Vogler, Christopher. "Approach to the Inmost Cave and The Ordeal " The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers. By Christopher Vogler. Vol. 3. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 143-173.
Summary
Just like everything else, the type of hero you have in a story determines the way they will approach the inmost cave. Some heros approach it willingly, while others do not. If you are unsure about the type of hero in a story, the way they approach the inmost cave can also help you to determine that. For example, a confident committed hero will approach the cave willingly. Other heros are much more timid and they take much more time to prepare and think about what is going on. This approach to the cave is also a good time to regroup and recalibrate the group of character around your hero. No matter how hard a hero tries, eventually he will have to face the ordeal.
The simple secret of the Ordeal is that heros must die so that they can be reborn. This run in with death serves several functions. It allows for change and character growth within the hero, no one comes back from the brink of death unchanged. The Ordeal is often one of the deepest depressions in a story and so it leads to the highest highs for both the audience and the hero. It involved growth, and emotion.
Reflection
Once again, I liked reading this section because I felt like it actually taught us something new instead of constantly reinstating what previous chapters had already said. I particularly enjoyed the section about the Ordeal. I liked how he used Star Wars as an example. It was easy to identify with, and it helped to illustrate the point that Vogler was getting at. I recently watched The Prince of Egypt, and when he talked about a character being reborn to heighten the emotion of the audience, I could immediately pin point that section of The Prince of Egypt.
When I thought back about it, the simple secret that Vogler explains makes so much sense to me. Any time I see a hero “die” I am so much more elated when I find out he’s alive. Vogler is very good at pointing things out that I never actually realized before.
3 Questions
What are some examples of approaches to the inmost cave that you have seen in your own life?
Do you find that many of the movies you watch or stories you read involve the death and rebirth of a hero?
Why do you think this death and rebirth is so important?
3 comments:
I believe birth and rebirth is important because it shows the auidence the transformation in the journey. It is the so what in the story that everyone needs to be exposed to. If the hero succeed it is gives us the hope to be able to grow through that journey!
3. What are some examples of approaches to the inmost cave that you have seen in your own life?
- One example that I have was my first day of school in the United States. It was the most excruciating event in my life, and I was scared to death. It was the time to put all things together and start going on with a new life, it was not easy.
Entering college is certainly like entering the innermost cave. College is a large unknown and could be compared to the "special world" of Vogler.
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