Vogler Annotation: 143-173

Summary:
In this portion of the Vogler he begins by discussing the approach to the inmost cave which he defines as the point of the heroes journey where they encounter supreme wonder and terror. In other words this is final approach until the heroes experiences the main ordeal. Vogler then goes on to define a variety of different approaches that the hero may take prior to the ordeal. For example, a romance may flourish or a threshold guardian may stand in the way.

In the second chapter of the Vogler reading he goes into detail discussing the main ordeal that the hero encounters upon his/her journey. Vogler defines the ordeal as the "mainspring of the heroic form and the key to its magic power." Vogler continues on to illustrate the placement of the ordeal, in most stories it exisit in the middle, however some utilize the crisis towards the end as a delayed crisis. Vogler then goes on to exemplifies different types of ordeals that authors employ in their writings such as facing the shadow and youth verus age. Usually the ordeal is a life-threatnening or changing experience that the hero grows from and ultimately shapes the conclusion of the story.

Reaction:
In the approach to the inmost cave we see the hero at their most vulnerable and excited position, just prior to the ordeal. This is where see the hero at face value and can really connect with them on a personal level. As the reader achieves this ultimate connection to the hero the author proceeds to sends them on the most important part of their journey, the ordeal. This is the main obstacle or battle that the hero encounters on his journey and is what ultimately shapes them and the flow of the story.

Reflection:
Vogler does and excellent job of laying the foundation for the inmost cave and the ordeal. He relates the parts of the inmost cave back to a story most everybody can relate to, the Wizard of Oz. In most of our major life expiernces we take part in this approach to the inmost cave, whether it be the summer before leaving for college or studying for final, we all have to prepare ourselves for the ordeal. Vogler illustrates all the different ordeals that a hero may partake in, and we all know what and ordeal feels like, even if it is not life or death.

Questions:
1. What was the approach to the inmost cave in the Kafka readings?

2. Does the subject of the approach effect how strongly you pull for the hero during the ordeal?

3. Does the hero always have to win the ordeal? Or can the villian win and become the hero?