Vogler's Annotated Bibliography (Stage Eleven: Resurrection & Stage Twelve: Return with the Elixir)

Vogler, Christopher. “Book Two: Stages of the Journey- Stage Eleven: Resurrection & Stage Twelve: Return with the Elixir.” The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd Edition. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. 197-227.

Summary

The stage of the Resurrection marks the climax of the hero’s journey. This stage should provoke the feeling of catharsis among the audience, which is a purifying emotional release after being part of the hero’s ordeal stage (203). The Resurrection stage often calls for a sacrifice by the hero, such as an old habit or belief (209). This stage is also a good chance for the hero to prove that he has learned something from the Special World, like lessons and new knowledge. It the time for the hero to put these lessons learned in practice (209). After being reborn in the personal way, heroes have changed. The Resurrection stage makes possible for the hero to show this change. Resurrection is like he hero’s final exam, the chance to show what have been learned (212).

Heroes bring back lessons, experiences, and new knowledge to share with others in the stage of Returning with the Elixir. Heroes change their old daily lives and use their knowledge into their new lives. There are two forms to end a Hero’s Journey: the circular form and the open-ended approach (216). The circular form is when the story returns to its starting point, whereas the open-ended approach is when questions remain unanswered (216). One common way to end a story is with a wedding, because it marks the beginning of a new life (218). The Elixir is the hero’s proof of overcoming death. One of the most popular elixirs if love; the hero receives it after a sacrifice (221). Often, stories have an Epilogue right after the end, which project ahead what happened with the characters in their future (223). There are stories that have repetitive endings. Vogler encourage writers to follow the KISS system, which is: Keep It Simple, Stupid (224).

Reaction

The hero’s journey has come to an end, and I am glad I have read this book, because Vogler is a complete expert explaining each stage of the hero’s journey, step by step and in a great way. I can understand everything Vogler says, like for example the catharsis moment. I like how Vogler explains that the hero has more than an adventure to tell, the hero has some new knowledge and lessons to share with others. I hate when stories end with an open-ended approach. It makes me sick not to have all my previous questions answered. In the other hand, I love when movies end up with a wedding, because that lets me know that the hero is happy and ready to start a new life. I also like to read epilogues; it is always interesting to know what happened with each character.

Questions
1. Which way of ending up a story do you like the most, with a circular form, or open-ended?
2. Have you seen any movie or story with multiple endings? Did you like it?
3. How epilogues make a story more complete?