Extras

toc Extra Information for Psychological Criticism

Later into the 20th Century, another theorist came along who greatly transformed the study of archetypes and psychological criticism. That, good people, is Joseph Campbell. Many students learn about him during English or Creative Writing classes because his theory on "the hero's journey" can be applied to nearly any story from any time period, but mostly mythical stories or stories with strong archetypes. His famous piece of work is //The Hero with a Thousand Faces// in which he discusses this theory. Campbell believed "that archetypal symbols portray human experience" and can lead us to better understandings of ourselves as a result.

In reference to Campbell's book, //The Hero with a Thousand Faces//, George Lucas writes: "In the three decades since I discovered The Hero with a Thousand Faces, it has continued to fascinate and inspire me. Joseph Campbell peers through centuries and shows us that we are all connected by a basic need to hear stories and understand ourselves. As a book, it is wonderful to read; as illumination into the human condition, it is a revelation."

Funny that George Lucas has something to say about it, because Star Wars fits perfectly into "the hero's journey" and a lot of people like using it as an example because it proves even modern-day stories strike an archetypal chord. So for fun (and with a few steps cut out because it is a rather expansive theory), here's what the hero's journey looks like according to //Star Wars, A New Hope//:

=The Hero’s Journey and Star Wars=

Hero's Call to Action:
Luke gets the message from Leia: "Help me Obi Wan, you are my only hope."

Refusal of the Call:
Luke says he can't leave his aunt and uncle with the farm

Supernatural Aid:
Obi Wan trains Luke to "Use The Force" and presents him with a light saber

Road of Trials:
Meeting Han Solo and dealing with Jabba the Hut, finding Princess Leia, discovering the plans for The Death Star

The Ultimate Boon:
Luke destroys the Death Star by listening to Obi Wan and using "The Force" to help him.

The Crossing of the Return Threshold and The Master of Two Worlds:
Luke is rewarding for his heroism, is now a Jedi, and a changed person.

=The Hero’s Journey’s Relationship to Our Stories= //The Sky is Gray// is also a hero's journey in a way. Using the same pieces of the journey, here's what it would look like for //The Sky is Gray://

Hero's Call to Action:
James realizes his tooth hurts (at the same time, he is being taught by his mother to take care of the family).

Refusal of the Call:
James pretends like his tooth doesn't hurt, and tries to get alternative healing from Bayonne.

Supernatural Aid:
While this story isn't supernatural, James does have help. Bayonne helps in the beginning of the story. Then, the old couple help both James and his mother by giving them food. As far as Jame's journey only is concerned, his mother is also his aid and comfort.

Road of Trials:
James and his mother have to deal with waiting for the dentist, then waiting in the cold, then making sure they have enough money to get home.

The Ultimate Boon:
James and his mother are taken in by the older woman, are provided with food, and are guaranteed they will be able to get into the dentist as soon as they get there.

The Crossing of the Return Threshold and The Master of Two Worlds:
James is sent back out into the world, with a little more understanding of the kindness of people, his mother's strength, and is now able to get his tooth taken care of.

=References=