Vogler Resurrection

Vogler, Christopher. The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. 3rd ed. Studio City, CA: Michael
Wiese Productions, 2007. 197-228
Summary
In this section Vogler goes into depth about the last two stages of the hero’s journey, the Resurrection and the Return with the Elixir. The Resurrection is the climax of the story and “heroes have to undergo a final purging and purification before reentering the Ordinary World”. They must create a whole new person and start over. Some stories have two resurrections or ordeals. Vogler describes the first resurrection as being like a midterm and the second like a final exam. This is where the stakes are highest; there may be a showdown and the hero often has to make some kind of choice. He can go back to his old self or accept his new “pure” self. Often a sacrifice has to be made to achieve this.
During the Return with the Elixir stage the hero usually comes back with something. It can be a lesson learned or a physical reward. Some heroes may come back with nothing but tragedy. Vogler also describes the different endings a story can take. There is the circular form that most fairy tales take. There is closure and the audience is left satisfied. And then there is the open-ended ending. This leaves the audience guessing and sometimes unhappy. There may be a surprise or the ending may not be happy at all. Sometimes the writer does a bad job and the story may have an abrupt ending or too many endings. In order to have a good story, the writer needs to make things clear whether the ending is open-ended or not.
Reaction
Vogler’s use of metaphors again helps to solidify his points. When talking about the Resurrection, I was reminded of a couple of events in The Dark Knight. Batman had two resurrections in this film; one was when he gave up on being Batman and decided to let someone else do his job. When this plan ended up failing he had to become Batman once again and save his city. However, when the love of his life, Rachael, dies tragically he again begins to question his role because he was unable to save her. His mentor or father figure, Alfred, reminds him that he needs to do what is best for the people he protects. This is Batman’s sacrifice.
Questions
1. How often do we see more than one Resurrection?
2. How do these two stages relate to real life?
3. Do you think a happy ending or a tragic ending is more meaningful for the audience?