Perseverance In The Hero's Journey

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“The good guy always wins” is a phrase we often hear growing up. Parents reassure their kids that the hero will win despite the trials he encounters. Joseph Campbell, who coined the term “monomyth”, identifies these trials as a part of a pattern in the hero’s journey. This pattern consists of separation, initiation, and return. Osmosis Jones goes through this pattern with only a few pieces missing. The hero in this story teaches others that giving up is not an option. One must have perseverance to complete a goal, in this case, to save Frank. The journey that Jones takes to help him get through the monomyth helps develop the theme of perseverance because he never gives up on what he wants. The beginning of the monomyth is separation. Campbell …show more content…

Osmosis Jones receives help throughout his journey from the police chief. He is constantly giving him instructions and telling Jones what to do. He strived to get a job done and without perseverance and the help from others, he may not have finished the job. Likewise, life is full of these mentors. Parents, friends, teachers, and family are a few examples people encounter on a daily basis. It is human nature to feel more protected when we have a weapon, or in myths, an amulet, to protect us. Within separation, along with several other things, there is a supernatural aid to help the hero throughout the entire journey. Drix is Jones’ supernatural aid. Drix provides Osmosis Jones with protection, cures, and confidence. Jones also has his badge that gives him the courage to do anything. As long as he has his badge, he is unstoppable. Separation also can mean leaving people that the heart loves. Leah is a woman that not only helps Jones at times, but is at the center of Jones’ mind since he loves her. The theme of perseverance is shown here by giving up certain things in order to make the end goal happen. Crossing the threshold can be difficult for all heroes. They are entering a new and unfamiliar world. This happens for Jones when he has to travel to the stomach to get Drix. Once the mayor hears about Jones being on the case. He is flabbergasted. He would rather anyone but Jones to help Drix because the mayor believes he is a moron. Once the threshold is crossed, the hero enters the second phase of Joseph Campbell’s

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