The Hero’s Journey, problematized
In college, I had a professor who loved “The Hero’s Journey.” I had him for World Literature. I remember trying to analyze Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” in terms of “The Hero’s Journey”—I don’t think that lens was meant to be used like that.
I had almost forgotten about that class!
If you don’t know “The Hero’s Journey,” here are the basics:
First, the hero’s home is set up. Then they get called away on an adventure, which they resist. But after talking with a mentor, they accept it. Then there’s the adventure. It has many difficulties, but eventually it seems nearly over. Until it doesn’t. That’s when the final task/test comes, maybe things seem impossible, or there’s a near-death experience. And then there’s the final success. After that, the hero returns home, where they are celebrated.
I hadn’t thought about “The Hero’s Journey” in such a long time, but I’ve been reading Sophie Anderson’s books with my son, specifically The Castle of Tangled Magic and The Girl Who Speaks Bear. They both follow the structure of “The Hero’s Journey,” so much so that it all came flooding back to me.
Let me start by saying—these are great books. If you’re looking for recommendations for middle grade novels, I would highly recommend them. I just picked up a signed edition of her most recent book to give my son as a birthday present!
Her books made me realize how satisfying “The Hero’s Journey” can be. I love how the child is pulled away on an adventure that is both physically demanding and dangerous, all while coming to terms with their own feelings about home, eventually returning, happier and grateful.
My favorite part is the second smaller climax that occurs without rising action, effectively during the denouement of the initial, higher climax. What an interesting move that we have come to see over and over! And why is it that it’s fulfilling? I think it’s something about the reader or viewer’s attachment to the world that was created. With the resolution of the first climax, we think we’re all done here, all wrapped up. But with the new problem, we know that we get to stay a little longer.
It’s not perfect—the second climax. In The Castle of Tangle Magic, I remember I was quite shocked and mildly frustrated that the child was faced with yet another problem. But after reaching the end, I found that I appreciated that final problem solving.
I started to think about a project that I keep picking up and putting down. A retelling of a princess who I’ve always been obsessed with.