1.
Identify at least 8 elements of the hero’s
journey in the story of Charlie Murray.
a. The
Ordinary world. Charles Patrick Murray Jr. was a son of a simple barber and
was living an ordinary life in North Carolina. He was studying Accounting and
was on his junior year at the University of North Carolina, USA right before
the World War II.
b. The
Call to adventure. When the war broke out, Charlie received a telegram to
serve his nation as member of the Armed Forces. When he was drafted, his college
education qualified him to be part of the Officer Candidate School.
c. Meeting the mentor. He was trained by the Military force
particularly to be an officer at the Officer Candidate School. His mentors were
the military officers. After the brief training, he received basic military
training and was given the rank 2nd Lieutenant.
d. The
Crossing of the threshold. He was sent to Europe in summer of 1944 where he
became a replacement as platoon leader of Company C of the 30th
Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. That was his first
exposure to combat.
e. The
Tests, Allies, Enemies. Charlie was an untested young officer but he fought
in war against 200 German soldiers single-handedly. In December 1944, he was wounded
and bleeding badly but he did not stop until his men were safe in position. He
even went back to his men after being treated for a very short time.
f. The Reward. Charlie was awarded the Medal of Honor for his individual
heroism. On May 7, 1945, the Germans surrendered. It was on July 5, 1945 when
the Medal of Honor was received by Charlie at the Salzburg Airport where 15,000
men of the 3rd Division marched in honor of him. He also received 3 Silver
Stars, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars with Valor device, and a Purple Heart.
g. The
Road back. Charlie was sent home on September 19, 1945 to see his family
and his wife before the school started. When he returned home, he was met by
his fellowmen with great anticipation and he received a hero’s welcome.
h. The
Return. When he came back to North Carolina, he picked up where he left
off. He went back to college and graduated with a degree in Accounting in 1946.
He became a legend before he was 25 years old and he continued to serve in the
military service.
2.
Why do you think this segment opens with a comic
strip version of Charles Murray’s story?
The segment
opens with a comic strip to keep the audience glued to the story. It is also
used to illustrate his great and admirable effect on the media during his time.
Just like the super hero stories of his time, his life story is comparable to
the fictitious world of heroic exploits which are told in comic strips.
3.
In what ways in the story of Charles Murray a
particularly American story? How does it fit in with this country’s folklore?
The story of the
life of Charles Patrick Murray Jr. exemplified the true values of humility and
bravery. It is patriotism in display coupled with his unique love and loyalty for
his soldiers. His heroism is truly an American story that shows persistence and
resilience against all odds just like the forefathers of the making of America.
4. If
the story of Charles Murray were to become a myth, what elements do you think
would be changed or exaggerated? Identify three of the seven archetypes that a
storyteller could incorporate to make the story more exciting.
a.
If the story of Charles Murray were to become a
myth, the character of Charlie, the setting, and the weapons would be changed
or exaggerated. Charlie would have supernatural powers such as the ability to
be bulletproof and extremely strong; the place of combat would be covered with
monstrous snakes and other beasts; and the weapons would be infinite in number
and capacity.
b.
Three of the seven archetypes that a storyteller
could incorporate to make the story more exciting would be: Overcoming the
Monster; Tragedy; and Rebirth. In addition to the 200 Germans, there would be
other obstacles such as monsters and beasts along the way or are fighting alongside
the Germans. Charlie would meet his death as he fight against the monsters and
his body would later be retrieved by his men. Finally, he would come back to
life more powerful and victorious.
