Annotation 6

Crossing the Threshold and Tests, Allies, Enemies

Summary
Crossing the threshold is the ultimate crossing into the special world. The threshold symbolizes the point of no return, kind of like the moment when you are on a rollercoaster and it begins to move. Typically, the hero requires some sort of shove to cross the threshold, for example a person that is very close to him may be murdered, captured or hurt in some way. Just before crossing the threshold there is often a threshold guardian the hero must deal with. Once the hero has crossed the threshold, we are finally immersed and introduced to the special world. In the beginning, the parameters of the special world need to be established quickly and this is the use of the “Tests, Allies, Enemies” section of a story. The tests work to establish the rules of the world and hone the hero’s skills towards being in the special world. Also, in the beginning, the hero will meet some allies that will aid him/her in the special world and will surely encounter their enemies as well.

Reaction
Because every story does indeed need the “special world”, “crossing the threshold” I would argue is a necessity in every story. In the “Tests, Allies, Enemies” section Vogler brings up the bar or saloon. This is another recurring theme throughout his books, is that a bar seems to be a very useful dramatic element and his arguments for this make sense. They can be representative of the “watering hole” where creatures naturally congregate; therefore they are an excellent location to learn the parameters and circumstances of the special world.

Reflection
I can think of no story where “Crossing the Threshold” does not exist. Even in my own “making sense” piece used an exact type of threshold that Vogler describes in the book, “Do I go on living my life as I always have, or will I risk everything in the effort to grow and change?”. Although my wording in my story was not this exactly, the situation was exactly the same. Even in “The Metamorphisis,” this is evident. The crossing happens in the beginning of the story, when Gregor realizes that he is no longer the same form as he once was and chooses to accept it and make do with his new situation.