Annotated Bibliography

Vogler, Christopher. “The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers." Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998 p. 143-173

Summary:
Stage Seven is the approach to the inmost cave. This is the time at which the hero is about to finally encounter their adventure. They now make final preparations for their journey. An example is "a mountaineer who has raised themselves to a base camp by the labors of Testing, and are about to make the final assault on the highest peak." (Vogler, page 143) Some functions of the approach are courtship, the bold approach, preparation for the ordeal, obstacles, being beware of illusions, threshold guardians ect. Stage eight is the Ordeal. The simple secret of the Ordeal is the following: "Heroes must die so that they can be reborn." (Vogler, page 155) Once they visit death, they tend to return to the ordinary world changed and a new person. An experience that causes you to face death must change you in some way. The Ordeal is usually the most important event of the story.

Reaction:
In my opinion, the approach to the inmost cave must be the scariest step in the journey for the hero. They've made the decision to tackle whatever obstacle is in their way, and the time has now come. For me, it's like being at the first tee of my golf round. I've already committed to playing, and that's the time adrenaline and nerves take over. The Ordeal is also intense because the hero is facing death. I can't imagine coming that close to death.

Questions:
Have you ever experienced a life or death situation? If so, what was it? Did it change your life in any way?

Do nerves and adrenaline ever act as a positive? Give an example.