The Hero's Journey Summary

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Campbell’s third stage is Refusal of the Call. The hero feels the fear of the unknown and tries to turn away from the adventure. Although the Hero may be eager to accept the quest, at this stage he or she will have fears that need overcoming. Second thoughts or even deep personal doubts as to whether or not he or she is up to the challenge. The problem he or she faces may seem too much to handle and the comfort of home is desired. As Susanna lives her new life in McLean, she refuses her psychosis and ignores the help she receives from Nurse Valerie and the other doctors, “[...]because the contrast between their language and my language was interesting [...] I didn't have their kind of clinical detachment and particular prejudices and thoughts” (Daniel). Susanna see’s her life in McLean and compares it to her old world. She knows that the people are different in both sides of the world. She faces internal dilemmas of where to fit. Campbell convey’s this as, “[... of the whole world make clear that the refusal is essentially a refusal to give up what one takes to be one’s own interest” (Campbell 49). Since, in both worlds she does not feel accepted. The world with her parents she would not be accepted and her life in McLean where she …show more content…

At this point the hero needs guidance. He or she meets a mentor who gives the hero training, equipment, or advice that will help on the journey. Whatever the mentor provides the hero with it serves to dispel his or her doubts and fears and give him the strength and courage to begin his or her quest. For Susanna that mentor is Valerie, a nurse at McLean, who steers Susanna on the right path to better herself and who isn’t afraid to tell Susanna the truth, “[...] She said things like “Cut that out” and “You're a bore”. She said what she meant, just as we did” (Kaysen 84). Valerie mentors Susanna into the right path in order for her to leave McLean as a healthy

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