The Hero's Journey Sparknotes

The Hero’s Journey W.P. Inman, the main character of Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier, undergoes a transformation during his Hero’s Journey. After being hospitalized from a bullet to the neck, Inman leaves through the hospital physically and spiritually wounded. Eventually, Inman begins his journey back to his hometown, Cold Mountain. The author wrote the novel through the critical lenses of archetypal criticism, often drawing parallels to Homer’s Odyssey (“Cold Mountain as a Spiritual Quest”). However, throughout the novel, Inman’s Hero’s Journey becomes more spiritual than physical as he heads back to the heavenly mountains. Charles Frazier was born on November 4, 1950 in Asheville, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his bachelor’s degree, Appalachian State University for his master’s degree and the University of South Carolina for his doctorate. He attended college for a total of thirteen years. He met his wife while studying at Appalachian State University, and later, they both became professors at North Carolina State University. After dedication many years to education, …show more content…
The Hero begins in his or her journey in the ordinary world, unaware of any problem. Eventually, the Hero becomes pressured in life to face a major change. Generally, the Hero refuses the change. A mentor can take shape as a person, training, or equipment. The role of a mentor is to inspire or motivate the Hero across the threshold. After crossing the threshold, the Hero will face enemies, tests, and ultimately create allies. The Hero and allies together approach the challenge until the novel hits the climax. At that point, the Hero must face death alone. If the Hero succeeds, he or she will seize the reward, and begin traveling back. While traveling back, the Hero, once more will face a last sacrifice. Finally, the Hero returns home with the