Annotated Bibliography 11

Vogler, Christopher. The Writer’s Journey Mythic Structure For Writers. Studio City, CA: Michael
Wiese, 1998. 293-312.

Summary
This last reading from Vogler's book is basically a commentary on his book and the Writer's journey in the appendices section titled "Stories are Alive." Vogler uses this section as an opportunity to relate the extensive Hero's Journey and relate it to writing this book as other authors relate it to their books. He claims that the Hero's Journey and the Writer's Journey are one and the same and relates writers to the shamans of old, transcending to other worlds and bringing back information to the tribe. He expresses his faith in the power of words and their ability to heal people among other things. The following section is used to explore his claim that stories are alive and respond to human emotion. Writing allows us to build upon the knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments to achieve more and avoid the old mistakes. One reason that he likes stories is because of the hard questions these plots, characters, and adventures make us ask ourselves. This leads Vogler into an analysis of Disney fairy tales and uses the story of rumpelstiltskin which he gives an overview of and uses as an extended example. Then Vogler goes on to talk about the power of wishing in getting the audience involved and oriented in the direction of the story. This leads his discussion into wants vs. needs in stories which are a great way to show character development and are set up to continuethe story after the wish phase.Usually the hero makes the wish, then through the adventure that follows they face tests and ordeals that make them grow, mature and prioritize, and the desire is changed from something they want to something they need.

Reaction
I must agree with the power of writing and learning from the past through writing, but I'm not sure if I agree with the analogy of writing healing. The power is in the writer to control the words, not just the writing itself to control the words. A great example of this is the spin doctors in political campaigns.

Questions
1. Is there a story where the want from the beginning of the story is granted over the need?
2. Is there a story with a happy ending where neither the want or the need is granted in the end?
3. Does this book end by satisfying a want or a need?