Annotation 8

Vogler, Christopher. “Reward,” “The Road Back.” The Writer’s Journey:Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd Edition. Studio City, California: Michael Wiese Productions,2007. 175-194.

Summary

In the "Reward" section of The Writer's Journey, Vogler explains a reward happens most often after a hero experiences living through a crisis such as near death. A reward can consist of a celebration such as a barbeque which refuels the hero and his men. Similarly, campfire scenes could be another way to celebrate with reflection upon the ordeal. Other rewards consist of love scenes, taking possession and seizing the sword, elixer theft, initiation, new perceptions, seeing through deception, clairvoyance, self-realization, and distortions. Epiphanies may happen as a reward in cases where the hero becomes a god and realizes his immortality. Gods connect to all things, including the people around him.

After the hero realizes the reward, its time for him and his men to make the journey back to the starting point, or to continue on the journey. Sometimes a hero decides to stay in the Special World, but most times he leaves. Their motivation to stay in the Special World is usually lost, and the hero wants to return home. If the hero had not completely finished off the villain, the villain may return more powerful on the hero's road back. The situation could lead to a hard fought battle and chase scenes. Chases could involve a magic flight, pursuit by admirers, or an escape by a villain. There are also many setbacks on the hero's journey home which could change his good fortune.

Reflection

A reward symbolizes a gift from one that is saved, such as love or a sword. It can also be a realization and epiphany of life. The reward is celebrated and reflected upon, and then the hero sets back to his journey home. While on the road back, the hero can run into villains that were not finished off. Also, the hero can run into obstacles that would keep him on his toes for the rest of the way.

Questions

1. What is an example of a hero that stays in the Special World, instead of returning home?

2. What ways would the road back be interesting if there is not a villain or other obstacle to get in his way after receiving the reward?

3. Does the hero necessarily have to use the road back, or can a story skip and go straight to the resurrection?