The document provides an analysis of the film Pan's Labyrinth based on Joseph Campbell's monomyth structure. It summarizes the heroine Ofelia's journey, beginning with her call to adventure by the Faun to learn of her true identity as a princess in the underground realm. Ofelia must complete three tasks and overcome tests and challenges along her quest. The analysis notes differences from the traditional monomyth structure, such as the interaction between the real and fantasy worlds and mirrored "villains" and "moral authorities" in each.
2. The Meaning Statement
Pan’s Labyrinth differs from the original
monomyth by allowing the real & fantasy worlds
to interact, in order to demonstrate the inability
of the heroine to simultaneously exists and
answer to both worlds.
4. The Monomyth: Home
The Princess’s soul has
returned and is dwelling in
a human body.
Spain, 1944
Ofelia
Parents: Captain Vidal
(stepfather) & Carmen
(mother)
5. The Monomyth: Call to Adventure
The Faun tells Ofelia of
her true existence
In the Labyrinth
8. The Monomyth: Tests
1st test is placing the stones
in the belly of the giant
frog, in order to receive the
key.
2nd test is using the key she
received from the frog to
open one of three doors.
Also to abstain from eating
off the table of the pale
man.
13. Differences
1. The two worlds (real & fantasy) heavily interact with each other. Where as in the
traditional monomyth, the hero is stays in one world at a time.
2. Her birth home is actually the world she is called to for adventure.
3. There are ‘villain’ and ‘moral authorities’ in both world that mirror each other
Villains: Captain Vidal (real) & Pale Man (fantasy)
Moral Authorities: Mercedes (real) & Faun (fantasy)
4. Helpers in the fantasy cross over and help as well in the real world.
14. Strategies
Color
grays, blues, greens, all muted (real), golden &
red (fantasy)
Shape
straight/hard lines (real) & rounds/curves
(fantasy)
Object
keys, knives, doors, structure, & characters
15. Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think the post WWII setting was chosen?
2. What does the film say about “Blind Obedience?”
3. In what ways do Captain Vidal & the Pale Man relate
to each other?
4. Do you believe Mercedes effectively qualifies as a
helper?