The Hero with a Thousand Faces Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The Hero with a Thousand Faces Topics for Discussion

Consider specific examples of narrative from contemporary narrative - a film, a novel, a television program. Analyze their stories in the context of Campbell's analysis of the Hero's Journey. What are the various counterparts between Campbell's archetypal stories and situations and those of stories such as, for example,- The Lord of the Rings, the Harry Potter books, or even a classic film like The Wizard of Oz?

Examine your own cultural or religious background for comparisons to Campbell's mythic stories - the Monomyth, the story of the virgin birth, etc. What are some of the specific points of similarity? What are the differences?

Debate whether Campbell's commentary on the similarity of stories between various belief systems (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, ancient myths) challenge or strengthen those systems. Does a similarity between, for example, the various virgin birth stories invalidate them all as a focus of belief and behavior? Or do...
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