annotaion 10/13/08

Crossing the First Threshold is explained at the end of part one of the story. In this part of the story is where the first threshold is compared to the when a plane's wheels start the take off to get a journey started. The hero in the story is committing fully to the adventure, there are no second thoughts or hindering done when the call to adventure is presented, and there is no turning back after the threshold. Some thresholds are very external where as others are internal events, an example is Ordinary People. Although these are two options, some thresh holds are a combination of both external and internal. Also in many instances when the hero reaches the guardian of the threshold this is presented as a test to the hero. Obviously when the hero passes through the first threshold and heads into the Special World there has to be a contrast between the past and the future, the Ordinary World and the Special World. There must be a "different feel, a different rhythm, different priorities and values, and different rules." Next is when the hero will run into tests and trials. These events are placed in order to ready and prepare the hero for what comes next. Due to these tests, there are allies and enemies that are introduced. The allies aid in giving guidance and advice throughout the journey. Many allies are considered to be “sidekicks” to the hero, and they often give the story a humorous effect even though the hero stays more serious throughout the adventure. Obviously enemies arise within the story which are usually though a chain of events and are usually underlings of a certain villain.

Response:
I think that it is entirely necessary for the contrast between the past and present or it wouldn’t be relatable to the public readers. Also it is very true that once one has created allies they then run into enemies and challenges that they will need their “sidekick” to be there for them. It is interesting to me though that the allies are usually seen as humorous and they are also supposed to guide and keep the hero on the right track. To me, this is confusing, I think it would be hard as a hero to take my partner serious if they are always humorous.
Questions:
1. Would you find it hard to be a hero with a non serious ally
2. In the story would you rather be the hero or the ally
3. Can you think of an example where the hero is the humorous one