Annotation for Vogler:
In this excerpt, Vogler brings into account the refusal to the call of adventure. He states that in some hero stories and myths, the heros are not always totally willing to accept their call to adventure. Vogler establishes the fact that in many cases the hero of the story finds many reasons and excuses as to why he/she cannot or should not accept the call. If often times takes the encouragement and the pushing of a mentor for the hero of the story to finally accept the call and pursue the adventure. He also brings up that the constant refusal and denial to the call usually has the potential to result in tragedy in the story. Vogler also makes a point that some stories present the hero with a conflict. A conflict between calls, which one to choose, which one not to choose, and this creates controversy in a story. Never the less there is always that hero who is a "willing hero", one who is just extremely eager to accept the call to adventure, as pointed out in the Vogler's reading. It is encouraging though, to here of the major prescence of mentors to heros. He points out that the mentors in many stories are doctors or heavenly gods, and that in almost all cases the hero always has someone that they look to for advice and for help.
Response:
I think that it was completely necessary for Vogler to point out that heros are not always so eager and so willing. By doing so, it allows for the reader to relate more to the hero. Showing that the hero is sometimes hesitant gives the hero human qualities that everyone possesses so it is easier to relate to. Also i feel that it was vital for him to bring up the necessary mentors. It declares that a hero is not always so strong and dominant alone; that a hero also needs someone to look to for advice and a shoulder to lean on.
1. Can you think of a heroic story where the hero did not have a mentor?
2. Does not at first accepting the call mean that a hero is not always truly strong and brave?
3. Can you think of an example where a true hero was weak?
3 comments:
2. Does not at first accepting the call mean that a hero is not always truly strong and brave?
No, a hero not accepting a call to adventure does not mean the hero is not brave or weak. Sometimes the hero simply needs further persuasion from their mentor. Also, refusing a call can sometimes be a positive thing. If the call to adventure is to do something negative, we would definitely want the hero to refuse the call.
3. I think that almost all hero's hve to go through some kind of moment of weakness to make them more believable..i can't think of any one example though.
1) Can you think of a heroic story where the hero did not have a mentor?
In the movie Rio Bravo, the hero John Wayne is the sheriff, Chance, of a rough and tumble old west town trying to keep order amidst corruption and a crime syndacate that rules the land. Throughout the movie, Chance does not ever have mentor, rather he serves as a mentor to all his allied characters. He has an internal, morale code mentor (the law) and he learns from his allies and love interest but is absent of a physical, external mentor that gives wisdom and/or gifts. The story still works well as it is an American Western cinema classic.
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