Annotation 10

Kristy Roseberry 1
November 9, 2008
Professor Robinson
Vogler 231-290 Annotation 10

Citation:
Vogler, Christopher. “Epilogue: Looking Back on the Journey”. The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd Edition. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007.

Summary:
Vogler is now done explaining the Hero’s Journey and has moved on to express what you should use the Hero’s Journey for and how you should use it as a tool. Vogler states that the Hero’s Journey is a guideline and it does not have to follow exactly, rather that it is better if it does not and is creative. He states the greatest measure of a story’s success is the story’s lasting popularity and effect on the audience. Vogler states that the needs of the story are what dictate its structure. Furthermore, he states that the stages, terms, and ideas of the Hero’s Journey can be used as a design template for stories. Vogler also states that any element of the journey can be used at any point in the story. Vogler uses examples of several different films to demonstrate how the hero’s journey is used in different ways. Vogler uses the movies, Titanic, The Lion King, Pulp Fiction, Full Monty, and Star Wars to demonstrate the different ways a writer can use the Hero’s Journey.

Reaction:
Vogler’s book has been helpful in understanding and critiquing different types of movies, shows, and books. Although Vogler’s examples of movies, shows, and books that demonstrate the Hero’s Journey usually are interesting and helpful, Vogler’s many examples of the films that use the Hero’s Journey in different ways was quite boring. After one or two examples of different films it was hard to hold attention. In regards to the Hero’s Journey, I found the idea that the writer can use any element of the Hero’s Journey at any time was interesting and truthful. I agree with Vogler that a story is better if it does not follow every single event in the Hero’s Journey and if the story is creative.

Questions:
1.Do you agree with Vogler that you can use any element of the Hero’s Journey at any point in the story?

2.What do you think the greatest measure of a story’s success is?

3.Do you think that you should follow the Hero’s Journey exactly or is it okay to stray from it and be creative?