Campbell Reading and Writing Literature

Overview

Finally, we get to the meat of this course. For the next three weeks we will be examining the three stages of the Hero’s Journey. I have attached a power point that gives, in note form, a very basic outline of the journey as a whole. I feel that Campbell should speak for himself at this point. As you read, if questions come up, post the questions and your thoughts on the discussion board. As a class we can work through the material.

For this week’s microtheme, Campbell defines the departure and then subdivides this step into: the call, the refusal, supernatural aid, the crossing, and the belly of the whale. After you have read Campbell, find examples of his ideas in the material excerpted by Leeming. Explain fully how your specific examples from Leeming illustrate the definitions and concepts you supplied from Campbell. Use QUOTES from both.

Readings

Microtheme

This week asks that you consider the first stage of the Hero’s journey, Departure. So, your outline would look like so:

Introduction: What are you writing about? (Departure). How does Campbell define it? (Use a direct quote and then explain it in your own words). Now, explain that there are subcategories to the departure (Campbell covers 5 in his chapter. You need only to pick 2-3). So, let’s say I pick “refusal of the call” and “Belly of the Whale.” My thesis would be: Campbell identifies refusal of the call and Belly of the Whale as being key sub-categories to the Hero’s departure.

Part 1: Refusal of the Call

Definition: How does Campbell define it? (Quote). Then explain in your own words what that means.

Example: Use an example from Leeming (Quote). Be sure to explain what story the quote is coming from and provide some context for the selection.

Explanation: How does this example from Leeming illustrate Campbell’s concept?

Part 2: Belly of the Whale

Definition: How does Campbell define it? (Quote). Then explain in your own words what that means.

Example: Use an example from Leeming (Quote). Be sure to explain what story the quote is coming from and provide some context for the selection.

Explanation: How does this example from Leeming illustrate Campbell’s concept?

Part 3: Summation: This is more akin to what we have been doing. Pull back and take a moment to consider how the themes of departure and the subcategories relate to “real life”? Keep in mind that both Jung and Campbell sat that myths gain their significance when we understand how they give us road maps to maturity. So, consider that, here, based on your analysis above.

Part 4: Conclusion: You know how to do that.

A microtheme will be due each week. These will be short (2-4 pages) summaries of and responses to the required readings from that week. Microthemes will address your questions about the readings as well as attempts to answer these questions as you work to make sense of the material. This is a good place for you to make connections between the work of the class and ideas regarding rhetoric and communication. This is a good opportunity for you to work at making sense of the reading and building awareness of your thinking process.