SF2 - Lesson: The Function of Plot and Structure

The Function of Plot and Structure

Perhaps the most significant and important use of archetypes can be seen in how they can be applied to the plot of a story. Think about adventure stories from your childhood. All of these have some version of what is called “The Hero’s Journey.”

  • In Star Wars Luke Skywalker undergoes the hero's journey, progressing from a farm boy to a Jedi Knight, mirroring stages like the call to adventure, training with mentors, and facing a transformative ordeal in the battle against the Empire.
  • Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games experiences the hero's journey as she answers the call to volunteer, confronts the deadly challenges in the arena, and emerges as a symbol of resistance against the Capitol.
  • Harry Potter's journey in J.K. Rowling's series follows the hero's path from discovering his magical abilities at Hogwarts (the call), facing various trials, to ultimately confronting the dark forces embodied by Voldemort.
  • In Polar Express the protagonist's hero's journey involves a magical train ride that serves as a metaphorical adventure, with stages like the call to board, meeting fantastical characters, and gaining a newfound belief in the spirit of Christmas.

The predictable nature of the hero's journey provides a foundational structure to literature, offering a familiar framework for storytellers to build upon. This archetype, with its stages like the call to adventure, trials, and resolution, allows for a cohesive narrative that engages readers by tapping into universal themes of growth and transformation. By embracing this structure, authors can craft compelling and relatable stories that resonate across cultures and time periods.

The Hero's Journey

The hero's journey is a narrative archetype identified by Joseph Campbell, representing the classic story structure found in many myths and legends. It follows a protagonist who embarks on a transformative adventure, facing challenges, gaining wisdom, and ultimately undergoing personal growth. The journey typically consists of stages such as the call to adventure, trials, and the return, providing a universal template for storytelling across cultures and time periods.

Let's look at a graphical illustration of the hero's journey:

An illustration of the hero's journey as a loop from the top going clockwise.

Can you see some of the major points of a typical adventure story? Let's explain what each illustration represents, starting at the top:

  • Departure:
    • The ordinary world
    • A call to adventure
    • Initial refusal to undertake the adventure
    • A meeting with a wise mentor
    • Going through the first threshold/obstacle
  • Initiation:
    • The road of trials: Taking on allies, avoiding or defeating enemies, being tested
    • Reaching the center - the innermost sanctum or cave, etc.
    • The ordeal - a final test
    • The reward
  • Return:
    • The road back home
    • Resurrection/Return
    • Displaying the reward, sharing the success

Think about the most famous stories you've read or movies you've watched. How many of them use some or all of this formula to tell their tale? Beyond Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, and other famous heroes, can you see this plot archetype underpinning the ancient myths and legends you read growing up? Finally, consider: why is this archetype so appealing?

Practice Activity

Remember that archetypes go beyond the literal and can help you to interpret literature. Try these Multiple-Choice questions about archetypes over both stories to see how this works. 

Reflection

Archetypes, as recurring symbols and patterns, provide a foundational structure that goes beyond the surface of a narrative, forming the basis for a more complex literary analysis. By recognizing archetypal elements such as the hero's journey, the mentor figure, or symbolic settings, readers can delve into deeper layers of meaning, understanding the universal themes and psychological aspects woven into the story. This framework allows for a nuanced exploration of characters, plot dynamics, and overarching themes, fostering a richer appreciation of the complexity inherent in literature.

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