Annotated bib 7

Kristy Roseberry 1
October 19, 2008
Annotated Bibliography 7
Vogler 143-173


Citation:
Vogler, Christopher. “Approach to the Inmost Cave”. “The Ordeal”. The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd Edition. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007.

Summary:

Vogler states that now that heroes have made the adjustment to the Special World, they now seek its heart. The Approach to the Inmost Cave is where the hero faces supreme wonder and terror. The functions of the approach could include making plans, reconnaissance on the enemy, reorganizing the group, arming themselves or having the last laugh before the big ordeal. The Approach can also be an arena for elaborate courtship rituals. Some heroes are confident and will take the bold approach. The Approach could also be a time for information gathering or dressing for the ordeal. Vogler cites the Wizard of Oz throughout his explanation of the Approach and the Ordeal. He states the Wizard of Oz has a well-developed approach section. Vogler also states that there are many obstacles in the Wizard of Oz that bond them as a group and prepare them for the struggle to follow. Vogler also states that it is important for the hero to stay alert during this time. Past experiences during the journey can also help the hero at this time and is informative for the present. A hero can also enter into another Special World, as Vogler uses the example of Chinese boxes within one another. Also, heroes
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must enter with a state of balance. If past experiences do not get the hero past the gate an emotional appeal can be used to break down the defenses of the Threshold Guardians. By having an appeal of emotion, human quality is developed. Vogler states that sometimes the people you turn to in crisis will push you away and you might have to face the ordeal on your own. When heroes approach the Inmost Cave, they are on the edge of life and death. The Approach also reminds the audience of the “ticking clock”. During the Approach, it is important for heroes to get into the skin of the threshold guardians. Vogler also states that the hero might have to use force to get through the inmost cave. Heroes will always have to deal with the life or death situation even if they try to escape their fate.
The Ordeal is the greatest challenge that the hero faces. According to Vogler, heroes must die to be reborn again. Heroes face death or something like it in every story. They can also face a symbolic death and rebirth. After the “death” of the hero , the hero returns changed and transformed. The Ordeal is the central event of the story and is also known as the crisis. Like Vogler says, “sometimes things have to get worse before they get better” (157). By dealing with the Ordeal, the hero can recover or face victory. The death and rebirth usually occur during the middle of the story. Vogler uses the Central Crisis diagram to show this. A Central Crisis according to Vogler, has the advantage of symmetry and leaves time for consequences to follow. Vogler also discusses the Delayed Crisis diagram, which occurs about two-thirds of the way through the story. The Delayed Crisis diagram also leaves more room for preparation and Approach. The crisis separates the two halves of the story. Vogler also states that the nearness of death makes life more
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real for the hero. Vogler states that adventure films and stories are popular because they are a less risky way to experience death and rebirth than bungee jumping or sky diving, through heroes we can identify with. Vogler states it is important to use alternating lowering and raising of the hero’s fortunes to add emotion to the story. The witness can also be a witness or cause of a death to get the point across. Vogler states that when we do not like things about ourselves and we project these things onto other people we are demonizing them. Sometimes this is necessary for humans to see an issue clearly. The hero can also come close to death, but the villain dies. Vogler also talks about Ariadne’s Thread and how it is a symbol of the power of love, and how the thread connects the hero with their loved ones and how the hero may venture, but the loved ones can pull them back. The Ordeal can also be a crisis of the heart. The Ordeal is when the hero faces their greatest fear.

Reaction:

As usual, Vogler does a good job at using detail to express his ideas. He also uses the example of the Wizard of Oz throughout the Approach and the Ordeal to see how Dorothy and the others deal with different situations. Vogler also uses the example of the Wizard of Oz and then inserts a message and states the main idea or concept of the example he uses, which is very helpful. The Approach to the Inmost Cave and The Ordeal are both important to the Hero’s Journey and their growth.

Questions:
1.Would you say that heroes often take the bold approach or not?
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2.Do heroes always have to deal with the life or death situation even if they try to escape it? Can you think of any examples?
3.In your memoir do you face death in the Ordeal? Explain.