Into the Abyss 2

See this illustration below; what do you believe it represents?  Some people might say two friends chatting casually, while others might guess a demented grandmother giving advice to her granddaughter.  But, judging from the sinister look of the woman and the horrified expression on the young lady's face, this image is obviously one of a dilemma.  However, it is this dilemma that I find most interesting in stories.

In Joseph Campbell's "A Hero's Journey" (a twelve-step outline of a basic pattern found in many narratives around the world), such predicaments are part of a category Campbell calls "Into the Abyss".  I am most intrigued by these dark portions of stories because one, I am an enthusiast of more morbid writing styles, and two, they give me the clearest sense of the characters of the heroes.  At this part of the story, the main character is at her lowest point - but it is how she chooses to act that tells me exactly what type of person she is.  For example, a hero that refuses to accept defeat and reverberates quickly with a plan shows that she is quick-witted, resourceful, and possesses a strong spirit.  On the other hand, a hero that starts thinking negatively or does not attempt anything to save herself is obviously much weaker in character.  The hero's reaction in a time of crisis can change my whole outlook on her, for I believe that the way people act in such times exposes their true dispositions. 

An example of this "abyss"is the capture of Dorothy in the movie The Wizard of Oz.  In this scene, Dorothy is abducted by the evil witch's flying monkeys and becomes imprisoned in a lonely cellar inside of the witch's lair.  She is given a meager amount of time until the witch will decide that she is done with Dorothy; thus, killing her.  While in the cell, Dorothy's mind is not only on escape, but also on her puppy and new companions (which results in Dorothy breaking down emotionally).  Even though Dorothy's comrades eventually do save her, her actions during that time of crisis showed what a genuine and emotional character she is.  Knowing that helps me understand the motives for her actions in the beginning of the movie, and also in the end.

Image Credit: darkmatters.org