The Hero’s Journey is a narrative structure that has been used in storytelling for centuries. It is a pattern that describes the journey of a hero who goes through a series of trials and tribulations to achieve a goal. This structure has been used in many famous works of literature, including the works of Jane Austen and J.K. Rowling. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences in the use of The Hero’s Journey in the works of Austen and Rowling.
Introduction
The Hero’s Journey is a narrative structure that was first identified by Joseph Campbell in his book, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” According to Campbell, The Hero’s Journey is a universal pattern that can be found in the myths and legends of cultures all over the world. The structure consists of three main stages: the departure, the initiation, and the return. Each stage is further divided into several sub-stages.
Jane Austen
Jane Austen is one of the most famous authors of the 19th century. Her novels are known for their wit, social commentary, and romantic plots. While Austen’s novels do not follow The Hero’s Journey structure as closely as some other works of literature, there are still elements of the structure present in her novels.
Departure
In the departure stage, the hero leaves their ordinary world and sets out on a journey. In Austen’s novels, this stage is often represented by the heroine leaving her home and entering a new social world. For example, in “Pride and Prejudice,” Elizabeth Bennet leaves her home in the countryside and enters the world of the wealthy and aristocratic Mr. Darcy.
Initiation
In the initiation stage, the hero faces a series of trials and tribulations. In Austen’s novels, these trials often take the form of social obstacles. For example, in “Sense and Sensibility,” Marianne Dashwood must navigate the social expectations of her time in order to find love and happiness.
Return
In the return stage, the hero returns to their ordinary world, having gained knowledge and experience from their journey. In Austen’s novels, this stage is often represented by the heroine returning to her home and finding happiness. For example, in “Emma,” the heroine Emma Woodhouse returns to her home and finds love with Mr. Knightley.
J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter series, one of the most popular book series of all time. The Harry Potter series follows the journey of the hero, Harry Potter, as he battles the evil Lord Voldemort.
Departure
In the departure stage, Harry leaves his ordinary world and enters the wizarding world. This is represented by Harry receiving his letter to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Initiation
In the initiation stage, Harry faces a series of trials and tribulations, including battling Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters. Harry also learns about his past and his connection to Voldemort.
Return
In the return stage, Harry returns to the wizarding world, having defeated Voldemort and saved the wizarding world. This is represented by Harry returning to Hogwarts for his final year of school.
Comparison
While Austen and Rowling’s works are very different in terms of genre and setting, there are still similarities in the use of The Hero’s Journey structure. Both authors use the structure to explore the journey of their heroines, who face social and personal obstacles in order to find happiness and fulfillment.
However, there are also differences in the use of the structure. Austen’s novels are more focused on social commentary and romance, while Rowling’s novels are focused on adventure and fantasy. Additionally, Rowling’s use of the structure is more explicit, with Harry’s journey following the structure more closely than Austen’s heroines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Hero’s Journey is a narrative structure that has been used in literature for centuries. While Austen and Rowling’s works are very different, both authors use the structure to explore the journey of their heroines. While Austen’s use of the structure is more subtle, Rowling’s use of the structure is more explicit. Regardless of the differences, both authors use The Hero’s Journey to create compelling stories that resonate with readers.
