The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers / A PRACTICAL GUIDE
Pick out 3 quotes from the text and write one paragraph of response for each quote. Pick out the things that do and do not make sense to you, things you do - or do not agree with. Find the main takeaway form the article for you personally.
Quote 1
"Stories built on the model of the Hero's Journey have an appeal that can be felt by everyone, because they well up from a universal source in the shared unconscious and reflect universal concerns."
This quote speaks to why stories following the Hero's Journey resonate so deeply with people. At the heart of it, Campbell’s idea is that these stories aren't just entertainment—they reflect something much deeper within all of us. Whether it's a blockbuster like Star Wars or an ancient myth, the journey of a hero mirrors the struggles and questions we all face in life. Who am I? What is my purpose? How do I overcome challenges? The fact that these stories tap into shared human experiences makes them feel familiar, even when they're set in galaxies far away or feature mythical creatures. The Hero's Journey is universal because it speaks to emotions and situations we all recognise growth, fear, triumph, and discovery. That’s why these stories continue to captivate us, no matter where we’re from or what time we live in. They're about all of us, and they help us make sense of our own lives.
Quote 2
"A hero leaves her comfortable, ordinary surroundings to venture into a challenging, unfamiliar world. It may be an outward journey to an actual place... But there are as many stories that take the hero on an inward journey, one of the mind, the heart, the spirit."
This quote captures the essence of the Hero's Journey, emphasising that the hero's transformation can take place not only in physical spaces but also within the depths of the mind and spirit. Whether a character is battling monsters in a mythical land or grappling with personal demons in a quiet, everyday setting, the journey is just as impactful. This reflects real life—sometimes our greatest challenges aren’t external but internal. We all face moments where we’re pushed out of our comfort zones, forced to grow emotionally or mentally. That’s why stories following this pattern resonate so deeply; they mirror the personal transformations we go through as we navigate hardships, doubts, and self-discovery. The real adventure often lies in the lessons learned and the growth experienced, whether it's on an epic quest or within one's own heart.
Quote 3
"At heart, despite its infinite variety, the hero's story is always a journey. A hero leaves her comfortable, ordinary surroundings to venture into a challenging, unfamiliar world."
This quote captures the essence of what makes stories about heroes so compelling: the journey. No matter how diverse or unique each hero’s path may be, at its core, the story is about stepping out of the familiar and into the unknown. This mirrors our own experiences in life. Whether it’s starting a new chapter, taking risks, or confronting fears, we all have moments where we must leave our comfort zone behind. The hero’s journey is a reflection of this universal human experience, and that’s why it resonates so deeply with audiences. We see ourselves in these stories, even when they’re set in galaxies far away or magical worlds, because the emotional truth is the same: growth happens when we face challenges, and through those challenges, we transform.
Pick out the things that do and do not make sense:
What doesn’t make sense: “She passes a number of Tests such as getting Scarecrow off the nail, oiling the Tin Woodsman, and helping the Cowardly Lion deal with his fear.”
While these moments in The Wizard of Oz do serve as steps in Dorothy’s journey, calling them “Tests” seems a bit of a stretch. I think these actions are more about forming bonds or friendships rather than being real tests of strength, courage, or character. I don't think Dorothy is really pushed to her limits or required to make difficult decisions in these moments. Instead, I believe she’s more of a compassionate figure helping others, which is important but not particularly challenging for her as a character. The stakes here are relatively low compared to the true “Tests” she faces later, like confronting the Wicked Witch. So, I believe labelling these moments as “Tests” diminishes the gravity of the real trials Dorothy faces later in her journey.
What Makes Sense:
I think the passage does a great job of explaining the stages of the hero’s journey, especially when it comes to key moments like the “Approach to the Inmost Cave” and “The Ordeal.” The way these stages are described makes them easy to relate to iconic films like Star Wars, The Wizard of Oz, and Indiana Jones. I believe the concept of the “Inmost Cave” as a place of extreme danger makes a lot of sense, and the comparisons to mythology, such as Orpheus or Theseus, feel spot on. In my view, heroes facing their darkest moments in these stages creates a universally relatable sense of suspense, where we wonder if they will make it through. I also think the structure of the hero’s transformation, through life-or-death situations, is well captured using examples from popular stories, which helps people connect these abstract ideas to emotional moments they’re familiar with.
Things you do - or do not agree with.
I think the passage does a good job of breaking down the hero’s journey in a clear and relatable way. The connection to popular films like Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz makes it easier to understand abstract ideas like "The Ordeal" and "Approach to the Inmost Cave." I agree that these critical moments, where the hero faces life-or-death situations or deep personal transformation, are essential for creating emotional engagement. However, I don’t fully agree with the way smaller moments, like Dorothy oiling the Tin Man, are described as "Tests." It feels like the text tries to make every interaction seem profound, even when they’re just stepping stones in the story. I also think the comparison between Dorothy’s kidnapping and Luke Skywalker’s confrontation with Darth Vader feels a bit unbalanced. Dorothy’s danger is real, but the stakes in Star Wars seem much higher, so I think the text might be stretching those parallels.
Main takeaway from the article for me personally.
I think what really stands out to me is how the Hero's Journey offers this timeless blueprint for storytelling, but it’s not something you have to follow to the letter. It’s more like a flexible guide. I like that even though the structure gives you familiar elements—like facing challenges, finding allies, and overcoming a big ordeal—you can adapt them to fit any story, whether it’s a medieval knight fighting a dragon or someone struggling with personal issues in a modern-day city. For me, it highlights that every story is about change and growth at its core. It’s comforting to know that even within such an ancient structure, there’s room for creativity and personal expression, allowing every hero's journey to feel unique and relatable.
