Bulls vs. Bears (visual piece)
This portray of a bull fighting a bear in the middle of wall street is a very common representation of the different cycles of the market. The downturns in the business and financial market are represented by a bear and, on the other hand, buoyant markets are represented by bulls. It is very commonly referred to the market using this terminology on public media, depending on the current situation. The current financial situation is described commonly as a bear market due to its repercussions on the stock market performance. An example of how these figures are used in the market is Merrill Lynch’s logo. They use a bull to represent strength within the market and their ability to fight the bear markets.
http://emsworth.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/famous-american-paintings-unexpectedly-met-at-the-new-york-historical-society/
Total Eclipse of the Heart (song)
This nostalgic song repetitively refers to the old days and how things were better. This can be seen as an analogy of what is happening right now in the financial market. It talks about feelings of helplessness, terror and angriness, which commonly held feelings towards the current economic situation and its causalities. The song represents an adverse situation for the character, which portrays the situation of many people affected by the crisis.
www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/b/bonnie_tyler/total_eclipse_of_the_heart.html
The Wizard of Oz (Film)
This film represents a voice of protest by the Free Silver Movement, which argues in favor of bimetallism. It was a response to a prolonged economic crisis period in the United States. It uses a lot of symbols to protest against the currently adopt measures, which suggested switching back to the bimetallist currency system. It is a tale of the international monetary system that suggests the power of bimetallism. Its name includes the abbreviation for ounce (Oz), it takes place in Emerald city (color of money) and the character (Dorothy) wears silver.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/
The Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets
Mishkin wrote a comprehensive textbook about the banking system, monetary policy and the financial market from an economic theory perspective. Most of the issues regarding the current crisis are referred to throughout the textbook. The updated version includes an extra chapter of the Subprime meltdown and the current financial crisis. It addresses specifically the different factors that occasioned and deepened the crisis, the different economic concepts involved and the possible future consequences.
http://wps.aw.com/aw_mishkin_econmbfm_8/
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Simpson Critique
Summary
This critiques analyzes the structure of the popular TV show, The Simpsons. Classified as an alternative writer, its author portrays the different contradictions of the American society. Through sarchasm and irony, a traditional, middle class family go through many situations that implicitly critiques many of the actual practices of modern American society. There is a clear negative connotation of capitalism, bureacracy in governments, unethical behavior from church officials and unprofessional behavior by doctors to name a few.
Reaction
This is a very interesting critique since it deals with a controversial TV show that has been very succesful. Maybe part of its success is due to the adequate usage or sarchasm by the author in order to make it entertaining. Another reason may be, that the wide American middle class feels identified with the different expressions of protests againts the hypocrisy of the modern societies.
Reflection
I personally like the show very much and I think the author does very well in portraying his critique to society in appealing and entertaining ways. The hidden messages throughout its episodes suggest an important voice of protest against modern everyday practices. I also consider the type of comedy used by the author as a very fine type, which contributes to the appeal of the show to people in general.
Questions
Should there be any kind of regulation for shows that may influence people's perceptions?
What is the main source of critique in the show?
How can the show's criticisms can be interpreted in the American context?
This critiques analyzes the structure of the popular TV show, The Simpsons. Classified as an alternative writer, its author portrays the different contradictions of the American society. Through sarchasm and irony, a traditional, middle class family go through many situations that implicitly critiques many of the actual practices of modern American society. There is a clear negative connotation of capitalism, bureacracy in governments, unethical behavior from church officials and unprofessional behavior by doctors to name a few.
Reaction
This is a very interesting critique since it deals with a controversial TV show that has been very succesful. Maybe part of its success is due to the adequate usage or sarchasm by the author in order to make it entertaining. Another reason may be, that the wide American middle class feels identified with the different expressions of protests againts the hypocrisy of the modern societies.
Reflection
I personally like the show very much and I think the author does very well in portraying his critique to society in appealing and entertaining ways. The hidden messages throughout its episodes suggest an important voice of protest against modern everyday practices. I also consider the type of comedy used by the author as a very fine type, which contributes to the appeal of the show to people in general.
Questions
Should there be any kind of regulation for shows that may influence people's perceptions?
What is the main source of critique in the show?
How can the show's criticisms can be interpreted in the American context?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Themes from the Bell Jar
1. This shows the descriptiveness of a situation, which may be useful for a writing course.
100 years of solitude: highly descriptive literary work.
2. This portrays different feelings that could be interpreted from a psychological point of view.
The Psychology of Persuasion: book that talks about psychology theories.
3. It teaches graphic description that could be used in a literature, design or art courses.
The Art Book: guideline for general art techniques and perspectives.
100 years of solitude: highly descriptive literary work.
2. This portrays different feelings that could be interpreted from a psychological point of view.
The Psychology of Persuasion: book that talks about psychology theories.
3. It teaches graphic description that could be used in a literature, design or art courses.
The Art Book: guideline for general art techniques and perspectives.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The second sex
Summary
The author clearly has a very strong feminist sentiment as a result of the historical degradation of the female sex. She recalls throughout her paper how women have been considered inferior since very ancient times, and how even the greatest philosophers of all times considered women "imperfect." She talks about a variety of cultural contexts that share the same perception for women, in general and protests against this tendency for gender inequality. She also compares women's degradation to racial discrimination as with Jews and black people. But her general argument suggests the importance of considering everyone as a human being, regardless of their sex, ethnicity or religious preference.
Reaction
I think it is an interesting paper since she puts together historical evidence of the sublevation of women. She has some very interesting points and her reaction is clearly a response to the historical tendency of machismo in many cultures around the world. In my opinion, many of her points are very valid, especially when she relates this subject to the american society. Her call for equality represents a very valid point that should be considered by many cultures that still preserve this kind of ancient mentality.
Reflection
I agree with the author in many ways, since I consider every human being in the same way regardless of his/her sex, race, sexual orientation, political tendencies or religious preferences. Especially in my culture, women are very important and they are treated in a very special way. I think this machismo movement belongs to ancient periods where human beings were ignorant about many issues. But women themselves have been in charge of showing the world that they are as capable and even more capable than men in certain aspects.
Questions
1. Are there still any evidences of machismo in the modern american culture?
2. What did you consider the most interesting thing in this paper?
3. Do you consider her views accurate or is she being a little bit extremist?
4. From experiences in other cultures, how does the perception of women vary across them?
The author clearly has a very strong feminist sentiment as a result of the historical degradation of the female sex. She recalls throughout her paper how women have been considered inferior since very ancient times, and how even the greatest philosophers of all times considered women "imperfect." She talks about a variety of cultural contexts that share the same perception for women, in general and protests against this tendency for gender inequality. She also compares women's degradation to racial discrimination as with Jews and black people. But her general argument suggests the importance of considering everyone as a human being, regardless of their sex, ethnicity or religious preference.
Reaction
I think it is an interesting paper since she puts together historical evidence of the sublevation of women. She has some very interesting points and her reaction is clearly a response to the historical tendency of machismo in many cultures around the world. In my opinion, many of her points are very valid, especially when she relates this subject to the american society. Her call for equality represents a very valid point that should be considered by many cultures that still preserve this kind of ancient mentality.
Reflection
I agree with the author in many ways, since I consider every human being in the same way regardless of his/her sex, race, sexual orientation, political tendencies or religious preferences. Especially in my culture, women are very important and they are treated in a very special way. I think this machismo movement belongs to ancient periods where human beings were ignorant about many issues. But women themselves have been in charge of showing the world that they are as capable and even more capable than men in certain aspects.
Questions
1. Are there still any evidences of machismo in the modern american culture?
2. What did you consider the most interesting thing in this paper?
3. Do you consider her views accurate or is she being a little bit extremist?
4. From experiences in other cultures, how does the perception of women vary across them?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Vogler pg. 143 -173
Summary
The approach to the inmost cave and the ordeal are very usually very exciting parts on every hero's journey. These are some advanced stages in the adventure, which enable the hero to develop and portray its heroic characteristics or traits. The approach to the inmost cave is that section where the hero approaches danger, terror and other dark feelings provoked by the upcoming encounter with an adverse situation. The ordeal is the transformation of the hero into that magical and sometime super human figure, who is able to sort out impossible situations and succeed. Usually these two stages are highly emotional due to the risk that the situations involve and due to the way how the hero manages to succeed against all the odds.
Reaction
These were two well elaborated sections by Vogler, who focuses on the application of both to the common hero journeys. He also provided some very interesting examples in both sections to sustain or support the theoretical introduction he provided at the beginning of each section. I think they were both very valid and applicable to most of the hero stories I can think of.
Reflection
Once again, when I go through each of these categories, I try to connect them to films or books that I have read in the past. And as I have mentioned in past blogs, Peter Pan was one of my favorite films. So, generally I try to relate each of the stages to the story of this young super hero. And these two sections fit perfectly in Peter Pan's story as he is approaching the moment of confronting Captain Hook in order to save Wendy and the other kids. At this point, he developd fully all of his heroic sentiments and features in order to achieve his goal. It is interesting to make this kind of relationships in order to have a better understanding of what the author means by each description.
Questions
How is that "cave" most generally represented?
What is the most interesting aspect of the reading?
How can you relate both of these stages to some personal experience?
The approach to the inmost cave and the ordeal are very usually very exciting parts on every hero's journey. These are some advanced stages in the adventure, which enable the hero to develop and portray its heroic characteristics or traits. The approach to the inmost cave is that section where the hero approaches danger, terror and other dark feelings provoked by the upcoming encounter with an adverse situation. The ordeal is the transformation of the hero into that magical and sometime super human figure, who is able to sort out impossible situations and succeed. Usually these two stages are highly emotional due to the risk that the situations involve and due to the way how the hero manages to succeed against all the odds.
Reaction
These were two well elaborated sections by Vogler, who focuses on the application of both to the common hero journeys. He also provided some very interesting examples in both sections to sustain or support the theoretical introduction he provided at the beginning of each section. I think they were both very valid and applicable to most of the hero stories I can think of.
Reflection
Once again, when I go through each of these categories, I try to connect them to films or books that I have read in the past. And as I have mentioned in past blogs, Peter Pan was one of my favorite films. So, generally I try to relate each of the stages to the story of this young super hero. And these two sections fit perfectly in Peter Pan's story as he is approaching the moment of confronting Captain Hook in order to save Wendy and the other kids. At this point, he developd fully all of his heroic sentiments and features in order to achieve his goal. It is interesting to make this kind of relationships in order to have a better understanding of what the author means by each description.
Questions
How is that "cave" most generally represented?
What is the most interesting aspect of the reading?
How can you relate both of these stages to some personal experience?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Vogler (pg 127-141)
Summary
This section of Vogler's text deals with two stages: Crossing the First Threshold and Enemies, Tests and Allies. These are two very interesting sections. The first one talks about the first step of a hero's adventure. This is the first challenge that the hero must face and represents the engagement of the hero with the adventure after he accepts the Call to Adventure. The second section of represents another important part of the adventure. Particularly it talks about some of the possible aspects that would give shape to the adventure. Some of the challenges may be represented by enemies encountered along the journey. There are also allies along the journey that will help the hero sort out several adverse situations.
Reaction
It was an interesting section since it start giving us the structure of the actual adventure. This categorization of the sequences of the adventure, provides us with better tools to analyze a story. Both of the categories have a very clear application to almost every kind of story. There is always this turning point where the hero starts his journey and generally is marked by his first comfrontation. And there are always obstacles along the path that are represented by enemies or tests that make part of the adventure. Consequently, the hero usually finds someone who is willing to help him fight his obstacles in order to reach his goal.
Reflection
As I mentioned before, these two sections have an importance practical application to many of the stories or films I can think of. It is remarkable, how after reading this book, my mind functions in a different way when analyzing some movie or book. I am always trying to figure out what stage is the movie on, or if the story doesn't comprehend some of the stages. It is an important tool, however, to analyze accurately the different sections of a story.
Questions
What are some examples of these two stages in movies or stories?
What was interesting about these two sections?
How are both of these sections usually represented?
This section of Vogler's text deals with two stages: Crossing the First Threshold and Enemies, Tests and Allies. These are two very interesting sections. The first one talks about the first step of a hero's adventure. This is the first challenge that the hero must face and represents the engagement of the hero with the adventure after he accepts the Call to Adventure. The second section of represents another important part of the adventure. Particularly it talks about some of the possible aspects that would give shape to the adventure. Some of the challenges may be represented by enemies encountered along the journey. There are also allies along the journey that will help the hero sort out several adverse situations.
Reaction
It was an interesting section since it start giving us the structure of the actual adventure. This categorization of the sequences of the adventure, provides us with better tools to analyze a story. Both of the categories have a very clear application to almost every kind of story. There is always this turning point where the hero starts his journey and generally is marked by his first comfrontation. And there are always obstacles along the path that are represented by enemies or tests that make part of the adventure. Consequently, the hero usually finds someone who is willing to help him fight his obstacles in order to reach his goal.
Reflection
As I mentioned before, these two sections have an importance practical application to many of the stories or films I can think of. It is remarkable, how after reading this book, my mind functions in a different way when analyzing some movie or book. I am always trying to figure out what stage is the movie on, or if the story doesn't comprehend some of the stages. It is an important tool, however, to analyze accurately the different sections of a story.
Questions
What are some examples of these two stages in movies or stories?
What was interesting about these two sections?
How are both of these sections usually represented?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Vogler pg. 107-125
Summary
This section of Vogler's text talks about the following two stages of the journey: The Refusal to Call and the encounter with the Mentor. The refusal to call consists on the decision that the hero must make when the call to adventure appears. He has the option to go for the adventure or has the option to decline it. And this part of Vogler's text deals with the second option. That psychological state of mind that makes the hero think it twice before engaging in the adventure.
The second section explains the role of the Mentor. The mentor represents that figure that provides the motivation to the hero to make the correct decision. It is the person that makes him realize his/her compromise with the cause and how must or must not decline the call to adventure.
Reaction
I think these are two very important sections for the structure of a story. The refusal to call I think is present in every hero's mind. Every human being has fears and the heroes become heroes because of they way they comfront those fears on their minds. So, I think the refusal to call is always an option for the hero when they have to decide about their future. However, many times the responsibility they have with the cause provides them with the motivation to comfront that fear and go along with the adventure. Consequently, I think the mentor is that person in charged of making the hero aware of his important role. This motivates the hero to go forward and follow his mentor's advices. Also, the mentor may be the one who provides the character with guidance or the key information that the hero must need for his journey.
Reflection
I thought this was a very interesting section, considering the connections that we can make to our daily "adventures." Always when we are to make an important decision, we consider either going the hard way and possibly achieving greater results, or going the easy way and don't have a heroic outcome. It is they way our rationality deals with the trade off between risk and returns . And the interesting part about the second section is that we are always guided by someone in every stage of our lives. When we are children, our parents are there to mentor us through our first stage of life. When we are in school we have our teachers. When we are to explore some unknown field, we look for guidance on people who are experts on that certain field. So, it makes sense that the hero looks for this motivation or guidance in someone who probably has more experience and is more knowledgeable, in order to have the confidence to go along with his journey.
Questions
What tends to be usually the motivation of the character to refuse the call to adventure?
What are the common ways in which the mentor is represented?
What are some examples of films or stories that we can think of that represent both of these sections?
This section of Vogler's text talks about the following two stages of the journey: The Refusal to Call and the encounter with the Mentor. The refusal to call consists on the decision that the hero must make when the call to adventure appears. He has the option to go for the adventure or has the option to decline it. And this part of Vogler's text deals with the second option. That psychological state of mind that makes the hero think it twice before engaging in the adventure.
The second section explains the role of the Mentor. The mentor represents that figure that provides the motivation to the hero to make the correct decision. It is the person that makes him realize his/her compromise with the cause and how must or must not decline the call to adventure.
Reaction
I think these are two very important sections for the structure of a story. The refusal to call I think is present in every hero's mind. Every human being has fears and the heroes become heroes because of they way they comfront those fears on their minds. So, I think the refusal to call is always an option for the hero when they have to decide about their future. However, many times the responsibility they have with the cause provides them with the motivation to comfront that fear and go along with the adventure. Consequently, I think the mentor is that person in charged of making the hero aware of his important role. This motivates the hero to go forward and follow his mentor's advices. Also, the mentor may be the one who provides the character with guidance or the key information that the hero must need for his journey.
Reflection
I thought this was a very interesting section, considering the connections that we can make to our daily "adventures." Always when we are to make an important decision, we consider either going the hard way and possibly achieving greater results, or going the easy way and don't have a heroic outcome. It is they way our rationality deals with the trade off between risk and returns . And the interesting part about the second section is that we are always guided by someone in every stage of our lives. When we are children, our parents are there to mentor us through our first stage of life. When we are in school we have our teachers. When we are to explore some unknown field, we look for guidance on people who are experts on that certain field. So, it makes sense that the hero looks for this motivation or guidance in someone who probably has more experience and is more knowledgeable, in order to have the confidence to go along with his journey.
Questions
What tends to be usually the motivation of the character to refuse the call to adventure?
What are the common ways in which the mentor is represented?
What are some examples of films or stories that we can think of that represent both of these sections?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Vogler
Summary
This section of Vogler's text focuses on the first two stages of the hero's journey. Vogler talks explicitly aout the characteristics and the commonalities of the Ordinary World and the Call to Adventure. Generally, the ordinary world is the reference that enables the reader to appreciate the difference from the following parts of the advnture. It provides the reader with that sense of contrast that will occur once the hero starts his/her adventure. And the call to adventure, is generally the purpose of the journey or the section where the character receives the "invitation" to start his/her journey. It is generally represented by the start ofa mission in which the character wil ty to achieve something or fix a problem.
Reaction
I think both sections represented an interesting overview of the important aspects of both stages. They covered their generalities and their applications to real examples. Also, it was interesting to see how these different sections contribute to the formation of the shape of the stories.
Reflection
When I read both sections, I thought about the application of both stages to films or books I know. And I think is very obvious how every story must have an introductory part that sets the mood for the upcoming events that will take place. It is a very important section, in my point of view, since it represents the starting point of the journey. And the second stage, the call to adventure, is thebirth of the actual journey. Generally provides the motivation for the hero to set a goal for himself and start working towards that goal.
Questions
What could be the different variations of both of the sections?
How can different authors interpret the stages differently according to different styles and themes?
This section of Vogler's text focuses on the first two stages of the hero's journey. Vogler talks explicitly aout the characteristics and the commonalities of the Ordinary World and the Call to Adventure. Generally, the ordinary world is the reference that enables the reader to appreciate the difference from the following parts of the advnture. It provides the reader with that sense of contrast that will occur once the hero starts his/her adventure. And the call to adventure, is generally the purpose of the journey or the section where the character receives the "invitation" to start his/her journey. It is generally represented by the start ofa mission in which the character wil ty to achieve something or fix a problem.
Reaction
I think both sections represented an interesting overview of the important aspects of both stages. They covered their generalities and their applications to real examples. Also, it was interesting to see how these different sections contribute to the formation of the shape of the stories.
Reflection
When I read both sections, I thought about the application of both stages to films or books I know. And I think is very obvious how every story must have an introductory part that sets the mood for the upcoming events that will take place. It is a very important section, in my point of view, since it represents the starting point of the journey. And the second stage, the call to adventure, is thebirth of the actual journey. Generally provides the motivation for the hero to set a goal for himself and start working towards that goal.
Questions
What could be the different variations of both of the sections?
How can different authors interpret the stages differently according to different styles and themes?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Revising
2 Strengths:
-I think my ordinary world description was pretty good. I tried to describe the context of the journey and provide a small introduction to the setting that the story was going to take place at.
- I also liked the section where I described the setting once the hero conquered the unknown and once the goal was reached. I think it was well described and the hero's feelings were described profoundly.
2 Weaknesses:
- I need to work on the transitions in general throughout the paper, making better connections in between ideas and paragraphs.
- Some of my sections need some more development and elaboration.
-I think my ordinary world description was pretty good. I tried to describe the context of the journey and provide a small introduction to the setting that the story was going to take place at.
- I also liked the section where I described the setting once the hero conquered the unknown and once the goal was reached. I think it was well described and the hero's feelings were described profoundly.
2 Weaknesses:
- I need to work on the transitions in general throughout the paper, making better connections in between ideas and paragraphs.
- Some of my sections need some more development and elaboration.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Vogler # 3
Summary
This section of Vogler's text reviews some other archetypes that conform the hero's sequence. Its starts with the Threshold Guardian, representing that obstacle that heroes generally confront when they are approaching the climax of their adventure. Then it talks about the heralds, their role as messengers or informants and their importance in the protocol procedures. They generally provide heroes with certain needed information or the motivation to go along with their enterprises. Then Vogler adresses the Shapeshifter, which he describes as a person that somehow has an influence on the character's perceptions and thoughts. Usually their nature represents contrasts with the character and this may be important on the character's discovery of new things. Then he discusses the archetype of the Shadow, which represents all of the hidden parts of a character's personality or any obscure parts of the story. And finally, he talks briefly about the allies, or the characters who go along in the journey with the character. Generally, they are key to the hero's consecution of his/her goals, since they provide the hero with the guidance of help he/she needs.
Reaction
I think this was a very interesting section. It provided a very complete and detailed analysis of most of the characteristics of each of the archetypes discussed. It is an important tool that Vogler provides the reader in order to identify the different components of the journey's sequence. It was interesting to see the characteristics of these archetypes and prove its theoretical validity by comparing them with actual stories. Especially, the guarding threshold, the shapeshifter and the ally, whose presence is remarkably important is most of the heroes' stories.
Reaction
I tried to connect the different archetypes to commonly known stories, in order to analyze their roles in the respective stories. I thought of Aladdin and how the monkey represents his ally throughout his adventure. Also, in Mulan the little dragon plays the same role. Continuing with Mulan, the leader of the army could be considered the shapeshifter. He has a very important influence on Mulan's characteristics and shapes her personality and character for her heroic interventions of the future. On the side of the Herald, I instantly thought of A Knight's Tale. A herald forms part of the main character's squad and he is in charge of introducing his knight before every challenge. He is very well spoken, fluent on his speeches and represents the motivation for the crowd to cheer for his knight. Finally, the shadows, I believe are a pretty evident resource of the authors in most stories. It represents sometimes the internal conflicts that the hero must face or sometimes it may represent affects the character negatively for some reason. Following the example of "A Knights Tale," his shadow was the fact that he didn't have any nobility titles, therefore, he couldn't be a knight. Mulan's shadow was the fact that she was a woman and women were not allowed in the army.
Questions
1. Can the shadows be represented by external features or characters, or is it just an internal matter of the hero himself?
2. In what cases may the herals represent a threat for the hero?
3. Can a character's shadow be sufficiently important to represent at the same time, the story's antagonic force?
This section of Vogler's text reviews some other archetypes that conform the hero's sequence. Its starts with the Threshold Guardian, representing that obstacle that heroes generally confront when they are approaching the climax of their adventure. Then it talks about the heralds, their role as messengers or informants and their importance in the protocol procedures. They generally provide heroes with certain needed information or the motivation to go along with their enterprises. Then Vogler adresses the Shapeshifter, which he describes as a person that somehow has an influence on the character's perceptions and thoughts. Usually their nature represents contrasts with the character and this may be important on the character's discovery of new things. Then he discusses the archetype of the Shadow, which represents all of the hidden parts of a character's personality or any obscure parts of the story. And finally, he talks briefly about the allies, or the characters who go along in the journey with the character. Generally, they are key to the hero's consecution of his/her goals, since they provide the hero with the guidance of help he/she needs.
Reaction
I think this was a very interesting section. It provided a very complete and detailed analysis of most of the characteristics of each of the archetypes discussed. It is an important tool that Vogler provides the reader in order to identify the different components of the journey's sequence. It was interesting to see the characteristics of these archetypes and prove its theoretical validity by comparing them with actual stories. Especially, the guarding threshold, the shapeshifter and the ally, whose presence is remarkably important is most of the heroes' stories.
Reaction
I tried to connect the different archetypes to commonly known stories, in order to analyze their roles in the respective stories. I thought of Aladdin and how the monkey represents his ally throughout his adventure. Also, in Mulan the little dragon plays the same role. Continuing with Mulan, the leader of the army could be considered the shapeshifter. He has a very important influence on Mulan's characteristics and shapes her personality and character for her heroic interventions of the future. On the side of the Herald, I instantly thought of A Knight's Tale. A herald forms part of the main character's squad and he is in charge of introducing his knight before every challenge. He is very well spoken, fluent on his speeches and represents the motivation for the crowd to cheer for his knight. Finally, the shadows, I believe are a pretty evident resource of the authors in most stories. It represents sometimes the internal conflicts that the hero must face or sometimes it may represent affects the character negatively for some reason. Following the example of "A Knights Tale," his shadow was the fact that he didn't have any nobility titles, therefore, he couldn't be a knight. Mulan's shadow was the fact that she was a woman and women were not allowed in the army.
Questions
1. Can the shadows be represented by external features or characters, or is it just an internal matter of the hero himself?
2. In what cases may the herals represent a threat for the hero?
3. Can a character's shadow be sufficiently important to represent at the same time, the story's antagonic force?
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Writer's Journey Assignment # 2
Summary
In this section Vogler studies and analyzes some of the concepts introduced earlier in his Hero's sequence. In the first section of the reading he gave us an introduction of the Archetype concept, but now he provided us with a more detailed and specific context of what he meant. Later in the reading, he focuses on the role of the hero in different kinds of situations and how can a character may acquire that heroism through certain special features. Also, he mentions the importance of certain characters in terms of the development of the trama. The next section deals explicitly with another important part of his sequence: the mentors. The mentors are introduced by him as a key part of the Hero's journey, since they provide the guidance to the hero when uncertainty shows up. He analyzes the different forms of mentors commonly used and how they contribute to the development of the sequence. He refers to mythology to set an example for this subject, more specifically the goddess Athena who guided Telemachus in his journey in The Odyssey. Another interesting part was when discussed the inner mentors and how the archetype of the mentor is involved in the character's reasonings. And the possibility of multiple mentors and how usually they contribute to the hero in an specific aspect.
Reaction
I think it was a very interesting passage, since he presents some of the subjects introduced before, in a more profound manner. I thought it was really interesting the connections I could make about stories, novels or films with the different characteristics that he presents. His theories have an enormous validity and it is amazing how he can put together in such a general form, things that can vary so much from a story to the other. And everything has relevance regardless of the kind of reading or film you are analyzing. The adentration made in the Archetype subject was extremely interesting, considering how historically the different stereotypes have been created and people still follows them. And although there is an extremely wide variety of heroes and hero stories, they all share this common structure.
Reflection
I thought the exercise that involved sequencing a personal experience into the different steps of the Hero's journey was very interesting. It showed me how this subject is so well analyzed by Joseph Campbell that even our personal "adventures" could, most of the time, follow the sequence he created. After analyzing this second passage of Vogler's text, I think I've acquired a better sense of the complexity of the subject. It is amazing how such a diverse subject can be put into such a easy going structure, considering how complex stories can get. But this has definitely given me a background for performing better analysis of the different situations of literary material and experiences of my every day life.
Questions
1. What do you think is the main heroistic feature that attracts people's attention or that makes people be identified with the hero?
2. Generally, how important is the contribution of outsiders to the Hero's personal characteristics?
3. Is there necessarily an experience of growth in every heroic journey?
In this section Vogler studies and analyzes some of the concepts introduced earlier in his Hero's sequence. In the first section of the reading he gave us an introduction of the Archetype concept, but now he provided us with a more detailed and specific context of what he meant. Later in the reading, he focuses on the role of the hero in different kinds of situations and how can a character may acquire that heroism through certain special features. Also, he mentions the importance of certain characters in terms of the development of the trama. The next section deals explicitly with another important part of his sequence: the mentors. The mentors are introduced by him as a key part of the Hero's journey, since they provide the guidance to the hero when uncertainty shows up. He analyzes the different forms of mentors commonly used and how they contribute to the development of the sequence. He refers to mythology to set an example for this subject, more specifically the goddess Athena who guided Telemachus in his journey in The Odyssey. Another interesting part was when discussed the inner mentors and how the archetype of the mentor is involved in the character's reasonings. And the possibility of multiple mentors and how usually they contribute to the hero in an specific aspect.
Reaction
I think it was a very interesting passage, since he presents some of the subjects introduced before, in a more profound manner. I thought it was really interesting the connections I could make about stories, novels or films with the different characteristics that he presents. His theories have an enormous validity and it is amazing how he can put together in such a general form, things that can vary so much from a story to the other. And everything has relevance regardless of the kind of reading or film you are analyzing. The adentration made in the Archetype subject was extremely interesting, considering how historically the different stereotypes have been created and people still follows them. And although there is an extremely wide variety of heroes and hero stories, they all share this common structure.
Reflection
I thought the exercise that involved sequencing a personal experience into the different steps of the Hero's journey was very interesting. It showed me how this subject is so well analyzed by Joseph Campbell that even our personal "adventures" could, most of the time, follow the sequence he created. After analyzing this second passage of Vogler's text, I think I've acquired a better sense of the complexity of the subject. It is amazing how such a diverse subject can be put into such a easy going structure, considering how complex stories can get. But this has definitely given me a background for performing better analysis of the different situations of literary material and experiences of my every day life.
Questions
1. What do you think is the main heroistic feature that attracts people's attention or that makes people be identified with the hero?
2. Generally, how important is the contribution of outsiders to the Hero's personal characteristics?
3. Is there necessarily an experience of growth in every heroic journey?
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Superhero
When I was a little kid, one of my favorite Disney movies was Peter Pan. I used to watch that movie all the time and I was really identified with this hero. I remember I admired his different powers and the way he used them to help other people. Now that I have this new knowledge about the structure of heroic stories, I can analyze this story from a different perspective. I was reflecting about this movie after I read Vogler's article and it is amazing how the sequence applies perfectly. I remember how I used to get really excited when Peter Pan finally defeated Captain Hook (antagonic character) and how he went through the different thresholds. It was fascinating for me to consider that someone could have such impressive powers and used them in such a heroic way.
A Practical Guide
Summary
In this section of "The Writer's Journey," Christopher Vogler introduces the work of Joseph Campbel. Campbell through his text, "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," describes the journey of a typical hero and describes how there is a common historic structure on most of the epic stories. He remarks the similarities between heroes of different parts of the world and different time periods and how their stories have a similar structure. Vogler recreates Campbell's sequence in a way that is more applicable to modern films and heroic stories. At the same time, he provides very valid examples for each of the steps of the sequence that he introduces. In general, he intends to provide a better framework that will help modern readers analyze this type of stories in a more efficient manner.
Reaction
I was not familiarized by Joseph Campbell's work before reading this text and it is really fascinating the way how he structures this kind of stories. When I was going through the different parts of the sequence, I though of a million examples that suited the structure that he presented. It is really interesting, as well, to have in mind this narrative structure for future readings. This may represent a better understanding of the key points and may contribute to the analysis of the reading's different segments. I also liked the part when he analyzed how appealing was this structure for everyone. The sequence provides the reader with everything he/she wants from an epic story.
Reflection
Since the moment I started reading the article, I thought of one of my favorite epic stories, The Odyssey. And I went through the different steps of the sequence analyzing them based on this literary classic. This made everything much more interesting, and it is really fascinating to discover how clear the sequence is, when you relate it to a story that you really like. In Western Heritage during my freshmen year, when we were studying the Odyssey, I had to prepare a timeline and expose it to the class. It is a very dense text and it took me a while to complete it, but it gave a better understanding of each step of Odysseus' journey. Now I realize how similar is its structure to Vogler's sequence.
In this section of "The Writer's Journey," Christopher Vogler introduces the work of Joseph Campbel. Campbell through his text, "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," describes the journey of a typical hero and describes how there is a common historic structure on most of the epic stories. He remarks the similarities between heroes of different parts of the world and different time periods and how their stories have a similar structure. Vogler recreates Campbell's sequence in a way that is more applicable to modern films and heroic stories. At the same time, he provides very valid examples for each of the steps of the sequence that he introduces. In general, he intends to provide a better framework that will help modern readers analyze this type of stories in a more efficient manner.
Reaction
I was not familiarized by Joseph Campbell's work before reading this text and it is really fascinating the way how he structures this kind of stories. When I was going through the different parts of the sequence, I though of a million examples that suited the structure that he presented. It is really interesting, as well, to have in mind this narrative structure for future readings. This may represent a better understanding of the key points and may contribute to the analysis of the reading's different segments. I also liked the part when he analyzed how appealing was this structure for everyone. The sequence provides the reader with everything he/she wants from an epic story.
Reflection
Since the moment I started reading the article, I thought of one of my favorite epic stories, The Odyssey. And I went through the different steps of the sequence analyzing them based on this literary classic. This made everything much more interesting, and it is really fascinating to discover how clear the sequence is, when you relate it to a story that you really like. In Western Heritage during my freshmen year, when we were studying the Odyssey, I had to prepare a timeline and expose it to the class. It is a very dense text and it took me a while to complete it, but it gave a better understanding of each step of Odysseus' journey. Now I realize how similar is its structure to Vogler's sequence.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)