1.

Call to Adventure:
The Ramayana- Rama is exiled for 14 years by his step-mother, Kaikeyi.
“”Only that for twice seven years, he wants me to go away and dwell in the forests, in
the company of saints, and derive all the benefits therefrom’”(46).
This quote is an example of the Call to Adventure because this action is what causes Rama to
begin his journey. It is because of Kaikeyi’s decision that he must abandon his life in Ayodhya.
This passage is a good representation of Indian values by using the characterization of Rama to
teach others that you should always listen to and respect your parents. Rama never says a
harsh word about his father or Kaikeyi, portraying the theme and belief that it is very important
to respect your elders. For this reason, there is no Refusal of the Call.

Legally Blonde- Elle Woods’ longtime boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, breaks up with her
because he feels that she is not serious enough. She decides to win him back and enrolls in
Harvard Law School.
“If I’m going to be a senator by the time I’m 30, I need to stop dicking around”
(00:6:45-00:8:40).
This quote is an example of the Call to Adventure because Warner dumping her is what
prompts Elle to apply to Harvard, setting up the whole movie and her journey. If Elle and Warner
had stayed together, she most likely would’ve gotten her fashion degree and never given
becoming a lawyer a second thought. This scene uses harsh diction to convey the type of
character Warner is relate to the stereotype that many young girls, especially those on the
“girlier” side face on a daily basis. The whole movie is set on combatting these judgements, and
this is one of the first examples of how they affect the people on the receiving end. Warner’s
comments lead Elle to prove him wrong.hi sebe

2. Crossing the Threshold

The Ramayana- Rama leaves the city of Ayodhya to begin his life of exile along with his
wife,Sita, and his younger brother, Lakshmana.
“While the followers slept, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana rode out to a farther point on
the river, crossed it, and went up the embankment. Sumanthra watched them go and
then turned back..”(55).
This quote is an example of Crossing the Threshold because it is at this point in the story when
Rama first crosses into the unknown. He doesn’t know what he is entering into, but seems
ready to begin his adventure. This passage uses the literary device of diction to convey the
dedication of Rama’s followers. Saying that Rama left while his followers “slept” implies that
they had to leave while they were unconscious, or else they would have continued to follow him
wherever he went. Also, in previous passages, the author uses words such as “wept” and
“grieving” to portray the complete, utter sadness the people of Ayodhya are experiencing at
Rama’s absence.

Legally Blonde- Elle leaves LA and arrives at Harvard. Once she gets there, she receives many
strange looks.
“‘This is our new house for the next three years!’” (00:20:52-00:21:04)
This scene is an example of Crossing the Threshold because Elle arrives in an unfamiliar place,
marking the territory between the known and the unknown. She has no idea what to expect from
law school, only that it will help her win Warner back. This scene uses imagery, audio, and
symbolism to portray the magnitude of the journey she is about to embark on, showing clips of
Harvard’s huge buildings, playing exciting, upbeat music, and people living the typical college
life. They also dress everyone else in mute, neutral colors, while Elle shows up in her hot pink
outfit. This not only shows her personal characterization, but sets her apart from everyone else
and symbolizes her differences. Her outfit foreshadows the struggles she will face throughout
the movie.

3. Road of Trials
The Ramayana- Rama and his companions are attacked many times while in the forest, and
Rama must endure much. During one of the trials, Sita is taken.
“At this, Ravana,...dug the ground under Sita’s feet, lifted it off with her, placed it in his
chariot, and sped away” (87).
This is an example of Road of Trials because Rama is faced with many hardships while in exile,
and Sita being taken is one of the worst things that could happen to him. This is a physical and
mental test that will force him to become stronger than he has ever been and prompt him to
carry on without Sita. This passage uses the literary device of conflict to further the plot and
force Rama to undergo major character development. This is a major turning point in the story
when Rama will “discover and assimilate his opposite either by swallowing it or by being
swallowed.” This also conveys a theme of loyalty.

Legally Blonde- Elle is not taken seriously by any of her teachers or classmates. They all treat
her like a dumb blonde who has no place at Harvard. Her nemesis and Warner’s new fiance,
Vivian Kenzington, constantly makes fun of her and tries to make her feel inferior.
“Oh, is this like an RSVP thing?” “No, it’s like a smart people thing”
(00:37:17-00:37:21)
This is an example of Road of Trials because it shows just one of the many times people
underestimate Elle and label her as a ditz. Every time she tries to make friends and present her
own knowledge and abilities, people disregard everything she says. This scene uses the literary
device of characters to show how everyone interacts with Elle. No one gives her much thought
and considers her a joke. This part of the movie highlights the struggles she must overcome.

4. The Temptress
The Ramayana- Rama encounters Soorpanaka, a demoness who has fallen madly in love with
Rama. She decides to disguise herself as a beautiful maiden and attempts to steal him away
from Sita.
“I love you madly. I’ll be your slave and make all other rakshasas your slaves. I can’t
survive without you. Have pity on me I’ll do anything you command” (70).
This is an example of The Temptress because Soorpanaka tries to do whatever she can to
attain Rama. She even attempts to kill Sita. If Rama were to marry Soorpanaka, it would distract
him of his goal and take him from his path. This passage uses the literary device of imagery to
show the lengths Soorpanaka would go to in order to make Rama love her. It also uses
characterization to show how love turns her into an obsessive fool.

4. Belly of the Whale

Legally Blonde- After Elle is hit on by Professor Callahan, she realizes that he only accepted her
into his internship program because he thought she was attractive. Feeling like she will never be
taken seriously, Elle decides to leave Harvard and return to LA.
“Are you hitting on me?” “You’re a beautiful girl… I’m a man who knows what he
wants” (1:15:09-1:15:18).
“What’s the point of staying, Paulette? All people see when they look at me is blonde
hair and big boobs. No one’s ever going to take me seriously” (1:17:07-1:18:00)
This is an example of Belly of the Whale because Elle feels completely hopeless. She has lost
faith in herself and believes that no one will ever see her as lawyer. Feeling misunderstood, she
decides to give up on her dreams and go back to LA. This scene uses the cinematic device
close-ups to show the character’s raw emotion. This really portrays the tone of the scene and
makes the viewer sympathetic towards the hero.

5. Atonement with the Father

The Ramayana- Dasaratha, Rama’s father, comes down from the heavens to speak with Rama.
He (Dasaratha) lets go of the pain of being forced to exile his son all those years ago. He is now
finally able to rest in peace.
“In the high heavens, Shiva encouraged Dasaratha to go down to the earth and
meet Rama...Dasaratha said, ‘This moment is one of supreme joy for me. For the first
time in all these years, my heart is lighter. The memory of the evil use that Kaikeyi had
made of my promise to her had stuck in my heart like a splinter and had stayed there.
Although I had shed my physical body, the pain had remained unmitigated—until this
minute. It is gone now. You with Sita are the primordial being and I was indeed blessed
to have begotten you as my son. This is a moment of fulfillment for me. I have nothing
more to say and I will go back to my world and repose there in eternal peace” (151).
This is an example of Atonement with the Father because Rama, after completely his exile,
longs to see his father, as he did not properly get to say goodbye to Dasaratha before he left.
Dasaratha is equally as excited to see his son. When they finally reunite, they both find an
internal peace which they did not have before. This passage uses the literary device of diction to
convey the harsh feelings Dasaratha once had for Kaikeyi and his current state of peace and
release.

5. Meeting with the Goddess

Legally Blonde- Elle is very distraught over her interaction with Professor Callahan and is about
to leave Harvard when she is met by her other professor, Professor Stromwell, who convinces
her to stay and continue her journey.
“If you’re going to let one stupid prick ruin your life, you’re not the girl I thought you
were”(1:18:00-1:18:42).
This scene is an example of Meeting with the Goddess because Professor Stromwell acts as a
woman of “mystical power” who offers aid. She provides Elle with confidence and reaffirms her
own determination. Professor Stromwell plays a major part in getting Elle out of the belly of the
whale. This scene uses the cinematic device of audio/sound to portray an upbeat, hopeful tone.
This tells the viewer that things are looking up for our hero.

6. Magic Flight
The Ramayana- Rama must get home quickly so he can meet his brother on their agreed upon
date. To aid his speed, Rama’s brother, Vibishana, gives him a magical vehicle that will
transport him and his companions to Ayodhya.
“Vibishana said, ‘I will give you the Pushpak Vimana. It was Kubera’s at one time;
later Ravana appropriated it for his own use. It will take you back to Ayodhya within
any time you may wish’” (152).
This is an example of Magic Flight because the introduction of this vehicle allows Rama to get
from one place to another very quickly. This creates an unreal passage of time and keeps the
plot progressing. This passage uses the dramatic device of props that allows for the
continuation of the story. Without it, the author would’ve had to write a whole other passage
describing Rama’s journey back to Ayodhya. It also conveys the Indian value of family once
more showing how Rama’s brothers will do and give him almost anything to help him.

Legally Blonde- After Professor Stromwell convinces Elle to stay, she suddenly appears at the
courtroom, having somehow found the time to concoct a plan with Brooke Taylor Windham
(Elle’s client).
“Excuse me, you’re in my way”(1:19:55-1:20:43).
This is an example of Magic Flight because, as stated previously, Elle suddenly shows up at the
courtroom, ready to defend her client. The directors/ screenplay authors decided that it was
important to the plot to not show the planning that went into Elle arriving at court, for it would’ve
slowed down the storyline quite a bit. This passage uses the cinematic device of audio to
convey a positive tone, definitely noting a turning point in the story. Elle has fully emerged from
the belly of the whale, coming out the other end stronger than ever. She is ready to defend her
client and put everything she’s learned to the test.

7. Apotheosis
The Ramayana- Rama has a huge battle with Ravana and finds that none of the objects his
enemy throws at him can hurt him. He is entering a god-like state and is temporarily invincible.
“Having exhausted his special weapons, in desperation Ravana began to throw on
Rama all sorts of things such as staves, cast-iron ball, heavy rocks, and oddments he
could lay hands on. None of them touched Rama, but glanced off and fell ineffectually”
(146).
This is an example of Apotheosis because Rama achieves a state of temporary godliness which
can only be achieved in this stage. He has already proved himself multiple times and now he is
experiencing his major “moment of triumph”. This passage uses the literary device of imagery to
show the lengths Ravana is going in attempts to defeat Rama. He throws “staves, cast-iron
balls, heavy rocks…” etc. Nothing he can get his hands on is able to defeat Rama in this god-
like state.
7. The Ultimate Boon
Legally Blonde- Elle discovers her potential and understands that she doesn’t need Warner to
be happy. She realizes her self-worth and goes forward to be at the top of her class.
“But if I’m going to be a partner in a law firm by the time I’m 30, then I need a boyfriend
who isn’t a complete bonehead”(1:27:48-1:28:32).
This is an example of the Ultimate Boon because Elle understands that, in the end, she doesn’t
need Warner, or anyone else for that matter, to make her happy. She has discovered a strength
within herself and uses the lessons she’s learned throughout the rest of her time at Harvard.
This scene uses the cinematic devices of close-ups and lighting to portray strong emotion and
personal triumph. The zoomed in camera angles create an emotional feeling, making the
characters’ facial expressions highly visible to the viewer. The lighting shows Elle walking off
into a “beam of light” and symbolizes her bright future.

8. Freedom to Live
The Ramayana- Rama returns home and claims his place on the throne. He has accepted that
his journey may never be over and this is only the beginning. He is now in control of his own
destiny and him and his companions have found inner peace.
"Shortly, Rama's Vimana arrived. Rama's mothers, including Kaikeyi, The reunion was
a happy one. The first thing that Rama did was to discard his austere garments. He
groomed and clothed himself as befitting a King, and he advised Sita to do likewise.
Vasishtha received the new King and Queen and fixed the hour for the coronation,
interrupted fourteen years before" (153).
This is an example of Freedom to Live because Rama has come full circle and is back in the
place where he began, only now he is more knowledgeable. He has forgiven those around him
and has not only accepted his place in the world, but is content with it. This passage uses the
literary device of imagery to show Rama’s acceptance of his station. Discarding his old clothes
and dressing like a king is the first step in his “rehabilitation” process. He is in control of his
future and has reached contentedness.

8. Master of Two Worlds

Legally Blonde- Elle wins her first case and graduates Harvard top of her class. She finds a
balance between her feminine personality and her traditionally masculine profession,
understanding that it is okay to be girly and smart simultaneously.
“Congratulations class of 2004. We did it!”(1:29:33-1:30:27).
This passage uses the literary device of dialogue to show Elle’s personality. After giving a very
serious, inspiring graduation speech, she ends it with her own personal flair. By squealing and
conveying her excitement in that way, she is letting her girlier, more feminine side shine
through.