Agenda:  Quick-write  Notes: The Monomyth  Applying the Monomyth Homework:  Read through the end of page 121  Complete journal entry #4 (90-120) Take out:  Notebook  Pen/Pencil

 What do all of these things all have in common?



There is only ONE STORY – even in YOUR OWN LIFE

      Joseph Campbell

The Hero with a Thousand Faces

Pub. – 1949 Appears in drama, storytelling, myth, religious ritual, and psychological development Describes the typical adventure of the archetype known as “The Hero” Cited as inspiration for many major works of literature and film

Three main parts:  I – The Separation  o The Hero is separated from the normal world.

II – The Initiation o o The Hero gains heroic stature through trials/rites. The true character emerges  III – The Return o The Hero can return to original state.

  Main parts can overlap slightly Each main part has a subset of events o o Subset events do not necessarily have to occur “in order” Subset events can occur more than once  As we go, try to think about examples from movies, books, myths or other stories that apply to each part

  Where the hero exists before the monomyth cycle begins Often characterized as being boring, mundane or normal

  Occurs in the “normal world” Information is received that initiates the separation o o May be a problem, challenge, request Hero’s motivation could be emotional, physical, spiritual

  Refusal – Hero may initially hesitate, ignore the call, or show reluctance or fear Acceptance – Hero accedes for internal or external reason o May realize importance, succumb to pressure, interest or responsibility

   Help – often unexpected – is given o Tangible (weapon, food, map, talisman, etc.) o Intangible (guidance, magic, advice, etc.) Help often furnished by mentor figure Hero may also be joined by other character(s)

   The Hero sets out upon the journey Crosses the “point of no return” Often into unknown territory

  Hero enters the zone of danger May begin immediately after crossing the threshold

   The Hero faces trials and adventure Adventures faced may grow in scale as the Hero develops o Allow confidence and capabilities to grow Hero may be rewarded for “battles” (trials) that he faces

  Hero may bond with powerful female figure while on the Road of Trials Assistance (tangible or intangible) may be given

   The Hero may encounter temptation, most often of the opposite gender Offers the Hero short-term relief, gratification Giving in to this urge would cause failure of the journey

   Hero may encounter father or father figure with which there is a relationship that must be reconciled o Must win the approval of, persuade, or otherwise defeat May be a person with authority, power, or be a god or immortal figure May be symbolic

    After facing trials on the road (Temptation and Atonement with the Father), the Hero transcends Achieves higher place, understanding, knowledge, perception Allows Hero to face difficult part of adventure Often symbolized by change in appearance

  Eventually, the Hero achieves an ultimate goal o May not be aware of the goal until it is reached May be gained after a difficult final “battle” (trial)

  Hero may tarry where he gained the Ultimate Boon o Wants to remain where enlightenment/bliss was achieved May compare it to “normal life” from which he came

  Hero returns with the “treasure” gained Can take many forms o May be travel reminiscent of the original Road of Trials

  Hero may be rescued from a final plight (major or minor) Plight and rescue both unexpected sources

  Hero crosses to safety from his journey o Destination may or may not be point of origin May face a challenge in this final crossing

  Completion of the journey makes the Hero the master of both domestic and alien worlds o Internal and/or external Often denoted by the ability to pass between/transcend the threshold of both worlds o Physically or otherwise

    Having conquered the “demons” (internal and/or external) the hero has earned the right to live life as they choose Path of the hero often becomes one of wisdom May become rulers, teachers or advisors. May get married/ settle down… until the next time

   We are going to apply the idea of the monomyth to our reading of

All the Pretty Horses.

You will complete the chart on the worksheet as we continue our reading of the novel. This will be a basis for a final project that you will complete after our reading is finished.

 Work with your table partner to begin the worksheet – you will not be able to complete the entire thing today