Zoah Alvavado
Vogler Annotation
Vogler, Christopher. "Book Two: Stages of the Journey." Stage 9: Reward, and Stage 10: The Road Back.
Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Production, 2007. 174-195.
Summary.
Once the Ordeal is over and done with, the hero then receives his or her just reward(s). Death has been encountered and overcome and now it is time for celebration. The Reward is usually that which the hero has sought since the conception of the journey itself, however, extra rewards can also be given either to the hero or his followers. Vogler speaks up the "Campfire Scenes" in which the hero and his band convene after the Ordeal to relax, reflect on the past and/or enjoy the fruit of their labor before it is time to hit the road once more. He writes "Many stories seem to have campfire-type scenes in this region, where the hero and companions gather around the fire or its equivalent to review the recent events. It's also an opportunity for jokes and boasting" (176). In short the stage of Reward generally allows for a well earned slowing down of pace and time for rest and relation for all involved in the Ordeal.
Vogler does not leave out the fact that the elixir may not have been earned by the hero's honest days work, but stolen instead. Although the elixir has healing potential, if the hero acquires it through dishonest works, he or she may suffer instead of actually benefiting from it.
Upon the completion of the Reward stage enters the stage of The Road Back in which the hero who does not choose to remain in the Special World must now return home, or continue on to new destinations, carrying the elixir in hand. The Road Back can essentially mean the return to the Ordinary World, the place of origin, the starting point, or even the moving on of the journey into new places or the higher of destinations. Vogler states, "Although the Special World may have its charms, few heroes elect to stay. Most take the Road Back, returning to the starting point or continuing on the journey to a totally new locale or ultimate destination" (187). Here the hero must return home in order to share the reward with his people so that order and peace may be reestablished. Or, the hero must keep going, perhaps maintaining the life of a nomad in order to spread the wealth of his reward/elixir to those who cross paths with him. Which ever be the case, the powers of the elixir must be distributed among the needy, and not monopolized by the hero or his companions.
Reaction.
Vogler's decision in mentioning the part of the Reward stage he dubs
"Clairvoyance" peaks a particular interest to me. Although Vogler explains the true meaning of the word clairvoyance, it seems he took slight chance at confusing his readers by using the term instead of simply defining the word Epiphany. Both of the words ably describe the action of seeing clearer or higher understanding. It is interesting to me that Vogler should make attempts to separate their definitions. I also find it interesting that Vogler points out the fact that the hero may not always truly earn the elixir but may have stolen it instead. An act which could prove rather detrimental to the hero or those for whom he works.
Questions.
1. Is it possible for the upright hero's character to be tarnished if he or she is forced to steal the elixir instead of truly earning it? After all, while committing the theft, the hero may have had to risk his life.
2. What is your thought on "sacred marriage" , or love scenes, that occurs during the stage of the Reward?
3. Which has been your favorite of "magic chases" as described by Vogler in The Road Back (page 191)?
Words.
Barbecue (176): n. 1 an outdoor meal or party at which food is grilled on a rack over a charcoal fire. 2 a grill used at a barbecue.
v. (barbecues, barbecued, barbecuing) cook (food) on a barbecue.
Sentence: The word barbecue originated from the Arawak word for wooden frames placed on posts, which translated in Spanish to barbacoa.
Clairvoyance (180): n. the supposed faculty of perceiving events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact.
Sentence: Clairvoyance is actually the French word for "to see clearly", not to see the future.
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