The Heroine’s Journey — A Template for Writers

A Lunch and Learn Discussion with Kate Farrell for Women’s History Month 2024

Ever wonder why the movie Barbie was a “particular ripple in the universe” as Greta Gerwig, its screenwriter/director, described it? How did the movie appeal more than the average chick flick and become a runaway box office success, breaking records worldwide?

To many, Barbie, in its plot, characters, and tropes is the universal story of the feminine quest based on ancient folk and fairy tales. Barbie is to the heroine’s journey as Star Wars is to the hero’s journey.

Kate Farrell, author and storyteller will discuss the basic elements of the heroine’s journey and compare the Hero’s Journey models of Joseph Campbell and filmmaker Christopher Vogler to the Heroine’s Journey of Carl Jung, Marie-Louise Von Franz, and Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

In this interactive presentation, you’ll hear an age-old folktale of the feminine quest with an emphasis on its main characters, followed by prompts for a free write with time to share a few. We’ll compare iconic films with similar folktale characters like Barbie, Snow White, and the Wizard of Oz.

We’ll discuss how the modern experience for women reflects the basic plot elements of the feminine quest archetype and makes it relevant as a template for writers:

Treachery, Into the Wilderness, Return.

·      Treachery: Entanglements and Jealousies

·      Into the Wilderness: Escape and Initiation

·      Return: Recognition and Self Attainment