The first chapter alone has had me recount all of the valuable information I learned back in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade English classes. My former teachers would be so proud to know that I now understand what they meant and expected when they told the class to analyze the text on a deeper level. Simple-minded middle school me may not have understood what was asked, but soon-to-be a high school senior me understands.
The topic of quests in literature and films have followed me since middle school. It began with learning the different plot setups on a basic level. Then the analysis became more intense once we reached Ancient Greek literature, in particular epic poetry, and Shakespearean writings. It was from this basis that I learned how common quests were for any novel or movie, not matter what the genre. Novels such as The Hobbit seemed to have connected with films like Spider-Man, even if the connection originally seemed far fetched.
One novel that I can finally understand the deeper meaning for is Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. Little 7th grade me is joyous at the fact that I can now claim to understand what my former teacher was asking of me without any question, even if it did take almost five years. The setup of the plot follows the quest formula quite well even with a few alterations in the form of plot twists. There are the questers, Meggie and Mo; the intended location which originally it was to Meggie's Aunt Elinor's home, but over time it changes to a secret village; the stated reason which was to fix a few old books;
challenges to be faced which were Capricorn, selfish and evil man, and his men; and of course the real reason for the journey, to end the torture in which Capricorn has inflicted upon Mo and his friends, as well as discovering that Meggie has the same abilities as her father.
Once I truly acknowledged this setup, it became so obvious how so many book series and movie franchises use this exact outline to make their novels and films major hits. The power that this plot setup has is evident in franchises and "fandoms" such as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Although both series started out as novels, they turned into full on hits that were able to be converted into films for all of the world to see. No one seemed to question what assisted the growth in popularity for the two franchises, but now it becomes clear that having a simple plot outline mixed in with witty and mythical characters as well as dramatic plot twists was something all readers and moviegoers could admit to be popular.
Now all I can do is laugh at how oblivious I was to the popularity of quests and enjoy that the previous five years of English are about to truly pay off.
