Sunday, February 22, 2009
Vogler Annotation: The Ordinary World
Summary
In this portion of the Vogler reading the reader is introduced to the first two aspects of the heroes journey, the introduction and the call to adventure. First Vogler demonstrates how the author introduces the hero either through a metaphoric title or prelude, that sheds light on some aspect of the hero and his/her impeding journey. Also Vogler explains that there are various identifications between a hero and the audience, such as the flawed hero or a lacking hero.
Next Vogler explains the second stage of the heroes journey, the call to adventure. Essentially he makes sense of all the different methods authors employ for the call to adventure. For example, the no more options theory which is when the author leaves the eventual hero no more options therefore he must answer the call.
Reflection
This excerpt is extremely eye opening because it illustrate that heroes do not always have to be super human or perfect. Rather in many instances the hero exemplifies flawed or tragic traits that everyday individuals deal with. Also Vogler demonstrates that many times the hero is forced to answer his call to adventure either by lack or need theory or the no more options theory.
Reaction
When we were asked to write a heroes journey tale implementing ourselves as the hero I thought that it would be impossible because I had never considered any of my actions heroic. However Vogler demonstrates to us that any one can be considered a hero because all heroes are not perfect, rather the best or most influential heroes are the average Joe's or the flawed individuals because we as a society can relate to them.
3 Questions
1. How important is the title in foreshadowing the heroes journey?
2. Why would authors employ a prelude to the heroes life?
3. Can you connect with any of the calls to adventure that Vogler list?
In this portion of the Vogler reading the reader is introduced to the first two aspects of the heroes journey, the introduction and the call to adventure. First Vogler demonstrates how the author introduces the hero either through a metaphoric title or prelude, that sheds light on some aspect of the hero and his/her impeding journey. Also Vogler explains that there are various identifications between a hero and the audience, such as the flawed hero or a lacking hero.
Next Vogler explains the second stage of the heroes journey, the call to adventure. Essentially he makes sense of all the different methods authors employ for the call to adventure. For example, the no more options theory which is when the author leaves the eventual hero no more options therefore he must answer the call.
Reflection
This excerpt is extremely eye opening because it illustrate that heroes do not always have to be super human or perfect. Rather in many instances the hero exemplifies flawed or tragic traits that everyday individuals deal with. Also Vogler demonstrates that many times the hero is forced to answer his call to adventure either by lack or need theory or the no more options theory.
Reaction
When we were asked to write a heroes journey tale implementing ourselves as the hero I thought that it would be impossible because I had never considered any of my actions heroic. However Vogler demonstrates to us that any one can be considered a hero because all heroes are not perfect, rather the best or most influential heroes are the average Joe's or the flawed individuals because we as a society can relate to them.
3 Questions
1. How important is the title in foreshadowing the heroes journey?
2. Why would authors employ a prelude to the heroes life?
3. Can you connect with any of the calls to adventure that Vogler list?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Strengths and Weakness
2 Strengths:
My ability to tell the story with detail
The memoir and the connection the heroes journey
2 Weakness
1. Introduction
2. Tying it all together in a cohesive conclusion.
My ability to tell the story with detail
The memoir and the connection the heroes journey
2 Weakness
1. Introduction
2. Tying it all together in a cohesive conclusion.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Archetypes: Annotation 2
Summary
In this portion of the reading Vogler demonstrates the different archetypes that characterize the heroes journey. Vogler employs the thoughts of Swiss psychologist Carl G. Jung to define an archetype as a "...ancient patterns of personality that are the shared heritage of the human race." He then goes on to describe a hero as someone who is willing to make a sacrifice for the betterment of society. In conclusion Vogler takes an in depth look at the mentor archetype and how they are integral in advising the hero on their journey.
Reaction
As I stated last week I had never taken the time to step back and investigate the deeply ingrained traits that heroes possess, until Vogler opened my eyes. This reading took that thought to a new level and peered deeper into the heart of the characteristics of a hero. I especially agreed with Vogler's opinion that one of that a main characteristic of a hero is their willingness to sacrifice, because many times we overlook the sacrifices that everyday heroes make.
Reflection
Building on last weeks opinion that we are so inclined to associate with a majority of heroes because they are everyday individuals similar to ourselves. Whether we know it or not, many of us demonstrate heroic behavior on a daily basis through sacrifice. It could be as small as sacrifice your time for the less fortunate to giving your life for your country, each is a heroic act according to Vogler. Also we all can relate to the heroes journey because, like heroes, we all have our mentors who accompany and advise us along our journey.
Questions
1. Can the hero succeed without the mentor?
2. Is becoming a hero a concious decision? Or does that decision lie in the sub-concious?
3. Why is sacrifice so important to becoming a hero? What makes us willing or wanting to sacrifice?
In this portion of the reading Vogler demonstrates the different archetypes that characterize the heroes journey. Vogler employs the thoughts of Swiss psychologist Carl G. Jung to define an archetype as a "...ancient patterns of personality that are the shared heritage of the human race." He then goes on to describe a hero as someone who is willing to make a sacrifice for the betterment of society. In conclusion Vogler takes an in depth look at the mentor archetype and how they are integral in advising the hero on their journey.
Reaction
As I stated last week I had never taken the time to step back and investigate the deeply ingrained traits that heroes possess, until Vogler opened my eyes. This reading took that thought to a new level and peered deeper into the heart of the characteristics of a hero. I especially agreed with Vogler's opinion that one of that a main characteristic of a hero is their willingness to sacrifice, because many times we overlook the sacrifices that everyday heroes make.
Reflection
Building on last weeks opinion that we are so inclined to associate with a majority of heroes because they are everyday individuals similar to ourselves. Whether we know it or not, many of us demonstrate heroic behavior on a daily basis through sacrifice. It could be as small as sacrifice your time for the less fortunate to giving your life for your country, each is a heroic act according to Vogler. Also we all can relate to the heroes journey because, like heroes, we all have our mentors who accompany and advise us along our journey.
Questions
1. Can the hero succeed without the mentor?
2. Is becoming a hero a concious decision? Or does that decision lie in the sub-concious?
3. Why is sacrifice so important to becoming a hero? What makes us willing or wanting to sacrifice?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
My Childhood Hero
This was a difficult task for me, because as a young boy I was not the type to watch a large amount of television or movies, most of the time I could be found outside with my friends exploring and getting dirty. Then I remembered my grandmother reading me the story of Huckleberry Finn and thinking he was the luckiest boy in the world. I remember wanting to have an adventure similar to Huck Finn where I was out on a river, with my friends (Jim) without a care in the world. This story of Huck Finn affected me because I can not count the times my childhood friends would emulate situations that he did, and explore the woods around our neighborhood.
Then as I grew older and realized the true theme and underlying tone of childhood innocence that runs throughout Huckleberry Finn did I realize that he truly embodies the perfect character of my childhood hero. To this day, I wish that I could find something that made me as happy as pretending to be some great explorer and having no worries, much like Huckleberry Finn.
Practical Guide: Journal Annotation 1
Summary
In Christopher Vogler's essay a A Practical Guide he illuminates the steps that all heroes experience on their journey. Vogler proceeds on to discuss each individual step that the hero encounters throughout his journey. The author illustrates that these steps can take place in real life situations or they involve the hero tackling inner demons and fears. For instance Vogler explains how Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars trilogy defeated his personal demon in Darth Vader, but on the other hand the hero from the Officer and the Gentlemen encounters numerous inner demons that he must defeat to complete his journey. In summation, Vogler offers the reader an illustration of the process each and every individual must complete on their journey to becoming heroic.
Reaction
I found Vogler's opinion on the process it takes to become heroic very interesting and true. I had never taken the time to detach myself from a film, or any instance involving an individual performing heroic deeds, and look at the process it takes to become a hero. It was then I realized that the ten point plan Vogler institutes for becoming a hero did not involve any super human qualities, rather it involved actions and situations that everyday individuals, such as you and me, come into contact with on a daily basis.
Reflection
Continuing with the statement made in the previous section, that, according to Vogler's ten point plan for becoming a hero, it does not take superhuman powers for an individual to obtain heroic status. Rather we all have the ability to become heroes, rather it is a matter of finding oneself in the right environment and making the right decisions. In my opinion, this is why we are so inclined to favoring movies or stories involving heroes, because the majority of heroes do not possess superhuman qualities allowing them to commit heroic deeds, instead they resemble everyday individuals that we can strive to become.
Questions:
Is there more to being a hero than Vogler suggest?
Is it possible for any one individual to become a hero according to Vogler?
Why do we put our mythical heroes on a pedestal? And is this appropriate?
In Christopher Vogler's essay a A Practical Guide he illuminates the steps that all heroes experience on their journey. Vogler proceeds on to discuss each individual step that the hero encounters throughout his journey. The author illustrates that these steps can take place in real life situations or they involve the hero tackling inner demons and fears. For instance Vogler explains how Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars trilogy defeated his personal demon in Darth Vader, but on the other hand the hero from the Officer and the Gentlemen encounters numerous inner demons that he must defeat to complete his journey. In summation, Vogler offers the reader an illustration of the process each and every individual must complete on their journey to becoming heroic.
Reaction
I found Vogler's opinion on the process it takes to become heroic very interesting and true. I had never taken the time to detach myself from a film, or any instance involving an individual performing heroic deeds, and look at the process it takes to become a hero. It was then I realized that the ten point plan Vogler institutes for becoming a hero did not involve any super human qualities, rather it involved actions and situations that everyday individuals, such as you and me, come into contact with on a daily basis.
Reflection
Continuing with the statement made in the previous section, that, according to Vogler's ten point plan for becoming a hero, it does not take superhuman powers for an individual to obtain heroic status. Rather we all have the ability to become heroes, rather it is a matter of finding oneself in the right environment and making the right decisions. In my opinion, this is why we are so inclined to favoring movies or stories involving heroes, because the majority of heroes do not possess superhuman qualities allowing them to commit heroic deeds, instead they resemble everyday individuals that we can strive to become.
Questions:
Is there more to being a hero than Vogler suggest?
Is it possible for any one individual to become a hero according to Vogler?
Why do we put our mythical heroes on a pedestal? And is this appropriate?
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