The story Message in a Bottle follows a hero's journey pattern. explain which elements of the story follow this pattern.

1 answer

The story "Message in a Bottle" follows a Hero's Journey pattern through the various stages of the narrative. Here are some aspects of the story that align with this pattern:

1. Ordinary World: The story begins in the ordinary world, establishing the protagonist's everyday life before they embark on their journey or adventure. This could be the protagonist's hometown, their job, or their mundane routine.

2. Call to Adventure: The protagonist discovers a message in a bottle, which serves as a call to adventure. The message, usually written by someone in distress or is a call for help, urges the protagonist to step out of their ordinary world and embark on a quest to help the sender.

3. Refusal of the Call: Initially, the protagonist may be hesitant or reluctant to accept the call to adventure. They might fear the unknown, feel unprepared, or have other obligations that make them reluctant to leave their ordinary world.

4. Meeting with the Mentor: The protagonist encounters a wise mentor who guides and supports them on their journey. This mentor figure can provide advice, training, or even magical items to help the protagonist face the challenges ahead.

5. Crossing the Threshold: The protagonist commits to the journey and steps out of their ordinary world into the unknown. This could involve traveling to a new location, learning a new skill, or facing a personal fear.

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies: Throughout their journey, the protagonist encounters various challenges and obstacles, as well as meets new friends and allies who support them. They may also face enemies or antagonists who attempt to hinder their progress.

7. Approach to the Innermost Cave: The protagonist approaches the most dangerous part of their journey, often where they must face their greatest fear or the primary antagonist. This could be an actual physical location, like a secret lair, or a symbolic representation of their internal struggle.

8. The Ordeal: The protagonist faces a significant challenge or conflict, which serves as the climax of the story. This could involve a battle with the antagonist or overcoming a personal fear or flaw.

9. Reward: After overcoming the ordeal, the protagonist receives a reward for their heroism. This could be the rescue of the person who sent the message in the bottle, or gaining an important object or knowledge that will help them in future endeavors.

10. The Road Back: With their reward in hand, the protagonist begins their journey back to the ordinary world. However, they may still face challenges or difficulties on this return path.

11. Resurrection: Before returning home, the protagonist may face another test or final battle, further solidifying their status as a hero and completing their transformation.

12. Return with the Elixir: The protagonist returns to their ordinary world, changed by their experiences and journey. They bring with them the reward, the elixir, which can be shared with others or used to benefit their community.

In the story "Message in a Bottle," the protagonist follows these steps of the Hero's Journey as they leave their ordinary world, face numerous challenges, and ultimately return with the elixir, having undergone significant growth and transformation.