Volger pg.'s 127-141

Summary
In this section of Vogler crossing the first threshold and test,allies, and enemies are explored. Crossing the threshold is the point in any story when the hero is totally committed to the journey. To reach this point the hero might have experienced an event that brings on the story or escalates the situation. The hero will also be tested and trained in crossing the threshold by threshold guardians. Crossing the threshold can also be signified by crossing physical barriers such as bridges, canyons, cliffs, etc. As well, any transition such as a musical cue or stark visual difference between the first and second act is considered crossing the threshold. In order to cross the threshold the hero must be ready to make a leap of faith which requires an extraordinary amount of courage because from this point on nothing will be the same. Once this choice has been made the hero will be tested in many ways. The hero will face obstacles while in the special word but at first they are most likely not life and death situations. To aid the hero along the journey allies are usually made and enemies are confronted, learning who to trust is very important. The ally can take the form of a sidekick to provide camaraderie, comic relief, or whatever the hero may be lacking. Heroes can join forces with other people along the way and form teams to tackle the various obstacles they face. Upon officially being in the special world, new rules apply and must be learned quickly, which tests the adaptability of the hero. Lastly, Vogler discussed watering holes, such as bars and saloons, as a place for congregation and a way to get information about a new place.

Reaction
I like the Disney metaphor,"A story is like an airplane flight, and Act One is the process of loading,fueling, taxiing, and rumbling down the runway towards takeoff. The First Threshold is the moment the wheels leave the ground and the plane begins to fly" (131). I think that is a good analogy for crossing the first threshold, and conveys the significance of this element of a story. The plane needs to leave the ground, but what happens if it doesn't? I think this is a reasonable consideration and I'm wondering where a story is supposed to go if this is the situation. However, I do agree with Vogler about testing, allies, and enemies. Testing the hero is a good way for the audience to get to know the hero and what they are going to be like. As well, how they encounter enemies and deal with such situations will continue to reveal character. I think the ally archetype is essential for this part of the hero's journey because allies can shape and influence the hero at this stage, which in turn affects who they are for the rest of the story.

Reflection
While reading this week's assignment the movie Shrek constantly came to mind. Shrek has leave his swamp and cross the first threshold begin his quest through the forest. This is brought about because his swamp is in danger of being taken away from him by Lord Farquad, and requires Shrek to take action. He goes to Dulock and finds out that he has to rescue a princess in order to keep the swamp, therefore raising the stakes and triggering the crossing. The adventure through the forest to get the princess is visually much different from the swamp and it is obvious that he has reached the special world. While rescuing the princess, Shrek's courage, strength, and determination are tested. He has to get pass the dragon to save her and this requires a special courage. Donkey is his ally and sidekick. Donkey has a sense of humor, is laid back, and a fun character who provides comic relief as well as making up for Shrek's lack of a personality. I think Shrek is a good contemporary example of what Vogler is describing in comparison to the Wizard of Oz in the text.

Questions
1. How would you change the hero's journey to accommodate if he/she never acquires the special courage to cross into the special world?
2. What is an example of "transitioning" into the special world that Vogler did not mention?
3. Why does a hero need to be tested in the special world if he/she has already crossed the threshold? How does a test function to build character?