Using Mythic Structure of Campbell’s Monomyth to Analyze Spirited Away: A Heroine’s Journey

Authors

  • Meng-Hsuan Wu Department of Applied Foreign Languages, Chung Shan Medical University　
  • Ya-huei Wang Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31002/metathesis.v6i1.138

Keywords:

monomyth, the hero’s journey, self-individuation, initiation, transformation, regeneration

Abstract

This study intends to examine the stages of the hero’s journey based on the mythic structure of Campbell’s monomyth and use the monomyth to analyze how a ten-year-old girl, Chihiro, embarks on a journey to the supernatural world in Spirited Away. The study uses content analysis, a descriptive qualitative method, to analyze the monomyth: a departure–initiation–return journey covering seventeen stages. The monomyth involves metamorphoses and challenges that the heroine Chihiro encounters and explores her evolution during her transition to full autonomy in order to reach transformation and self-individuation. Chihiro, in order to rescue her parents, is destined to take the journey: to sink into darkness, the unconscious, and encounter her natural and primitive essence. By fighting against conflict or opposition, Chihiro, as a mythical heroine, completes her monomyth cycle and attains transformation and regeneration.

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Published

2022-05-23

How to Cite

Wu, M.-H. ., & Wang, Y.- huei . (2022). Using Mythic Structure of Campbell’s Monomyth to Analyze Spirited Away: A Heroine’s Journey. Metathesis: Journal of English Language, Literature, and Teaching, 6(1), 12–27. https://doi.org/10.31002/metathesis.v6i1.138

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2022): Metathesis: Journal of English Language, Literature, and Teaching

Section

Articles

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