Vogler Annotation: Pgs. 127-141

Summary:
In this chapter we reached crossing of the first threshold. This is the point in the hero’s journey where he must fully commit to the adventure ahead. This is “the most critical action of Act One”(127), “The call has been heard, doubts and fears have been expressed and allayed, and all due preparations have been made.”(127) To reach this commitment point there are generally outside causes, they could be related to the hero himself or the mentor may be the cause. Whatever it may be it must push the hero to the point of no return. Once the hero reaches this threshold he will generally find some sort of obstacle, this could be a friend or enemy, or some predicament in his way. These people or things are called threshold guardians. The hero must pass these obstacles to reach the next part of the adventure in the Special World.
In the Special World the hero will be tested not only by enemies but possibly by allies as well. Once in the Special World you should see differences from the ordinary world. Throughout the adventure the hero may get support from a mentor or ally but at the same time this could become an obstacle. The Special World is generally related or even controlled by an enemy or enemies. These enemies may come in many forms from antagonists to simple rivals. The enemy could even be closer then you aspect.

Reaction:
I found this section of the book very interesting. I especially liked Stage Six with the tests, allies and enemies. The examples from The Wizard of Oz related to allies was very easy to relate to and understand. I thought it was interesting when he brought up the “local watering holes”.(139) I felt he went a little overboard with the wizard of Oz but I saw what he was trying to say. I look forward to what the next section holds.

Questions:
1.) Have you ever found a time where you felt that you needed a mentors or allies for a “Special World” of your own?
2.) What is the most critical action of Act One?
3.) What is the first step when crossing the threshold?

Vogler, Christopher. “The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers." Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998 p. 127-141.