The journal article analysis is The Monomyth in James Cameron’s The Terminator: Sarah as Monomythic Heroine. The article is aimed at a specialized audience, it is a step by step process of the film and how it follows through the monomyth process. As Palumbo (2008) points out, “Campbell defines the monomyth as that single ‘‘consciously controlled’’ pattern most widely exhibited in the world’s folk tales, myths, and religious fables” (p. 414). According to Campbell (as cited by Palumbo, D., 2008), “The hero is called to an adventure, crosses the threshold to an unknown world to endure tests and trials, and usually returns with a boon that benefits his fellows” (p. 414). The article gives a very detailed analysis of the film and the affects that Sarah, Reese, and the Terminator have on each other’s existence in the film.
The article continues with Reese and Sarah in the beginning they are both needed to continue the cycle of the monomyth. Later on Reese’s “characterization can be, and is, static throughout” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 415). Reese is an initial part of the story, “but Sarah ultimately saves herself” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 415). Sarah will have completed her transformation to a hero by the end of the movie.
Sarah must embrace her destiny and become a fighter to save the world. Reese volunteered to go back in time to save Sarah because of his obsession for her. The mission Reese accepted was a “suicide mission”, Reese’s statement was “I’d die for John Connor” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 417). Reese is a virgin when he makes love to Sarah and is classified as “the virgin father” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 416).
In Reese’s time period love does not exist, so he sacrifices himself for his love of Sarah. The entire outcome of the movie is really based on Reese being Sarah’s lover and siring John Connor to destroy Skynet in the future. The article jumps to the conclusion of the movie and refers to the photograph of Sarah pregnant and how much they loved each other.
The article goes back to the beginning of the film and talks about the other two Sarah Connors and Sarah’s roommate that was murdered. Sarah refuses to accept her destiny at this point. The article now refers to the “sphere of rebirth” where Reese travels back to 1984 to protect Sarah (Palumbo, 2008, p. 419). The objectives of each character is given at this point; the Terminator is to kill Sarah Connor and Reese is to protect Sarah Connor.
The article goes back to the beginning of the film and refers to the future as hell on Earth; the machines are in control as they walk over human skeletons and crush them. As Palumbo (2008) points out, “Reese is literally killed in the explosion that dismembers the Terminator in the automated factory, while Sarah is crippled when a large hunk of shrapnel from the partially demolished robot then pierces her thigh” (p. 420). Before this happens the Terminator’s outer skin is eliminated by an exploding tanker semi, the Terminator is now a “metal skeleton” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 420).
Once Sarah enters the factory, she is able to lure the Terminator over to her and crushes the metal skeleton killing the Terminator. The article now refers back to the beginning where Reese and the Terminator “both must then acquire clothing, firearms, and transportation as well as locate Sarah” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 421). They both use different techniques to accomplish this goal.
The writer talks about the meeting between Reese and Sarah, Reese having “his sole sexual experience” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 422). The transformation of Sarah from beginning to the end of the film. Reese and Sarah both shared the adventure with “mutual conception of John” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 422). Skynet seals its own fate by attempting to kill John before he is conceived; the result was the defeat of Skynet.
The finale of the film indicates that Sarah is accepting her destiny as a hero. This is accomplished by the photo that was taken of Sarah and her dogs in Mexico. This was later given to Reese and thus completes the circle of events that complete the movie.
The article jumps around quite a bit. The article goes from Reese protecting Sarah from the Terminator, the deaths of people with the name of Sarah Connor, and back to Reese going through time travel. The main ideas are clearly presented. The text was easy to read, giving the entire breakdown of the story line.
There are two key ideas I am taking away from this article. The detailed breakdown of a film using the monomyth process, and how a character develops over a particular time and switches roles towards the end of the film, from being a waitress to becoming the “monomythic heroine” (Palumbo, 2008, p. 415).
References
Palumbo, D. (2008, June). The Monomyth in James Cameron’s The Terminator: Sarah as Monomythic Heroine. The Journal of Popular Culture, 41(3), 413-427. Retrieved September 30, 2008, from OhioLINK Electronic Journal Center.
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12 comments:
I would have to say that I really enjoyed reading your analysis. The backstory to the terminator series has always been interesting and the way the story comes full circle is great. Reading your analysis and discussion I can follow through the film and see the changes in the character.
After reading your article I really needed to read your analysis in order to make sense of it. The article was hard to follow but after reading your interpretation I was better able to understand it. I have to admit I have watched the terminator but it has never really appealed to me. I think your analysis was excellent and you did a good laying out what the author was getting at.
I found your article interesting. I have never really watched too many movies but I have seen this one several times. I never really thought of the movie in this way. It was just another action film to me. It is interesting to see it broken down following the monomyth analysis. I'm glad I just watch movies for relaxation instead of analyzing them. If I analyzed movies this way I would never enjoy any of them.
Todd,
This article is a great example of the monomyth. It did outline the entire process of what the monomyth portrays. The articles gave a detailed description as to how the character of Sarah develops and eventually becomes a heroine. I too agree with the fact that your analysis made understanding the article a little easier. Great analysis!
I liked the Terminator film and agree with the article that the journey of Sarah was that of a hero in this film. I like action films and this film was full of on the edge of your seat. In describing this article I agree that it appeared to jump around alot and made it harder following your analysis as a result.
I have not followed the Terminator films this closely, but I have seen them all. This article and your analysis do a good job of pointing out all of the necessaries for the Monomyth. Though the article is hard to follow, I read it again and the basis for the monomyth were more apparent. I suppose if I were to watch the film again it would make more send. I was not aware that the plot line was this involved and intense. Sarah does appear as the heroin at the films end, but I like the articles reference to the presence of Reese as an essential to the monomyth and that he played a key role in many of the necessaries.
I have to admit that I have never seen the Terminator series. I really enjoyed your blog and after reading the article and your blog I feel the sense of renting them and watching them. I know we are suppose to critique your analysis but it was great and very detailed. Excellent job Todd!
Todd, you did a good job of giving a thorough analysis. It made me want to go back and watch the movie so I can recognize the things you discussed in your paper. I also liked how your article analyzed the monomyth seeing as how that is something that we recently learned about in class.
I don't think I have ever seen any of these movies because I am not a blood and guts fan. But your article is a classic example of monomyth evaluation. You did a good job breading down the article. I think I was able to get more from your evaluation than I did reading the article itself.
I really enjoyed reading your analysis. I have not really been a huge fan of terminator, but I really like the different point of view. I was also not involved that the plot was this in depth... I just thought it was another gruesome action robot movie.
Todd, Like many of the others I am not a big terminator fan,but I have seen them. I never really thought of how the story line in this way. You article and analysis tied somethings together for me that I was not clear on before. Good Job:)
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