vogler

Vogler, Christopher. “Book Two: Stage One: The Ordinary World and Stage Two: The Call to Adventure. The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure For Writers. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007.


This chapter lays out the necessary settings in which the hero will undertake his or her journey. Vogler by noting that the mythological approach to a story boils down to using metaphors or comparisons to get across your feelings about life. Vogler goes on to mention what are the needed aspects and qualities to receive the desired attention before the story is told. He emphasizes the importance of the opening image of the story, as that is crucial for engaging the viewer’s interest at the start of the story. Followed by this the importance in some cases of using a prologue is mentioned, however it is made clear that it is not always required, as the needs of the story will always dictate the best approach to the structure. In many stories the beginning starts in the hero’s ordinary world, and later in the story he enters that of the special world. The importance of foreshadowing is then stressed, as this is done to help unify a story into a rhythmic and poetic design through displaying the battles and moral dilemmas associated with the special world, as the hero remains in that of the ordinary. It is also mentioned that every good story poses a series of questions about the hero, which relates to the hero’s journey. Additionally every hero needs both an inner and outer problem associated with him or her, as Vogler notes this can clearly be found in many Disney stories.
Vogler emphasizes the importance of the hero’s first impression for the storyteller, as he feels most importantly it is based on what the hero is doing at the moment of his entrance. Additionally a proper introduction for the hero to the audience is critical for their engagement. Vogler mentions that is it is critical to create a common bond between the hero and the audience in the initial stages, so they have the ability to easily identify with the hero. He believes it is extremely important for the hero to be lacking something, or for something to be taken away from him at the start of his journey. The Call to Adventure is described by Vogler as the second stage associated with the Hero’s Journey. Other terms that relate to the call to adventure are “an inciting or initiating trigger, a catalyst, or a trigger”.

Reaction:

I thought Vogler did a great job outlining the various elements associated with the required background for the hero’s journey. Through reading this chapter one gains a much greater understanding of what are the required elements associated with a good story. It is made clear that not every element needs to be present, however, one easily learns the proper time, and situation for each aspect. It is very easy to identify these themes within many novels and films, as clearly these are the accepted norm for a good story.


Questions:

1) Do you agree with the importance of a quality introduction for the hero? Why or Why not?

2) Do you think it is possible to create a quality story without clearly acknowledging who the hero is in the initial stages of the story?

3) Does every hero need to face a dramatic question in his or her adventure?