Essay on Joseph Campbell Iron man

Words: 1777
Pages: 8

11 February 2014
The Fate of a Hero: Ironman The Modern Hero Stories of heroes have been told, written, and passed down since the beginning of time; each unique but following a tight pattern. Joseph Campbell was the first to notice this and wrote a book called The Hero With A Thousand Faces. Campbell wrote about the similarities of every hero’s journey while breaking it down into three steps: Departure, Initiation, and Return. In his book, Campbell compares many old Greek myths and heroic tales from centuries ago, and although he focuses on ancient myths, modern hero stories follow Campbell’s stages just as closely. Ironman is a prime example of a modern story that follows Campbell’s pattern. Tony Stark (Ironman) is an eccentric
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In Tony’s situation he experiences few issues since he is equipped with an indestructible suit. The film uses this step to put it several scenes of him absolutely demolishing terrorists and other small foes. Problems do occur between Tony and his lifelong friend Colonel Rhodes because the government isn’t okay with a man in an indestructible suit flying around blowing up bad guys. One other problematic matter Tony has is mastering the technology of the Ironman suit. Not only did Tony have to create and perfect the suit; he also had to learn how to fluidly move and operate its weapons. By the end of the film it is apparent Tony had mastered it. At this point in the hero’s journey Campbell predicts an experience or a meeting with a goddess or unconditional love. While Tony never meets a goddess he does fall for his secretary Piper. She does not possess any magical powers that can tempt or change Tony; however she turns the bachelor billionaire into a man that wants to settle down.
Now the hero has come to perhaps the most exciting part of his journey which Campbell labels the ultimate boon. The ultimate boon is the peak of the story when the hero finally triumphs. Every previous step was solely preparation for this step. Tony went on this journey to put an end to terrorists like the ones who kidnapped him, and also to stop his business from making destructive weapons just to have them fall into the hands of terrorist. Obidiah is Tony’s business partner who is profiting