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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
The Hero’s Journey
Instructions:
Please complete the following steps for your discussion post.
After you have completed the Unit 5 material and have considered the role of the hero in pop culture, consider following questions:
What “recycled themes” are apparent in fictional or mythical hero stories? Give specific examples.
Why do these recycled themes exist so often in these stories?
How does the concept of the monomyth/Hero’s Journey and the other recycled themes in hero stories support or refute the theory of popular culture you wrote about in your Unit 2 assignment?
Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
The Hero’s Journey is a recurring pattern in fictional and mythical hero stories. This pattern, first described by Joseph Campbell in his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” outlines the steps a hero must take to achieve their ultimate goal. Many hero stories follow this pattern, and several themes are often repeated in these stories. These recycled themes exist for a number of reasons, and they can both support and refute the theory of popular culture.
One of the most common recycled themes in hero stories is the idea of the hero’s journey. This is the idea that a hero must undergo a transformative experience, usually involving a series of trials and tribulations, in order to achieve their ultimate goal. The hero’s journey is often depicted as a physical journey, with the hero traveling to different places in order to complete their mission. However, it can also be depicted as a psychological journey, with the hero undergoing internal changes in order to become the person they need to be to achieve their goal.
Another recycled theme in hero stories is the idea of the mentor figure. This is a character who helps the hero along their journey, usually by providing guidance and advice. The mentor figure can take many different forms, such as a wise old wizard or a wise old sage. The mentor figure often serves as a symbol of wisdom and experience, and they can provide the hero with the knowledge and skills they need to complete their journey.
A third recycled theme in hero stories is the idea of the villain. This is the character who stands in opposition to the hero and represents the forces of evil. The villain is often depicted as a powerful and formidable opponent, but the hero must overcome them in order to achieve their ultimate goal. The villain can also serve as a symbol of the hero’s inner demons, representing the obstacles the hero must overcome in order to complete their journey.
The existence of these recycled themes in hero stories can be explained by several factors. First, these themes provide a structure for the story, making it easier for the audience to understand and follow. They also serve as a shorthand for the audience, allowing them to quickly understand the story’s key elements without having to spend too much time exploring the details. Additionally, these themes tap into universal human experiences, such as the desire for self-discovery and the need to overcome obstacles. By exploring these themes, hero stories can help people understand their own experiences and find meaning in their own lives.
In conclusion, the concept of the hero’s journey and the recycled themes in hero stories both support and refute the theory of popular culture. On the one hand, these themes provide a structure for the story, making it easier for the audience to understand and follow. On the other hand, they tap into universal human experiences, allowing people to find meaning in their own lives. By exploring these themes, hero stories can help people understand their own experiences and find meaning in their own lives.
References:
Campbell, J. (2008). The hero with a thousand faces. Novato, CA: New World Library.
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