188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): First Threshold Warning

So the hero decides to follow his call to adventure and makes his first move. This is psychological or physical, but often involves physical movement from one location to another. It's a place he's afraid to go; he's told it's dangerous and once there, there is coming back going back. In Star Wars (1977), Ben tells Luke to watch out for this place (Mos Isley).

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Conscious Decision Required

Post the meeting with the supernatural aid, the hero still isn't very sure about following the call to adventure. Something is needed to push him into it and give him a little determination. A death will do it. You killed my aunt and uncle, right I'm gonna kick your head in (Star Wars, 1977).

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): The Act of Physical Separation

Throughout the First Threshold and sometimes the Belly of the Whale, the Hero is accompanied by a major First Threshold Guardian. The act of Physical Separation is where the hero rids himself of the major threshold guardian and is allowed to move onto the deeper transformation. In The Godfather (1972), it is the overcoming of Sollozo that allows Michael to travel to Sicily, where his old self will be dissolved away.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Period of Magic Spells

The Fish out of Water is a benchmark phase that occurs in, amongst other places, the First Threshold. There are two stages - The before and the after. The before-stage demonstrates the hero in his (or her) devolved state. This is where the hero is out of his (or her) depth. The after-stage demonstrates evolution. In between, a period of training or changing must be undergone (metaphorically known as the Period of Magical Spells).

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Period of Reflection

Every hero undergoes a period of reflection. This is where his path (destiny, dharma) becomes clear to him. It is the (much shorter) equivalent of wandering through the desert for forty days and nights. In Spartacus (1963), Spartacus reflects on his past before coming up with the idea of building an army of gladiators. In The Godfather (1972), Michael sits on the bench and thinks before deciding to embark on the dark side.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Final Conflict: Increased Antagonism

Post the Crossing of the Return Threshold and before the Master of Two Worlds and Selves, a hell of a lot happens that is rarely given mention. The Final Conflict (a metaphor for this stage) follows a distinct process. It is post the initial catharses and the returning confidence of allies, that the antagonist's threat increases. This is often the point of a hand-to-hand battle. In Straw Dogs (1971), Tom tries, for the first time, to shoot the door down.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Unbearable Antagonism

Post the Crossing of the Return Threshold and before the Master of Two Worlds and Selves, a hell of a lot happens that is rarely given mention. The Final Conflict (a metaphor for this stage) follows a distinct process. An Unbearable Antagonism pushes the hero to the stage of the Inner Resolve. In Straw Dogs (1971), David is surprised that Amy really doesn't care....but he does...and keeps Henry in the house.

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188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero: Passing the New World Guardians

Before the Antihero passes into the New World (wherein lies the elixir), he (or she) will very often have to commit a dark act. It is the supernatural aid that presents this gift (magical gift). The antihero is happy to oblige; this is what he does; it is his nature and differentiating capability.

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188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Resistance to the Return

A common characteristic of the Crossing of the Return Threshold is the resistance to it. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy doesn't want Henry in the house.