Archetypes

Vogler uses this chapter to explore the concept of the "Archetype", which was introduced in the first chapter in relation with Joseph Campbell. Vogler identifies eight distinct archetypes that are integral to the hero's journey; and they are the Hero, the mentor, the threshold guardian, the herald, the shapeshifter, the shadow and the trickster. The way vogler described the role of archetype i felt that they were more focused on the actions of an individual rather than the individual themselves. Archetypes in this instance are roles that an actor can take on, having one or multiple. In the case of the Herald, this archetype can be displayed through nature like a thunderstorm or earthquake, announcing some significant change. Archetypes are often important to a story's plot and provide wisdom to the protagonist.
I honestly didn't know that the books second chapter was based of archetypes, so i was initially shocked to read about them after i brought up a brief discussion regarding them a week back. I still feel like i am a little shakey on the concept of an archetype. I guess i have always associated them with a stereotype, but that sounds bad. I feel like an archetype is a character who has been over simplified to the greatest degree. Jung is known for advancing the idea of the archetype, but i think its been around so long that he can only be credited with revitalizing it. Archetypes have existed in stories and folklore for as long as who knows, all around a basic model. I feel like voglers breakdown of the archetypes was thorough, providing a diverse array of characteristics that come into play.
I spent my sunday recovering from gasparilla in bed watching the new batman movies on ec tv and it got me thinking about some of the archetypes vogler discusses and how perfectly they fit with the movies characters. Whether its a mentor who turns evil, or comic relief the players and parts are there. i feel like archetypes appear in every culture and every society, and they survive through the generations. is the plight of gilgamesh so much different then those of modern day heroes? i think not.

1. is an archetype a stereotype? and what is the difference?
2. do archetypes exist in the real world?
3.do jung and campbell conflict on ideas?

Response to Vogler

Before i start i realize that it is past the deadline but i could not get my internet or moodle to function...

Vogler starts off writing about Joseph Campbells book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" as one of the most influential books of the century. Personally i remember Campbells writing on myths from a world literature class in high school, and my teacher mr. delo who had a sticker beneath his podium with campbells catchphrase "follow your bliss". Vogler writes how myths and the art of storytelling are apparent through hollywood movies. Vogler states that "the storyteller bends mythic pattern to their own accord, and this is why the hero has a thousand faces". Vogler proposes that there are 12 stages to a heros journey, all of which are necessary to the story. Storytelling has always been an important part of our culture, and over time a pattern to these myths has developed which is used to tell stories ranging from the "simple" to the "complex".
I really like what Vogler did with the composition of this piece. I like that so many examples from movies were used, because sadly movies have replaced books. But the art of storytelling still remains, and complex stories have been weaved into the cinematic garbage that compiles every year. This passage was reasonably short and easy to understand, and Vogler clearly composed his ideas through numerous examples relating to the 12 stages of the heros journey.
I really like the idea of a myth, and enjoy reading them. Based on Voglers reading it is clear that the hero's journey has alot of important steps to it that must be addressed in order for the hero to triumph. I think that the basic premise of a myth has long been established, but what changes is the individual authors own variation on that myth that changes. Stories may seem similar but they are not, they are merely based on archetypes that have long been established in our culture. At times however, i do believe that myths become predictable, and where is the fun in that?

1. What are some classic archetypes that exist in our society today?
2. Why is their a lack of female "mentors"?
3.Can more be added to the 12 stages of a heros journey?

My Childhood Hero

Although he is not off this planet, my favorite character growing up was E.T. the extra terrestrial. I really liked that movie alot from the first time i saw it, but had a hard time getting to watch it because my younger brother was afraid. E.T. followed most of the stages based off of Voglers reading for a hero's journey. He came from another world, made friends, enemies, encountered obstacles and finally made it back home. E.T. also intrigued me because he had the power to heal and bring things back to life, and i think this has influenced me towards living a more humanitarian lifestyle, helping out others.