Approach and Ordeal

In this section Vogler explains the hero’s approach to the inmost cave and the ordeal. The approach to the inmost cave includes threshold guardians and tests which are used as final preparations for the ordeal ahead. Vogler uses the Wizard of Oz to describe obstacles, illusions and threshold guardians. He also includes more points of interest of the approach such as warnings, preparations, emotional appeal, impossible tests, complications, and raising the stakes. The ordeal is the main problem that the hero faces. Audiences tend to be infatuated with the cycle of death and rebirth whether it is in a literal or symbolic sense. Vogler introduces the crisis of the story and how it differs from the climax. He also outlines different ordeals such as facing the shadow, crisis of heart, going psychotic, facing fears, standing up for oneself, etc.

Obstacles bond the group of characters who are working together, eliminating differences. Heroes are warned to remain alert to the world around them and not to be swayed in the wrong direction. Threshold guardians prove that experiences from the journey strengthen the outcome. Dramatic complications can be heartbreaking setbacks to the hero while on their way to success. The hero changes as a result of the ordeal in either a positive or negative way. The crisis is the point when the action begins while the climax is an event occurring later which signifies the turning point or major change. Heroes approach different types of situations depending upon their journey, inner self, and experiences.

In our experiences we all can point out the obstacles and tests which we faced. Each person’s own experience has a totally different ordeal based on their own lives. In the Metamorphosis, after becoming a cock roach, Gregor faces many obstacles such as learning to survive, climbing walls, living in the packed room. He boldly approaches the situation by climbing out of his room and going to the living room. Every day we must approach our inmost cave, whether in the form of an exam or a decision within ourselves.

Vogler talks about the bold approach, but can you describe any other types of approaches?
Which type of ordeal described do you find the most entertaining? Why?
Describe some examples of the death and rebirth in popular movies, books, issues?