to why Neo is there, and how he got there. His subversive techniques in his language and tone hint at a darker side, which becomes more evident later. Linda Seger’s article “Creating the Myth” illustrates how “the journey toward heroism is a process”(309). She first wants the reader to understand that most heroes’ start out as non-heroes (309). This can be applied to our larger than life hero of Neo. Usually, non-heroes are young and have a simple life, something comfortable. Our hero in The Matrix starts out as just a normal and average Joe who goes to work at 8:00a.m. and comes home at 4:00p.m. According to Seger, a catalyst is now introduced (310), as is done in this movie with Neo. He is contacted by Trinity who is the catalyst, which sets things in motion to bring the plot of the movie and the soon-to-be hero together. Neo is reluctant to leave his comfort zone; he can’t really accept everything because it’s all happened so fast to him. This follows the point of Seger that the hero will be reluctant (310). Seger then states that the hero will receive help (310); it is Neo being pushed by Morpheus that helps him realize his potential, and his importance to him. As Morpheus whups up on Neo in the martial arts sparring program, Neo realizes what he can do with the matrix and is “transformed” into the hero he needs to be to save the day. This transformation is shown by Seger to be an obstacle that must be passed so the hero can grow (310). The major test and obstacle mentioned by Seger to be the next step in the process of getting to the level of being a mythic hero (311). Neo has to get past the obstacle of Morpheus being taken by the Agents; this is especially bad for Neo because he was told this would happen. With the loss of Morpheus from the group, Neo feels that all is lost. This can be seen as the rock bottom as mentioned by Seger (311). Thankfully Neo hadn’t give...
