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Kafka On The Shore Contextual Background

The document discusses Joseph Campbell's monomyth theory, also known as the hero's journey. It establishes that the monomyth follows a 3-stage structure with 12 steps that traces a hero's journey from the ordinary world, to initiation in a special world, and back again. It then provides definitions and examples for each of the 12 steps using Harry Potter. The conclusion notes that Kafka on the Shore may incorporate elements of the hero's journey in a postmodern way.

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115 views

Kafka On The Shore Contextual Background

The document discusses Joseph Campbell's monomyth theory, also known as the hero's journey. It establishes that the monomyth follows a 3-stage structure with 12 steps that traces a hero's journey from the ordinary world, to initiation in a special world, and back again. It then provides definitions and examples for each of the 12 steps using Harry Potter. The conclusion notes that Kafka on the Shore may incorporate elements of the hero's journey in a postmodern way.

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api-574396440
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Monomyth

Archetype
(aka the Hero’s
Journey)
In Kafka on the Shore
Annika Damstedt, Subekshya
Khatiwada
INTRODUCTION
The monomyth archetype, commonly known as
the hero’s journey, is a narrative structure
followed by many books. It was established by
Joseph Campbell in 1949. It has 3 main stages
with 12 steps. It begins with the separation from
the ordinary world. Next, an initiation is required
for the hero to grow, which is where the majority
of the story takes place. Finally, the hero returns
back to the ordinary world. The hero’s journey, as
its name suggests, is used to show the narrative
journey a character goes on to become a hero.
Note: we will be using Harry Potter as an example of the
hero’s journey
1. THE ORDINARY
WORLD
Definition: The ordinary world is where we see
the hero’s normal life before the adventure
begins. It’s his safe place and it reveals his true
nature. It helps the reader see the hero as an
ordinary human being, which makes it easier for
the readers to empathize towards the hero.

Example: Harry Potter - begins in Muggle world,


ordinary kid with family problems
2. CALL TO
ADVENTURE
Definition: During this stage the hero is faced
with a challenge that makes him begin his
adventure. It’s a chance for the hero to improve
and discover himself. This stage establishes the
goal of the hero.

Example: “Yer a wizard, Harry” - Hagrid

Harry Potter is called on his journey to become


a wizard, entering an unknown world
3. REFUSAL OF
THE CALL
Definition: In this stage the hero refuses the
adventures that are bestowed upon him
because of fears, insecurity, and self-doubt.

Example: Harry Potter doubts that he is actually


a wizard (for like a minute)
4. MEETING WITH
THE MENTOR
Definition: The hero meets a mentor that can
give him the advice, wisdom, and information to
help him prepare for the journey ahead.
Essentially the mentor guides the hero, but they
cannot go on the journey with the hero.

Example: Dumbledore gives Harry Potter


advice, and guides him along his journey
5. CROSSING THE
THRESHOLD
Definition: After all the doubts and insecurities,
the hero finally decides to leave his ordinary
world and cross the threshold into adventure. In
this stage the hero is committed to his task and
enters the special world.

Example: Harry Potter starts looking into what’s


happening at Hogwarts (Philosopher’s Stone)
6. TRAILS, ALLIES,
& ENEMIES
Definition: The true characteristics of the hero
are revealed in this stage as he learns the new
rules of the special world. He meets his friends
and comes face-to-face with his enemies.

Example: Harry Potter meets his friends Ron


and Hermione, and makes enemies such as
Draco Malfoy
7. APPROACH TO
THE INMOST CAVE
Definition: The initial plan to face the central
conflict begins from this stage, but the hero is
faced with setbacks that cause him to try a new
approach. This stage is the edge of the
dangerous place where the object of the quest
is hidden.

Example: Harry Potter approaches where the


Philosopher’s stone is hidden, but there aren’t
any professors to help
8. SUPREME
ORDEAL
Definition: The hero faces a danger, most likely
a life-or death moment. Things start to go wrong
and added conflict is introduced during this
stage.

Example: Harry Potter fights Voldemort


(Philosopher’s Stone)
9. REWARD
Definition: The hero survives the ordeal stage
and is rewarded with a object that allows him to
take on the biggest conflict. The reward can be
a physical item or a piece of knowledge that will
help him persevere.

Example: (in the later books) Harry Potter gets


ownership of the Elder Wand
10. THE ROAD
BACK
Definition: The hero deals with the
consequences of his actions in this stage and
the hero is faced with the decision to return to
the ordinary world.

Example: Harry Potter returns home to the


Dursleys ever summer
11. RESURRECTION
Definition: This stage is the climax of the story
where the hero faces a final test and uses
everything he has learned to face the conflict for
one last time.

Example: Harry Potter kills Voldemort


12. RETURN WITH
THE ELIXIR
Definition: This is the last stage of the hero’s
journey where he returns to his ordinary world
and brings his knowledge with him in the
ordinary world. He either returns as a triumphant
hero or a defeated hero.

Example: Harry Potter lives his life


Archetypes
The Hero - The hero isn’t a hero at the beginning of the story. They are characters with flaws, but also with universal qualities that make them
realistic and relatable. Most importantly, they go through a lot of transformation. (ex. Harry Potter)

The Mentor - The mentor teaches the hero and guides them on their journey. They also serve as motivators to start the journey (ex. Dumbledore)

The Threshold Guardian - The threshold guardian is a trial (or something guarding a trial) that stops the unworthy. It is meant to show the
dedication of the hero to the journey. (ex. Fluffy)

The Herald - The herald announces change, and motivates the hero to continue their journey. They can be a character or an item. (ex. Dobby)

The Shadow - The shadow is the villain of the story, full of their own complex motivations. The conflict with the shadow should bring out the best
in the hero. (ex. Voldemort)

The Trickster - The trickster’s main desire is to cause change, in the hero and the journey. While they are often mischievous, they help ground the
hero. They are also the comic relief. (ex. Fred and George Weasley)

The Shapeshifter - The shapeshifter is a character meant to mislead the hero and cause change through doubt. (ex. Barty Crouch Jr.)
CONCLUSION
The monomyth archetype helps us understand
how different narrative elements build on each
other, and how a typical narrative is told. In
Kafka on the Shore, some elements of the
hero’s journey are clear. For example, Kafka
has left Tokyo, the ordinary world, and set out
on a journey. Manipulating elements of the
hero’s journey is postmodern, and that might
come into play in Kafka on the Shore. The
hero’s journey is a large part of most stories,
and Kafka on the Shore is no exception. Fun fact! There was a play of Kafka on the Shore, and this
is one of the amazing images
BIBLIOGRAPHY
“Campbell's 'Hero's Journey' Monomyth.” Campbell's 'Hero's Journey' Monomyth,
http://changingminds.org/disciplines/storytelling/plots/hero_journey/hero_journey.htm.

“The Hero's Journey.” TV Tropes, https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheHerosJourney.

“Monomyth: Hero's Journey Project.” ORIAS, https://orias.berkeley.edu/resources-teachers/monomyth-heros-journey-project.

MuggleNet. “Harry Potter and the Hero's Journey.” MuggleNet, 29 Aug. 2022,
https://www.mugglenet.com/2012/03/harry-potter-and-the-heros-journey/#:~:text=The%20Refusal%20of%20the%20Call,is%20crossing
%20the%20first%20threshold.

“Subject Guides: The Monomyth (the Hero's Journey): Archetypes.” Archetypes - The Monomyth (The Hero's Journey) - Subject
Guides At, https://libguides.gvsu.edu/c.php?g=948085&p=6857314.

“Subject Guides: The Monomyth (the Hero's Journey): The Hero's Journey.” The Hero's Journey - The Monomyth (The Hero's Journey)
- Subject Guides At, https://libguides.gvsu.edu/c.php?g=948085&p=6857311.

www.nuvotech.co.uk, Nuvotech Limited. “The Hero's Journey - Mythic Structure of Joseph Campbell's Monomyth.” Movie Outline -
Screenwriting Software, https://www.movieoutline.com/articles/the-hero-journey-mythic-structure-of-joseph-campbell-monomyth.html.

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