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Theory and Character
Using Campbell, Chickering, Marcia and Schlossberg to Analyze Literary Characters
Campell’s Model of the Hero’s Adventure
We have looked at how Campbell’s model reveals an underlying structure which focuses on: what begins a hero’s journey how the hero crosses the boundary into
new experience how tests (and helpers or guides) lead to
self-defining choice overcoming an ordeal Returning with something of value or
some knowledge the hero has earned
Tristran’s Story Fits the Model Well
Victoria’s challenge Crossing the wall into Faerie Meeting a series of tests (with various
guides and helpers) Surviving a climactic ordeal through
courage and wit Returning to Wall, but with a twist on
Campbell’s model
Just as we have been applying developmental theories to literature, we might apply Campbell’s literary theory to your own experience
Campbell’s Model and the First Year College Experience
Call to Adventure – your decision to come here Border Crossing – your initial experience of this new
environment (e.g. move in day, first weeks, etc.) Tests and Helpers or Guides – Aside from actual
exams, tests would be all the things you have to deal with – a roommate, college classes, budgeting time, budgeting money, being away from home, family and friends, etc. Guides might be professors, advisors, new friends, etc.
The ordeal might be a single event or an accumulation of the various tests
Return home at the end of the semester or year with new knowledge and insights about yourself
Developmental Theory and Literary Characters
Chickering’s Vectors Marcia’s Identity States Schossberg’s Transition Theory
All of these theories, which focus on emerging adult development, can shed light on literary characters who find themselves in transition
Chickering Developing Competence – Tristran discovers
his ability to know where anything is in Faerie; he also discovers a good deal about his wit, courage and decency, and ultimately leadership
Managing Emotions -Tristran learns a crucial truth about his feelings for Victoria and Yvaine
Moving Through Autonomy to Interdependence – Tristran accepts and gives assistance
Developing Mature Relationships – Shift in relationship with Yvaine, Victoria
Marcia Identity Foreclosure – Daisy and Dunstan
embrace the values of Wall (qualified by Dunstan’s experience in Faerie)
Identity Diffusion – Victoria has no idea nor any interest in discovering who she is (until the end at any rate)
Identity Moratorium – Like all questing heroes, Tristran spends most of the novel in this state searching for his true identity (and shaping it through his choices)
Identity Achievement –Tristran and Yvaine become who they are through their quest, adventures and choices. Even in sorrow, Yvaine knows who she is.
Schlossberg’s Transition Theory
Moving In – Tristran crosses the wall into Faerie; Yvaine falls from the sky
Moving Through Situation – a new environment with new
challenges Self – Tristran discovers abilities, wit, courage,
decency Support – from several characters: Dunstan,
the little hairy man, the unicorn, the tree nymph, the captain, etc.
Strategies – risk-taking; forming a partnership with Yvaine
Moving Out Tristran grows through experiences and
choices He goes from being marginal in Wall to
mattering a great deal in Faerie
Of course you can also apply Chickering’s Vectors, Marcia’s Identity States and Schlossberg’s Transition Theory to you own adventures as a first year college student
The point is that theories help us to read literature and reflect upon our own experiences and development
Literature can help us see patterns of development in our own lives
