The monomyth, on the other hand, is the “mythological adventure of the hero” (Campbell 30). This is the general path that the mythic hero travels to complete his quest. The two cycles are intertwined. As the cosmogonic cycle descends from the unconscious to the conscious, the world loses touch with the divine. “And then a savior will be born [...]” (Campbell 264).
Through nuanced and ever-changing experiences and attitudes, humanity progresses and evolves while still averting to the archetypal hero, and of the quest that these heroes embark on, as a means of justifying the importance of our existence. From these texts and myths, we then adapt the values and attitudes of these heroes to our own textual interpretations and stories in which we place meaning and ideas in our social context, and to explore our own human condition. The ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’ is arguably one of the oldest texts known to man, and of such, presents a foundation in which literature evolves into thousands of appropriations and evolutions of the archetypal quest. Such texts include the novel ‘Cold Mountain’ by Charles Frazier, the quest ridden love story set in the obstacles of war, the futuristic representation of Fascist Germany ‘V for Vendetta’ and the popular TV series ‘Breaking Bad’. Due to constant appropriations of ‘heroes’ throughout texts, and also the presence of ‘role models’ that we admire and aspire to in our present day, it is clear that society will always need a hero, and the values and attitudes of that hero are variable to the current perspectives and ideas of the time.
An-Mei Hsu’s Hero Journey American mythologist Joseph Campbell states that a hero is ‘‘someone who has given [her] life to something bigger than [herself].’’ She must go into the darkness and face trials to reclaim what has been lost. When she finds the courage to face these trials, she undergoes a truly heroic transformation of consciousness, and realizes the moral objective, which is to sacrifice herself to save a person. At the end of her journey, she recovers what has been lost, brings new possibilities to others and imparts some life-giving elixir for someone. Everyone is a hero in birth, where he undergoes a physical transformation. Many hero’s journeys take place in Amy Tan’s novel The Joy Luck Club.
Lucie’s love enables Manette’s spiritual renewal, and her cradling of him on her breast reinforces this notion of rebirth. Along with the theme of resurrection is the notion that sacrifice is necessary to achieve happiness. For example, the Revolutionaries prove that a new republic can only come with a terrible penalty, loves and loyalties must be sacrificed. Also, when Darnay is arrested for the second time, in Book the Third, Chapter 7, the guard who seizes him reminds Manette of the
The point of view that the producers use during the death of Bubba stresses the caring nature of Forrest. As Joseph Campbell articulates in his excerpt “either the hero or someone close to the hero will be abducted and taken away” (Hero’s Journey 3), death is a big part of becoming a hero. Forrest faces this challenge without knowing that it foreshadows the future and what is to come in his life. Forrest’s caring nature is highlighted during this scene; he risks his own life to save a
The Catcher in the Rye Essay When an author writes a piece of literature the author must connect, and awaken the readers’ soul. He must bring new life to the readers’ thoughts and ideas. Truly great literary works deeply connect with readers and change the readers’ outlook in the world. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger breaks the sea frozen inside American youth by depicting a young boy’s path through rebellion against school in the 1950s.
The death of his mother doesn’t even bother him so show sadness. When Meursault realized that his freedom was gone away for good he begin to see things different.”And I felt ready to live again too. As if the blind rage had washed me clean, rid me of hope: for the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.”(Camus Stranger122). The quote explains that maybe he took the world for granted and there was so much to accomplish in the world of freedom. In The Myth of Sisyphus -Sisyphus stole the gods secrets and he was punished for this action.
The fundamental desire for reputation and social validation of the heroes of the Illiad suggests a great significance placed on cult worship and everlasting fame. Poets help recreate these stories into legends in celebration of the heroes and their nobility in dying without fear. The Illiad’s recognition of the inevitability of death and its omnipresence in everything the heroes attempt to achieve is the core motivation for each of the heroic figures. Ultimately, the klea andrôn, or ‘the glories of these men’ live on through Homer’s epic tale, epitomising the rise and fall of the great heroes of Troy. Homer’s exploration of Achilles’ struggle for eternal glory establishes the main element of the Hero in ancient Greek culture as the immortalisation of his life in song or epic poetry.
In the film “Castaway” Chuck Noland, played by Tom Hanks, is a work-hound committed to the FedEx Company trying to expand a new branch. After an excruciating plane crash, his life is changed forever. With a whole new world in front of him, Chuck must rely on his love for Kelly, played by Helen Hunt, to survive. Chuck not only has to keep his sanity, but he also has to stay alive. In this film, the life of the man is cast away.
In Lori Lansen’s Rush Home Road and Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, protagonists Addy and Amir feel guilty, grow stronger, and refuse to let go subsequent to the death of a loved one. “We acquire the strength we have overcome.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). In both novels, the main characters grow emotionally stronger after the death of another character. Firstly, it is obvious that Amir is forced to grow up and become more independent after the death of his father, Baba. Amir becomes self-supporting and obtains the ability to stand up for himself as opposed to doing what others tell him to do.