Vogler Annotated Bibliography #6

Vogler, Christopher. “Book Two: Stage Five: Crossing the First Threshold and Stage Six: Tests, Allies, and Enemies”. The Writers Journey. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998. 127-141.

Summary

The fifth stage in the Hero's Journey is known as "Crossing the First Threshold".  This is the part of the Hero's Journey where the archetype of the Threshold Guardian appears.  There is usually a specific point in the journey or a "turning point" that convinces the hero to take on the journey that is before them.  This can be inflicted by an internal or external force or "a combination of external events and internal choices" (128).   In order for the hero to cross into the unknown world represented by the threshold they usually need a good deal of courage and to take "a leap of faith" (130).  Crossing the First Threshold usually signifies the end of Act One.

     Once the hero crosses the first threshold, he finds himself in a new and different place.  This new place can either represent a new state of mind or a new physical place altogether.  Here, the hero finds a whole new set of trials and tribulations as he encounters "Tests, Allies, and Enemies", the sixth stage of the Hero's Journey.  This new world can be called the "Special World" and "should strike a strong contrast with the Ordinary World" (136).  It is in this new world that "the conditions and rules of survival change" (136).  

     The "Tests" that the hero encounter are to test the hero and to prepare the hero for trials later on in their journey.  The tests can also be built upon the teachings of a mentor.  In this stage, the hero makes both Enemies and Allies.  At first, the two can be hard to distinguish between.  In conjunction with archetypal allies, heroes can meet sidekicks and even form teams with other people.  The enemies that the hero meets can also become their rivals.  The archetype of the Shadow is usually the enemy as they represent something dark and villainous.  In this stage of the journey, though passing "Tests" and meeting "Allies and Enemies",  the hero learns the new rules of the "Special World" that help them for the rest of their journey.

Reaction

It is interesting how Vogler discusses the uses of cinematography to show "Crossing the First Threshold" and the end of act one.  Everyone can relate to seeing an old film fade-out at this point or a newer film cut directly to another scene with a whole new tone to it.  I enjoy how Vogler points out the importance of "watering holes", namely bars, because this is a concept that I had never really considered before.  I've never noticed the importance of bars and the stereotypical watering to so many different stories, as they serve many different purposes within a journey.

Questions

1.  Why do directors use effects such as fading-out or cutting directly to a new scene with noticeable changes to portray "Crossing the First Threshold" and the end of Act One?

2.  What is the difference between a typical ally and a sidekick?

3.  Who seems more influential on the Hero, the Ally or the Enemy?