Annotation: Chapter 1, A Practical Guide

Christopher Vogler's commentary, A Practical Guide, on Joseph Campbell's book, A Hero with a Thousand Faces, is a very insightful interpretation of the repetition within storytelling. This repetition is present not only within fictional stories and mythology and movies, but can also be applied to the way people perceive and live their lives. Every story is created through a journey, in which obstacles are faced, and transformation occurs. Therefore, the word story is synonymous with the word journey, and is the foundation of all works. Vogler constructs his argument based on Campbell's outline of "The Keys", which consist of 12 stages that are incorporated into every journey. Although listed in specific order, Vogler notes that the pattern in which they occur can be modified and the symbolism of each stage can take on many meanings. This basic outline serves as a framework for conveying life experiences that are shared by everyone.
The fact that an outline can be applied to every story, whether fictional or non-fictional, is quite amazing. The process in which Vogler explains this theory makes it seem very believable. It is interesting that a pattern has developed over thousands and thousands of years, and until only recently has been explored and revealed. This point, in itself, gives way to the idea that people internalized their personal journeys in very alike ways. In basic terms, the normalcy of life is interrupted, the issue is ignored or help is sought if it cannot be ignored, the processes of overcoming the issue begins, insight and knowledge is gained, and the issue is essentially solved, the transformation to a normal life begins, and normalcy is regained once the issue no longer exists or is looked back on as a lesson learned. Along these lines many experiences can be explained and shared to others, who will be able to connect with them because it follows a universal patter of thought and action that everyone has experienced.
At first it was hard to grasp the idea that all stories follow a similar outline, if not the same one, because I've read many books and never consciously recognized this connection. Vogler makes a very convincing case though, in contrasting romantic comedies with sci-fi and The Wizard of Oz. I could also make a connection between these works and memoirs I've read, such as Elie Wiesel's, as well as personal life experiences I've dealt with. In addition, I found myself agreeing with Carl Jung's theory that characters reflect the many aspects of the human mind. This relationship between the viewer/reader and the character in an inanimate medium, like a book or movie, gives the story life, and through this, the character's journey can be easily understood or experienced. I believe that this character-connection is what creates the last attraction people have for stories, in all forms.

1. Can you think of a story that does not fit into Vogler's interpretation of the 12 stages and storytelling?
2. What do you think of the idea that from the Hero's point of view, members of the opposite sex appear to be "Shapeshifters"? How is this relevant to the "Reward" stage of storytelling?
3. Could you describe experiences in your life with out using the 12 stages? Are there some stages that pertain only to fictional experiences?