Refusal of the call

Definition

Refusal of the call refers to a stage in the hero's journey where the protagonist initially declines the invitation to embark on an adventure or face a challenge. This moment often reflects the hero's fears, doubts, or sense of inadequacy, serving as a critical point in their development and journey. It highlights the internal struggles that heroes face before accepting their destiny and moving forward on their transformative path.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The refusal of the call can serve to deepen character development by showcasing the hero's vulnerabilities and personal conflicts.
2. This moment often provides crucial background on the hero's past, fears, or circumstances that lead them to hesitate before accepting their fate.
3. In many stories, a mentor or another character plays a role in persuading the hero to accept the call after their initial refusal.
4. The refusal of the call is not always a permanent state; it can serve as a temporary delay before the hero ultimately embraces their journey.
5. This stage sets the stage for later developments in the story, highlighting the importance of choice and growth in the hero's character arc.

Review Questions

• How does the refusal of the call contribute to character development in various myths?
  • The refusal of the call plays a crucial role in character development by illustrating the hero's internal struggles and vulnerabilities. It often reveals their fears or doubts about taking on challenges, allowing audiences to connect with the character on a deeper level. This moment serves as a turning point that highlights personal growth, as it ultimately leads to the hero's acceptance of their journey.
• Analyze how different myths portray the consequences of a hero refusing the call to adventure.
  • Different myths portray varying consequences for heroes who refuse the call. In some stories, this refusal results in negative outcomes, such as missed opportunities or prolonged conflict, emphasizing the importance of facing one's challenges. Other myths may depict a more lenient approach, where characters eventually come around and accept their fate after encountering additional motivating factors, such as a mentor's guidance or a crisis that demands action.
• Evaluate how themes of fear and doubt during the refusal of the call reflect broader human experiences in literature and life.
  • Themes of fear and doubt during the refusal of the call resonate deeply with broader human experiences found in literature and life. They highlight common emotional barriers that individuals face when confronted with change or new challenges, making these themes relatable across cultures and generations. By showcasing this universal struggle, authors can illustrate how growth often requires confronting one's fears, thereby reinforcing essential messages about resilience and self-discovery within both mythological narratives and real-life situations.

Related terms

Hero's Journey: A narrative framework that outlines the common stages and experiences of a hero as they embark on an adventure, face challenges, and ultimately achieve personal growth.

Call to Adventure: The moment when the hero is presented with a challenge or opportunity that prompts them to leave their ordinary world and embark on a quest.

Mentor: A guiding figure who assists the hero during their journey, often helping them to overcome their fears and accept the call to adventure.