Initiation :Initiation The literary theme of initiation


Defined :Defined Initiation Theme


Initiation :Initiation An initiation story may be said to show its young protagonist experiencing a significant change of knowledge about the world or him/herself, or a change of character, or of both, and this change must point or lead toward an adult world.


Initiation :Initiation The most significant initiations occur as one grows from child to adult; however, initiation is not solely reserved for the young. As people enter different stages of life, various initiations occur. Many initiations have little to do with age.


Initiation :Initiation Initiation may or may not contain some form of ritual, but it should give some evidence that the change is likely to have permanent effects.


Initiation theme: :Initiation theme: What is the theme of initiation when applied to literature?


Initiation theme: :Initiation theme: In Literature, look for… when the protagonist grows towards or is initiated into adulthood When the protagonist learns certain lessons or realizes certain truths about life Several variations on the initiation theme exist


Variations :Variations Initiation Theme


Initiation = Exposure :Initiation = Exposure This type of initiation is a disillusioning process in which the protagonist discovers the existence of evil This type of initiation is commonly depicted as a confrontation of innocence with guilt/atonement It is sometimes presented as a shocking experience


Initiation = Maturity :Initiation = Maturity The initiation process results in the protagonist gaining insight and experience The protagonist’s experience is generally regarded as an important step towards maturity


Initiation = Loss of Innocence :Initiation = Loss of Innocence This type of initiation involves the protagonist experiencing something previously taboo or reserved for adults The loss of innocence may involve temptation to engage in a new activity? sex, intoxication, abuse, crime, independence etc…


Initiation = Loss of Innocence :Initiation = Loss of Innocence The protagonist’s loss of innocence is often compared to the biblical “Fall of man.”


Initiation = Loss of Innocence :Initiation = Loss of Innocence The loss of innocence approach presents a duality in the initiation process: the loss of innocence is a hurtful but necessary experience in gaining one’s identity (one must lose in order to gain).


Initiation = Belonging :Initiation = Belonging Initiation as belonging is the sociologic aspect of initiation. This means, that by an initiatory experience (during which rules, duties and manners of behavior are learned), the protagonist can become a full member of an existing society.


Initiation = Belonging :Initiation = Belonging Initiation as belonging to a group often involves a public ceremony, game, or ritual. Young Goodman Brown’s presence at the altar in the forest marks his initiatory experience (which he ultimately rejects)


Initiation = Independence :Initiation = Independence In contrast to initiation as belonging to a larger group, assertion of independence is a private initiation The process of self-discovery and self-realization causes the protagonist to separate himself from the larger group


Initiation = Independence :Initiation = Independence Independence focuses upon one’s differences—it results in the protagonist taking a stand against the larger group. Sammy’s quitting his job could be viewed as his taking a stand and asserting his own values rather than conforming and following the expected route.


Plots and Events :Plots and Events Common experiences that indicate initiation


Stages of Initiation :Stages of Initiation Many initiation stories present a three-part structure The 3-part structure includes the three stages of: Innocence Experience Maturity


The Journey :The Journey Stories that present a journey often include initiation The aspect of movement plays an important role in many stories dealing with the initiation theme. Often, the inner process of initiation, the gaining of experience and insight, is depicted as a physical movement, a journey.


The Journey :The Journey The initiation journey reflects the 3-part structure: Innocence: protagonist leaves home (the secure place of childhood) Experience: protagonist is confronted with new situations, places and people on his journey Maturity: protagonist returns home as a `new person,' in a more mature state of mind


The Desire for Justice :The Desire for Justice The desire for justice often involves the protagonist witnessing an injustice and eventually deciding to expose or correct the problem Innocence – the protagonist accidentally encounters an injustice where he/she previously felt secure Experience – the protagonist observes others’ reactions and/or empathizes with the victim(s); struggles with decision about how to help Maturity – the protagonist takes some action (either aggression or withdrawal) that he/she feels is morally right; feels there is no other choice


Declaration of Allegiance :Declaration of Allegiance A declaration of allegiance is a public statement or action in which the protagonist embraces an ideology and declares him/herself a member of a group


Declaration of Allegiance :Declaration of Allegiance The declaration of allegiance may involve patriotism, war, faith, religion, fraternity/sorority, vocational commitment, confidentiality, friendship… The traditional 3-part innocence? experience ? maturity structure also applies to stories of allegiance


Challenge & Accomplishment :Challenge & Accomplishment Stories of challenge and accomplishment initiate the protagonist in terms of confidence and ability The protagonist, sometimes after several failures, manages to achieve a goal or victory.


Challenge & Accomplishment :Challenge & Accomplishment Challenge and accomplishment leading to initiation usually includes the defeat of some impediment, such as fear, doubt, ignorance, or weakness (physical/mental/emotional).


Reformation :Reformation Sometimes, a misguided protagonist will fail to achieve maturity or true understanding of the world until he/she reforms from evil-doer to productive citizen


Reformation :Reformation A reformed protagonist may have an epiphany—caused by an external catalyst or simply as a result of deep/long-term thought—that he/she is “on the wrong path” in life


Reformation :Reformation A protagonist may declare him/herself to be “reborn” Reformation can be accompanied by religion, therapy, aging, a physical injury/alteration, major loss, a second chance, sudden good fortune, a severance of ties…


Education :Education Education or learning is a factor in many initiation stories, but education/learning is sometimes an initiation itself Knowledge brings enlightenment, but too much knowledge can lead to pessimism, anxiety, shame, temptation


Education :Education What we are taught and how, along with who teaches it and when, controls whether learning is merely acquisition of knowledge or an initiation that changes us permanently.


Many stories contain initiation… :Many stories contain initiation… Watch for this theme/idea! End of presentation.