A Practical Guide

Summary

The Practical Guide opens with a description on how Joseph Campbell’s book The Hero With a Thousand Faces has impacted society as authors and screenwriters have taken notice and are using many of the techniques. This chapter focuses on the “hero” and his or her “journey” in a 12 step format. The steps include 1. the ordinary world, 2. the call to adventure, 3. refusal of the call, 4. mentor, 5. crossing the first threshold, 6. tests, allies, and enemies, 7. approach to the inmost cave, 8. the ordeal, 9. reward, 10. the road back, 11. resurrection, and finally 12. return with the elixir. Basically, a hero sets out on a journey, whether it be to go on a quest or to gain knowledge. Usually, he or she is reluctant at first until another person gives him or her a “boost.” Along the way, the hero must overcome obstacles until he or she attains what was being sought after and gains a reward. Finally, the hero must return to his or her normal life with his or her reward.

Reaction

As I read the chapter, I realized how accurate the steps were to most stories I have read or watched. I had always thought that stories draw upon each other, but not to this extent. It also made me think how, even though stories have the same “sources,” they all end up extremely different. For example, the stories of “The Wizard of Oz” and “Star Wars” were used, however one could not tell that these were similar setups. It was interesting to note that the hero may not even have to leave his home to be a hero, as the quest can be something simple in which the character learned about himself or herself or about others. The chapter also compared the hero’s journey to real life, which I reflected on and saw several comparisons.

Reflection

As I read through the chapter, I kept “The Lion King” in mind. At the beginning of the story, Simba was just an ordinary cub, wanting to play with his friend rather than uphold duties. His father dies and he must “take his place in the circle of life,” (call to adventure) however Simba refuses and runs away (crossing threshold) and thus Rafiki (mentor) attempts to knock some sense into him over time. I also consider Timon and Pumba his mentors, as well. Over time, he has to learn to deal with his responsibilities and return home (the road back) after doing a little growing up. He has a battle with Scar (Approach to the inmost cave) and Scar almost kills Simba (ordeal), however, Simba ends up triumphing and becomes the King (reward/return with elixir).

Questions

1. What is your opinion of the monomyth? In what ways have stories drawn upon each other in the past?

2. What do you think are the main steps in the 12 step journey that are crucial to a good plot? Why? Does it depend on what the type of story is?

3. Give examples of times you have used this process (unconsciously) in your life.