Vogler 107-125 Annotated Bibliographt 5

Kristy Roseberry 1
September 27, 2008
Professor Robinson
Analytic and Persuasive Writing
Vogler 107-125 Annotated Bibliography

Citation:
Vogler, Christopher. “Refusal of the Call”. “Meeting with the Mentor”. The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd Edition. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007.
Summary:
The third stage of the hero’s journey is the Refusal of the Call. At this point, the hero must respond to the Call to Adventure. The Refusal of the Call plays an important role of showing the audience that the adventure is risky and involves some danger. Also, showing that there is a type of gamble. When the hero stops to weigh the consequences of the adventure this is showing a real choice for the hero. Vogler states that it is natural for heroes to react by avoiding the adventure. Vogler uses the examples of Rambo, Rocky, and John Wayne to show how heroes can sometimes hesitate even if they are great heroes. Heroes tend to react against the Call to Adventure because of past experiences. The hero will protest the adventure until their Refusal is overcome by a stronger motivation. Vogler states that the more a hero rejects the Call to Adventure, the more the audience is drawn in. Vogler states that heroes most often Refuse the Call by making a list of excuses why they should not continue with the Call to Adventure. Vogler also states that persistent Refusal of the Call can be disastrous. According to Vogler, looking backward, dwelling in the past, and denying reality are all forms of Refusal. Heroes can
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also have conflicting Calls to Adventure, which a hero must choose between Calls from different levels of adventure. The Refusal of the Call is usually negative for the hero, but it can also be positive, which when Refusing the Call is actually wise. Another Refusal of the Call that is positive is the artist as a hero. An artist is faced with the decision of what the rest of the world wants to see for art and what the artist himself wants to do for art. Also, while many heroes are reluctant to the Call to Adventure, there are also willing heroes who accept the Call to Adventure and are called “seekers” as compared to “victimized heroes”. Threshold Guardians can also block the heroes before their adventure begins. The Mentor can also change roles and play the role of the Threshold Guardian. Vogler states that heroes violate limits set by Mentors or Threshold Guardians due to the Law of the Secret Door and human nature of curiosity.
The fourth stage of the hero’s journey is Meeting with the Mentor. Meeting with the Mentor is when the hero gains supplies, knowledge, and confidence to overcome the adventure. Vogler states that there are many movies that are constantly elaborating the relationship between the hero and the mentor. Heroes always have some source of wisdom even if there is no actual character. Meeting with the Mentor is an emotional relationship with the hero and the mentor. Vogler states that everyone has had a relationship with a Mentor or role model. Vogler talks about folklore and how it is filled with heroes meeting magical protectors. He also talks about how many of the Greek heroes were mentored by the centaur Chiron, who is a prototype for all Wise Old Men and Women. The term Mentor comes from The Odyssey. Mentor was a loyal friend of Odysseus and Mentor has given his name to all guides and trainers, but it is really Athena who is the goddess of wisdom who works behind the scenes of the story to bring the energy of the Mentor archetype. Vogler states that a good Mentor is enthused with learning. The
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word Mentes and Mentor comes from the Greek word menos which means intention or force, or purpose as well as mind. Vogler states to avoid mentor clichés. He also states that audiences do not mind being misled about a Mentor because in real life people are full of surprises and do not always turn out to be who you thought they were. Vogler states that the Mentor-hero relationship can take a tragic turn if the hero is ungrateful. Also, sometimes a Mentor turns villain or betrays the hero. Stories can also be based entirely on a Mentor. Mentors also can be regarded as heroes who become experienced enough to teach others. Mentors represent the reality that we all have to learn lessons of life.
Reaction:
Vogler does a good job describing the role of the Refusal of the Call and the Meeting with the Mentor. Both of these stages are important for the hero’s journey. The Refusal of the Call is important because as Vogler states the hero weighs out the consequences of the adventure and shows that this is a difficult decision for the hero. Meeting with the Mentor is important because the Mentor guides the hero and helps them throughout the journey. As Vogler states, Mentors can also turn out to be villains and betray the hero. This is important to note because this situation is not uncommon. Therefore, the Refusal of the Call and the Meeting with the Mentor are important stages for the hero. I do not really agree with Vogler that everyone has had a relationship with a mentor or role model. Yes, most people have, but I do not think it is fair to assume that everyone has had this experience, whether it has been a teacher, a parent, or a friend.
Questions:
1. Have you ever experienced conflicting calls to adventure? If so, when? How did you deal with this situation?
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2. Do you agree with the statement that “everyone has had a relationship with a mentor or a role model”? Explain.
3. What do you think the best way to avoid mentor clichés is?