Crossing the First Threshold and Test, Allies, and Enemies

In these chapters, Vogler leads us through stages five and six, the crossing of the first threshold and tests, allies, and enemies. Crossing the first threshold is a transition stage in which the hero is placed in between the ordinary world and the special world. This stage is often marked by a noticeable shift in energy, the interference of threshold guardians, or the action of making "the leap of faith." Vogler points out that once the hero makes this leap, there is no turning back, and they may not adjust easily to this new special world. Upon entry into the special world, the hero now faces tests, allies, and enemies, and their presence marks this stage of passage. The primary purpose of this stage is to challenge the hero with tests; tests in the form of distinguishing between allies and enemies or creating a team with people of special skills and qualities or the pace of adjustment to the new rules of the special world. A good place to gather the necessary information to overcome the challenges is what Vogler refers to as the "watering hole," which is often a bar or local hangout. This stage lets the audience learn more about the hero and other characters in the text, while allowing the hero to gain a stable footing in the special world.

Vogler's concise explanation of both these stages is very helpful in understanding the process a hero takes in his exploration of the special world. I believe these stages closely resemble the universal steps that would be taken if someone found themselves in a similar experience, which happens to people all the time. Vogler mentions that the role of the threshold guardian in the crossing the first threshold stage is to stand in the hero's way, but their threat is often just an illusion and can be simply conquered. I could not help connecting this archetype to Gregor in relation to his interaction with his sister, who acts like the hero in this case. Gregor's sister is extremely frightened and disgusted by the appearance of Gregor, but what if his appearance is more or less an illusion that she must learn to accept in order to overcome whatever is in store for her and Gregor.

I think that now, my favorite stage is tests, allies, and enemies, because of its necessity in any text. The hero often cannot conquer his tests and challenges alone and therefore needs companions that will help her make it through the special world. This situation appears in everyday life and needs, which is that all people need to have friendship in order to thrive in life. Whether it is a co-worker friendship or teacher-student relationship or parent-child relationship, all are necessary for the development of one's greatest potential in life. Therefore, in applying this idea to the hero, if she had to travel her journey alone, I do not think she would be able to overcome what is asked of her.

Questions:
1. Can you think of a movie in which the crossing of the first threshpld is extremely clear?
2. If the hero does not cross the first threshold, can the text still go on? What other stages or circumstance could take its place? Could it still be a good tex?
3. Do you belive that allies are absolutely necessary in a text?