Hero’s Quest (Rites of Passage/Initiation)
Anthropologists like Joseph Campbell, critics such as Northrop Frye, folklorists and psychologists have identified a motif which seems to sit at the heart of many of the greatest stories of many, many cultures. The protagonist of the tale, the here (“hero” refers to both men and women, as “actor” had come to do) is forced to undertake a journey, to leave the familiar behind, and while on that journey something is gained – insight, magic, even a complete transformation of the hero. The hero returns to his/her people with this gift, improving their lives, saving them from imminent peril, etc.
Why is the hero’s quest such a common motif in folk literature? It might reflect just how ancient the ties between peoples are – how long migrating tribes, adventurers, conquerors and merchants have been establishing connections between peoples. It might also be seen as mirroring the pattern of human life and the transition into adulthood. If we see the hero’s quest as an initiation rite – a rite of passage from childhood into adulthood – we can begin to understand why it finds its way into so many stories written for children.
Separation from the known
Often involves intervention/aid of guides
Stories which follow this pattern usually begin with a glimpse of the protagonist in his/her usual life. A conflict then occurs which upsets that normality – forcing the hero (or summoning the hero) to leave, to begin his/her quest. Early in the quest there are often guides who help the hero find his/her way.
Jonas – begins to learn truth about society from Giver
Winnie – meets Jesse, kidnapped by Tucks
Ashley – she and her mother leave home when father dies. Following Snowball into the garden is a second separation – complete with guide.
Corinna – taken to Cliffsend by Sir Edward and Lady Alicia (Finian might also be seen as guide)
Initiation and Transformation
Challenges/Journey
Abyss
Symbolic death/Transformation
Revelation
Atonement
The hero next faces a series of challenges, culminating in a “dark night of the soul” (in mythology this was often a literal journey to the underworld). The journey into the abyss often involves symbolic death and transformation, through which the hero gains insight. At times, atonement also plays a role in this transformation – forgiveness, acceptance and catharsis.
Jonas – is forced to confront the truth about his society, most starkly when he sees his father murder an infant (his Abyss); he realizes he must leave (transformation) but realizes as well that he can’t leave Gabriel (Revelation). He does what is right – but his story ends before he achieves atonement (or does he in the final pages?).
Winnie – journeys with Tucks both physically and inwardly as she hears there stories and comes to understand the meaning of immortality. Her darkest moment is when she is in the “abyss” of the jail cell, sacrificing herself for Mae. Her “revelation” is demonstrated when she pours the water out on the frog – in the end, she rejects to possibility of physical immortality.
Ashley – journeys between her time and Louisa’s. Her greatest challenge is her confrontation with Miss Cooper – and it is through this conflict that she brings about the transformation in the novel (Cooper’s redemption).
Corinna – her greatest challenge comes when Sir Edward throws her down the Shaft; this is almost the archetypical journey into the underworld, and it is when her old self dies – her hair grows out – that she is transformed. This is where she also has her revelation – she realizes her true identity.
The Return (to the known world with a gift)
The hero is a hero because he/she returns to his/her people with something found on the journey – in traditional literature and mythology, this might be a magical boon of some kind; it might also be the revelation itself, or an insight which brings healing and progress.
Jonas – the memories he was given are gradually returned with his absence, but he doesn’t have the opportunity to return – his story ends before the end.
Winnie – returns to her usual life wiser, and admired now by other children. She marries, has children and dies a natural death – she has the wisdom not to take Jesse up on his offer.
Ashley – not only helps Miss Cooper redeem herself, but also comes to terms with her father’s death.
Corinna – learns true identity, but also realizes she can’t leave Finian behind. Is both selkie and more human in the end.