Joseph Campbell Hero and Quest 1194742302963044 2

³Joseph Campbell¶s Monomyth: Hero with a Thousand Faces

By Dr. Dr. L. Nicosia

Based on the pattern of : Separation Initiation Return

Separation: The Call to Adventure Refusal of the Call Supernatural Intervention Crossing the first threshold

Initiation: The Road of  Trials Meeting with the Goddess/Witch Temptation  Atonement with Father   Apotheosis The Boon

The Hero returns

Upon

His Return He Faces:  A fallen homeland  A land in disarray  A trap OR

 A warm welcome as savior 

Campbell identifies the hero¶s  journey with even more specificity«

Stages of the Hero¶s Journey: Birth with fabulous circumstances Call to adventure Helper/Amulet (wizard, dwarf, fairy godmother) Crossing the threshold (The Ordeal)

 And then« The Test ²violent encounters with monsters, sorcerers, warriors or forces of  nature Helpers assist in the tests and serve as loyal companions. The final battle facilitates resolution

There¶s still more« The Flight The Return (awakening, rebirth, resurrection or  emergence from a cave or forest) The Elixir (may be a restorative or healer, but may also define the hero¶s role in society) Home

These characters tussle with critical moral and ethical dilemmas: They struggle with their own human flaws and weaknesses (Hamartia?) They confront external obstacles and injustices (successfully or not) They learn to navigate power structures (or capitulate to the hegemony)

Through their struggles,they teach us about who we are and who we wish to be (or not to be).

What is YOUR definition of a Hero?

What is the classical definition of a Hero as per Aristotle? Protagonist of high standing Hamartia Downfall/Reversal of fortune as a result of hamartia Catharsis Epiphany Death

 Are they Heroes, today, according to Arthur Miller? Protagonist may be a ³Common Man´ Protagonist has a flaw or makes a mistake/misstep Experiences a reversal of fortune  Audience experiences a purgation of  emotion (catharsis) Protagonist may experience a literal OR a figurative ³death´ 

Tragedy and the Common Man You can access Arthur Miller¶s essay through ³External Links´ on our  Blackboard site or at this address directly:

 As we read through these Great Books this semester: We will question whether the Hero, his/her quest and his/her ideals are still valid and useful in today¶s world. We will search for commonalities between the texts of the ancients and our contemporary literatures of today.

The End« Or, is it just the beginning? L. Nicosia 2006