Stage Six: Tests, Allies, Enemies

In this section of Vogler, he discusses the different test, allies, and enemies the hero will encounter while fully in the Special World.  The importance of contrast between the Special World and the Ordinary World is now apparent; even if the hero stays in the same place some physical or emotional transformation has to happen, since the Special World has to have a new feel to it.  Testing is the most important function of this point in the Special World.  It is where the hero has to figure out how to deal with traps and test.  However, the relationship with allies and enemies is another function; this is also a test, since the hero has to judge on character.  But the most exciting for both the hero and the audience is there ability to learn the new rules of the Special World quickly; it is another test to see how fast they can adjust. Volger outlines the importance of the hero having allies and enemies, while still building relationships, while good or bad, with allies and enemies. 

Vogler makes it very clear that test are a major part in stories.  I have never noticed their importance in stories until after reading this sections and thinking about to some of my favorite movies.  What Vogler calls test, I would just see as obstacles; since to me test are what I take in math class.  Now that my eyes have been open to a term for test, I believe the next time I view a film the importance of test will stick out to me.

Another topic Vogler touches on in this sections is 'watering holes' in movies.  Since watering holes are seen as 'a natural congregating place and a good spot to observe and get information'. After reading this section, my mind went in to different directions with examples.  First, I was brought back to my senior year in high school and how every Tuesday after school my girlfriends and I would go to the local Starbucks to gossip and catch up on a weeks worth on information.  Second, I thought about my favorite TV show Sex and the City and how in ever episode the four women would go to breakfast or lunch at a local cafe where they could talk openly about whatever was on their mind.  I would never see this events at watering holes but after reading Vogler they definitely fit the definition. 

Some Questions to Think About...

1.  What is a Hero had no allies, would he/she be able to survive the test and enemies in which they will face?

2. What are some other examples of watering holes in movies, besides westerns?

3. What is the best test you have seen in a movie?