Joseph Campbell And the Hero's Journey
The Hero's Journey is a concept that novelists and
filmmakers have used for decades, but few know its origin. Joseph Campbell
first developed it in his 1949 book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. This blog
post will discuss the specifics of Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey and how those
ideas can help writers create better stories. We will also discuss the
differences between using the Hero's Journey in movies and literature. By the
end of this post, you should have a better understanding of the Hero's Journey
and how to use the ideas to craft compelling stories.
What is The Hero's Journey
Joseph Campbell is one of the most influential thinkers in
history, and his work has dramatically impacted the world of storytelling.
Campbell was born in the late 1800s, and during his lifetime, he wrote
extensively on mythology and the hero's journey. The hero's journey is a
popular model used to explain how creators structure stories and how they can
be adaptable to different cultures and audiences. This article will look at the
definition of the hero's journey, its elements, and why it matters.
First, let's define what a hero is. A hero faces danger or
challenges head-on to achieve something important or valuable. This could be
anything from saving a loved one to victory in battle. The critical element of
heroes is that they are ordinary people who overcome extraordinary obstacles to
achieve their goals.
The second stage is called the Challenge or Ordeal, where heroes face complex challenges that test their strength and courage. These challenges may include physical trials, such as fighting villains or navigating dangerous terrain, and psychological difficulties, such as overcoming fear or doubt. Through these experiences, heroes learn about themselves while acquiring new skill sets, such as strategy or diplomacy, that will help them on future quests.
After completing the challenge or ordeal stage, heroes
typically reach the third stage, known as revelation or redemption, where they
learn something valuable about themselves (or others), which helps them achieve
their final goal. This might include discovering forgotten aspects of
themselves, such as bravery or wisdom; defeating an enemy; rescuing someone
from peril; etc. It is also common for characters along the way to teach
lessons that further develop character traits, often culminating in the fourth
stage, known as climax or fulfillment, where the hero puts all previously
learned lessons into practice.
Applying The Structure To Novel Writing
Joseph Campbell was a seminal figure in the world of
mythology and literature. However, he is best known for his work on the hero's
journey, which he developed over many years of study and reflection. This
framework has become popular among writers and may guide the artist in telling
any story. In this section, we will explore the concepts behind the hero's
journey and how you can use them to structure your story.
First, it's essential to understand that the hero's journey
is not a specific genre but can be a guide to the artist as they plan their
story. However, certain elements are common to all stories that follow the
hero's journey structure. These include initiation (the moment when your
character crosses over from being an ordinary person into an extraordinary
one), crossing the threshold (the point at which your character enters a new
realm or situation), ordeal (a test or challenge that your character must
overcome), and return (the moment when your character finally returns home or
faces their final challenge).
However, simply following these steps isn't enough – you
need to go further if you want your novel to stand out. To do this, you should incorporate
inner and outer journeys into your story. Inner journeys involve exploring
various aspects of yourself and how you relate to others and situations
throughout your tale. Outer journeys take place outside of your comfort zone and
explore different parts of the world or yourself psychologically. Combining
these two types of journeys will create a richer and more complex narrative
experience for readers.
In Short
Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey is an influential framework
used in storytelling for decades. It consists of three main stages: initiation,
testing, and climax. These stages involve the protagonist facing complex
challenges and learning valuable lessons. The Hero's Journey can be applied to
both novel writing and filmmaking, although there are variations between the
two, such as inner and outer journeys in the literature compared to physical
tests in movies. By understanding how this framework works, writers can craft
compelling stories that captivate audiences worldwide.
Research aided by AI.
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