Blog Ten

I thought it would be interesting to compare Lilly’s story to the eight stages of the hero’s journey. Here is what I came up with:

1. THE CALL

She wakes up in the middle of the night, and hears the bees “speaking” to her, telling her to “go.” There is definitely a clear call.

2. THE THRESHOLD

Also defined as the “jumping off point,” I believe that the run-in that Rosaleen has with the men that beat her up could qualify as the threshold. This stands as the catalyst for Lilly to actually “go.”

Initiation and Transformation

3. THE CHALLENGES

There are plenty of these! Trying to find somewhere to go when she doesn’t even know where she’s looking is the first challenge she faces after the threshold, and T-ray coming after her is one of the last ones.

4. THE ABYSS

Also known as “the greatest challenge that must be faced alone.” Finding out the truth about her mother, Lilly must decide what the means for her.

5. THE TRANSFORMATION

After realizing the fantasies she has held about her mother for all of her life are untrue, the influence of the Boatwright sisters helps her realize that she has grown into an amazing young woman, even without her mother, and that finding out about her mother should not stunt her growth on this journey.

6. THE REVELATION

Lilly realizes that she has no desire to ever return to her old life, and that she belongs in the big pink house. The day of the picnick, everything seems to fall into place for this self-revelation to happen.

7. THE ATONEMENT

This happens when she finally places her hand over Mary’s heart. When she does this, she is at peace with herself.

8. THE RETURN

In Lilly’s case, the “return” is more of a choice to stay where she is. She returns to daily life, but it happens by her choosing to act on the feeling that she belongs where she is, and that she is accepted there.