The Hero(ine)'s Journey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Hero(ine)'s Journey - Essay Example What is particularly interesting about this â€Å"mythological† approach to any given subject matter is that it nearly perfectly applies to the way that almost every story can be told. Evidence of this process can of course be seen with regards to the story of Odysseus. The author begins by recounting how the â€Å"ordinary world† presents the known reality and easy confines within Odysseus’ life will develop. In this way, the hero is presented as an entity that is uncomfortable and/or unaware of the underlying tension and struggle that brews beneath the surface. This develops the action into the secondary stage or â€Å"call to adventure†; represented by Odysseus choosing to â€Å"take the plunge† and embark upon his journey. ... tem with the â€Å"ordinary world†; acting as a type of buffer and constraint against the unknown dangers that very well exist within the confines of the unknown. This refusal is interesting in that it follows a spiritual undertone that often requires Odysseus to undergo a spiritual reassessment of morality in order to form a more realistic opinion with respect to the anticipated action that is awaiting him. In the fourth stage, the Odysseus receives mentorship; a fundamental aspect of the heroic development that he receives. The fifth stage revolves around the character stepping over the threshold which has thus far been the barrier for undertaking such an endeavor. This is of course a figurative and literal step in that it helps to define the way in which the character views their own circumstances as a function of the â€Å"mission† in which they are about to undertake. It is also not until this juncture that, according to the author, the character is fully committed to undergoing the demands and hardships that such a course of action necessarily implies. Similarly, the sixth step implies the character development that takes place once the character has stepped across the threshold. These developments are generally concentric around the tests, allies and enemies that the character encounters a function of endeavoring to complete his/her quest (Russel et al 22). Similarly, stages seven and eight refer to the lead up to and confrontation with the ordeal that has necessarily defined the struggle up until this point. As with any story and/or character revelation, the lead up to the action is oftentimes as intriguing to the audience as the action itself. In this manner, the author devotes some time to discussing the means by which screenwriters can further develop upon the