vogler threshold/tests

SUMMARY

This section discusses the crossing of the first threshold and the meeting of tests, allies, and enemies. A hero normally does not embark on an adventure, but rather receives a call to action. Crossing the threshold or meeting a threshold guardian can be that call. A hero may need to pass the threshold guardian’s tests or possibly just acknowledge them as they are illusions. During this phase, the hero must take a leap of faith which may be a moment or last over an extended period of time. The text describes a Disney metaphor in which a story is like an “airplane flight.” The hero encounters tests, allies, and enemies on his or her quest. The tests increase in difficulty over time in order for the hero to be prepared for the final “battle.” Tests can originate in making allies- to see if the hero has good judgment, romance- going out on a first date, or even entering the special world and having to learn new rules.

REACTION

I felt that there was some information in this section that was similar with that of previous sections or out of place. It did not seem like there was any new information about sidekicks in this section of reading. Also, when the text discussed the contrast between the special world and ordinary world, I did not think the information fit the category. It has been interesting, however, that the author compares some characters to Tarot Cards such as when the Hero takes a leap of faith, he looks like the “Fool.” The connections to The Wizard of Oz at the end of the chapters help to tie everything together. Originally I did not feel that the movie was all that good, but I am realizing it has more to offer than I thought.

REFLECTION
When the text discussed the leap of faith or the stage between “Act 1” and “Act 2,” I thought of theatre as the climax of the story is at the end of act 1. We are faced with tests every day, however I did not realize how often we come into contact with them. They could take the form of driving, relationship issues (fights, avoiding gossip, etc), or debating whether to study or hang out with people. Many stories deal with the issues presented in this section. For example, in The Little Mermaid, Ariel has to take a leap of faith to “abandon” her family in order to be a human and meet her “prince.” She has tests such as standing up to her father and Sebastian, trying to win Eric back from Vanessa/ Ursula, and then fighting a battle. She has Flounder and Scuttle as allies (and technically Sebastian as well), and Ursula, Flotsam, and Jetsam as enemies.

QUESTIONS

1. What are some examples in which a character has crashed into his or her special world- literally? Figuratively?

2. In the tests, allies, enemies section, it describes how a hero is a “freshman all over again” when starting a new adventure. Can you think of examples in your life where this is true?

3. When have you experienced tests that built upon one another?