The Quest Pattern

• The quest pattern is a structure that has been used in a large number of stories spanning various centuries and genres.

• Ender’s Game follows the quest pattern and the independent novel you will be choosing will also follow the quest pattern. This pattern, and how the protagonist deals with his quest, will form the basis of your comparative summative essay.

Literary Theory

• Joseph Campbell– an anthropologistWhen studying myths of various cultures he

recognized similarities regardless of where the myths originated.

He dubbed this the “monomyth” the single story all humans share.

You should be able to recognize many stories you already know which are similar to the structures we will discuss.

Literary Theory

• Northrop Frye– literary critic

• He studies Archetypes.

• Archetypes represents the repetition of plots, characters, themes in literature.

• The Anatomy of Criticism

• Theory of Modes– super genres:

Stages in the Quest Pattern

• The Call/Special Qualities• New Territory• Road of Trials• Great Battle• Return• Reward

The Call/Special Qualities

• The protagonist is called onto his/her journey.

• The hero is the only one capable of fulfilling the task because of his/her special qualities.

• Often the hero’s origin contains elements of mystery or magic.

New Territory

• The protagonist has to venture into new territory in order to accomplish his/her task.

• The new territory could be a physical relocation or an emotional venture out of their comfort zone.

• Often the hero finds helpful companions along with the new territory.

• Crossing through forests or over water often is a metaphorical signal of the new territory.

Road of Trials

• The hero undergoes a series of trials on the path to the ultimate goal.

• These trials give the hero experiences or tools that will aid in the final battles.

• This is a journey of discovery for the hero often both physically and emotionally

The Great Battle

• This is the ultimate battle for the hero

• It isn’t always the battle the hero was anticipating

• The battle is the final challenge before the hero achieves his goal and often draws upon the previous challenges in a culmination of abilities and awareness

The Return

• The hero completes his/her tasks and is free to return to his/her origins

• Often the return is short-lived since the hero has undergone significant change while on his journey.

• An emotional return could consist of a reunion with someone, or returning to a previous emotional state (peace, contentment, etc)

The Reward

• The hero receives a reward for the completion of the task.

• Physical rewards– riches, freedom, etc.

• Emotional rewards– knowledge of self, true love, reunions, etc.

The Comparative Essay • Your essay will compare Ender’s Game to your

independent novel using the frame work of the quest pattern as your guide.

• It is not enough to just show that these books follow the quest pattern– we already know that.

• Your task is to compare the way the protagonist of the novel reacts to the quest. Are they aware of the quest? Are they willing or unwilling to venture on the quest? Are they manipulated into the quest?