Journal 1

A PRACTICAL GUIDE
Summary
Every good story throughout human history; namely those from Mythology up to Hollywood in the present day, is in its basest form “A Hero’s Journey”. This journey is almost always made up of 12 “parts” that symbolize some sort of conflict or obstacle the Hero must overcome. Essentially a good story will always begin with the “Hero” in their “home” setting to establish their “person” and their origins. There will have to be conflict of course which will require that the hero needs to leave this comfortable world and go to the “special world” where they will be “tested”. In this “special world” they are “reborn” and emerge a different and typically better person. Once they have succeeded with their conflict and gained the prize they were seeking, they must then return to the home that entails another test of sort before they are allowed home.
Reaction
When I really think about this there is really little I can think of in disagreement. It does make sense. A story would be incredible boring if it didn’t have a conflict. The author was keen to point out the death being exciting. You really are not more alive then when facing death and if that can be felt in a story than undoubtedly it is a successful one. I am not yet sure how good story telling is going to be tied into analysis and persuasion. I also noticed the author talks about himself a lot.
Reflection.
Again, the author is obviously keenly aware of what makes a good story. His citing movies certainly help a writing layman such as my self draw easy connections with the points that he is making.
Questions
1.) I do not yet understand how “a good story” will be useful in persuasion and analysis.
2.) Although the author did say that they do not have to follow the order they have to follow, or that all 12 points do not have to be used, it would be nice to know exactly what points have to be there.