Annotated Bibliography 8

Kristy Roseberry 1
October 27, 2008
Analytic and Persuasive Writing
Annotated Bibliography 8 175-194

Citation:

Vogler, Christopher. “Reward”. “The Road Back”. The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd Edition. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007.

Summary:
The Reward is where the hero faces the consequences of surviving death. Vogler also states there will almost always be a period where the hero is recognized or rewarded for surviving death. Heroes will also celebrate having survived death, and Vogler states this time is also given for rest, recuperation, and refueling. A campfire scene is common for the celebration 0 refueling. A campfire scene is common for the celebration. Campfires are good for the hero and companions to gather and joke and also can be a time of reminiscing. Campfire scenes are also important for the audience to catch their breath after the ordeal and we are able to get to know the characters better. A love scene can also be the aftermath of an Ordeal. The Reward is also when the hero takes possession of what they have been seeking. Vogler also refers to this time as
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“Seeking the Sword” because often the hero has to take possession of whatever they are seeking aggressively. The heroes may not always be given the elixir sometimes they might have to steal it, which is also known as the “elixir theft” Vogler states that elixir is the medium for medicine. The elixir most heroes seek is the ability to overcome the forces of death. Vogler states that the heroes that emerge from the Ordeal are recognized as special since they outwitted death. Heroes are often also granted new powers and perceptions from surviving death. The hero may seize new knowledge. The hero may also see through deception in this stage, such as seeing someone for who they really are. Also, Seizing the Sword can be a moment of clarity. Heroes may also experience a high level of self-realization and see who they are. Other people may see the hero more clearly also. Vogler states they may have an epiphany. Heroes can also experience an epiphany, and realize they are a sacred and divine being. A hero may also experience distorted perceptions after a conquest of death, and heroes may experience an inflation of the ego.
The Road Back is when the heroes have to face a choice of whether to stay in the Special World or go back to the Ordinary World. Few heroes choose to stay in the Special World. This is the stage when the hero resolves to return to the Ordinary World and implement the lessons they have learned. Heroes are often motivated to take the Road Back when the forces they defied in the Ordeal strike back at them. Villains or Shadows who are not completely defeated rise up stronger than before. At this stage an avenging force may also strike a costly
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blow to the hero’s fortunes, wounding him or killing him. Heroes usually leave the Special World because they are running for their lives. Vogler states that chases are useful for revving up a stories energy. The chase in a fairy tale is often known as a magic flight. Vogler also states that what the hero throws down in the chase may represent a sacrifice, leaving something of value. Heroes are usually chased by villains.
Reaction:
The Reward and the Road Back seem to represent the hero’s journey coming to an end. Everything that has occurred throughout the story has built up and now everything is on its way back down from the excitement and the Ordeal. Both of the stages represent the struggles the hero has gone through and overcome. The Reward and the Road Back are both important for the hero’s journey and their hard work paying off. The Reward is not only rewarding for the hero, but also for the audience because they get to see the hero rewarded for all that they have done. Like usual, Vogler does a good job at describing and giving examples for these stages.
Questions:
1. In your memoir, would you say that you decided to stay in the Special World or return to the Ordinary World? Why?
2.What do you think is more important for the hero, the Reward or the Road Back?

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3.Is it necessary to have a Reward stage, or can the hero complete their journey without being rewarded for their hard work?