Anti - Bib

Vogler, Christopher. “Threshold Guardian.” The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers.
Studio City, California: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998. 49-80.

Summary
In the “Threshold Guardian,” Vogler talks about how the hero goes through obstacles at these stages. The threshold guardian is not the villain in the story but someone smaller than that. By testing about the function, the hero has a couple options he or she can do. He or she can either retreat back or attack the threshold guardian head on or use deception. The most effective method to this problem is getting under the skin of the evil person. By doing this the hero is allowing his or her self to think like the guardian. The object is not to defeat the guardian but to integrate qualities into the hero, so that the hero will be more sympathetic. The next section talks about the significance of the “Herald” and how it brings change in the story. The herald can be either a person or a force in the story. Its function is to motivate the hero for the new adventure he or she is about to begin. There can be a negative herald in the story or a positive herald that helps the hero to its journey. This archetype can be seen at any time in a story. The next archetype is the “Shapeshifter,” this archetype can be seen as a romantic partner for the hero. They also can change mood and form in the story. The shapeshifter is there to express the animus and anima. These may be positive or negative forces that may help the hero along its adventure or try to destroy him or her. The Shapshifter is also a symbol for change in the inner hero. Their function is to bring doubt or suspense within the movie. The “Shadow” symbolizes the dark side of something. These qualities can be shown through a villain or an enemy. The function of the Shadow is to create conflict and challenge the hero. They also try to bring out the best in the hero. An Ally can help the hero with its journey or can be seen as a comic relief. They do not always have to be human in a story. Their function is to humanize the hero and add character in the story. Finally the Trickster reduces the big egos of the hero and help the hero relate to the audience. They also represent mischief and the desire for change. Most of the time in a drama, a Trickster is there for comic relief and to diminish the tension of a conflict.

Reaction
I thought this was an interesting section to read about. Even though in previous readings they mention these archetypes; I still didn’t know what the true functions of the archetypes were. One section that calls to my attention, is the Ally section; this sections explained how there are numerous types of Allies. An animal or a non human or a ghost from a grave could be an Ally in a story. I also thought it was interesting when Vogler was talking about the functions of the animus and anima. He talks about how these repressed qualities are shown through our friends and classmates.


Questions:
1) Can an Ally ever turn evil in a story?
2) What exactly are the functions of the animus and anima? How can we realize these functions in our own lives?
3) Where is there an example of the Herald being a neutral figure?