Analysis Of Casablanca

Despite not being considered as the traditional ‘hero’s journey’ which is outlined in Joseph Campbell’s argument of ‘separation-initiation-return’, Humphrey Bogart’s character Rick Blaine, in the 1942 film Casablanca, can be argued to follow this twelve-step journey. Campbell states “whether the hero be ridiculous or sublime…” (p.38), on this basis, Rick Blaine qualifies as a hero. These twelve steps are: Ordinary World; Call to Adventure/Disruption; Refusal of the Call; Meeting with the Mentor; Crossing the First Threshold; Tests, Allies, and Enemies; Approach to the Inmost Cave; Ordeal; Reward; The Road Back; The Resurrection; and Return with the Elixir. Although in some parts stages may overlap, this essay aims to argue that Casablanca still

This is shown in one scene as Strasser and his men sing Die Wacht am Rhine in the café. Rick gives permission for Victor to sing La Marseillaise which shows a changing attitude from his previous disinterest in the situation at hand. This is again shown in a later scene in the film where Rick fixes a round of roulette to help a young Bulgarian couple obtain visas from Renault in a way which would not corrupt their marriage. Adopting the roles of shapeshifter and ‘false enemy’, Renault closes the café at the order of Strasser. Rick’s ‘Road of Trials’ began with the fall of France and Isla’s abandonment. However, in obtaining the visas and a married Isla returning into his life, Rick’s moral compass is tested, and his ‘Road of Trials’ continue within the film. Rick’s allies and enemies (real and false) meet. The allies, Victor and Isla, go to ‘false enemy’ and shapeshifter Renault’s office where they encounter the ‘real enemy’ Strasser. Strasser states that the venture of escaping Casablanca is impossible for Victor and he will not allow him to do so alive. Afterwards, Victor and Isla learn of Rick’s possession of the letters which prompts Victor to request them from him. Being confronted with his past ‘Road of Trials’ and his ‘Inmost Cave’, Rick recluses and refuses to sell the letters up saying, “ask your wife” when questioned as to why not. Rick is then forced to come to terms with his inner pain and himself as Isla holds him at gunpoint, making him to listen to her explanations. As conversation with Isla continues, Rick’s acceptance of the truth is brought forwards and a new intimacy with Isla is created through this ‘Meeting with The Goddess’. By allowing himself to approach his ‘Inmost Cave’ and deal with his inner demons, Rick begins the true turning point of his journey as the hero in the special world, his ‘Ultimate Boon’. Using his experience from the journey thus far,