the Mentor

Meeting with the Mentor is when the Hero meets a character that prepares him for the Journey. The Mentor is usually some kind of teacher who guides the Hero on her journey. The Meeting of the Mentor usually comes before accepting the call to adventure. The mentor does not always have to be a person it can also be past experiences that the Hero uses to make decisions.

I found it very interesting that the word Mentor comes from the story The Odyssey. Athena disguises herself to Telemachus as his teacher named Mentor. It is interesting how that word has been passed down over centuries and cultures. The Mentor is a very well known archetype and almost every story has one that is easily visible. Giving the Mentor another side or causing them to no longer work in the interest of the Hero can help keep the audience of a story engaged. The Wizard of Oz is an example of a story with many mentors. Toto serves as a Mentor as does the good witch. Almost anyone that the hero learns from could be considered a Mentor. “They reflect the reality that we all have to learn the lessons of life from someone or something”(123). This statement is very true, and makes you realize how stories are so connected to everyday life. By making stories that people can relate to in some way makes them more enjoyable. If the Hero was all knowing right from the beginning then the audience would not find him as easy to relate to.

1. How is the Mentor important in the plot of a story?
2. In what ways can the Mentor not be a person but an object?
3. What are some examples of Mentors from movies that may have changed roles in the middle of the story?