Neo’s Heroic Journey in The Matrix: 02 Refusal of the Call

The hero’s journey is a narrative pattern that has been used in storytelling for centuries. This pattern was famously studied and popularized by the mythologist Joseph Campbell, who wrote about it in his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” In this book, Campbell discusses the journey of the hero, which includes several stages. One of the stages is the “refusal of the call,” which is the third stage of the hero’s journey. This stage is where the hero initially refuses to accept the call to adventure, usually due to fear or doubt.

In the 1999 movie “The Matrix,” the character Neo (played by Keanu Reeves) goes through a hero’s journey, and the “refusal of the call” is a crucial part of his story. Neo is a hacker who is searching for answers about the mysterious Matrix, a virtual reality world that has enslaved humanity. He is approached by Morpheus (played by Laurence Fishburne), a leader of the resistance against the Matrix, who offers Neo the opportunity to join the fight against the machines.

The “call to adventure” for Neo comes in the form of a message from Morpheus, who tells Neo that he is the one prophesized to save humanity from the machines. However, Neo initially refuses to accept this call. He is skeptical of Morpheus’ claims and is afraid of the unknown. Neo is content with his current life, and the idea of leaving it behind to join the resistance seems too risky.

Neo’s initial refusal to accept the call is understandable. He is a young man who has only known life inside the Matrix. He has a comfortable existence, with a job, friends, and hobbies. The idea of leaving everything behind to join a group of rebels fighting against an unknown enemy is daunting. Neo is also skeptical of Morpheus’ claims about the Matrix and his role as the chosen one. Neo is a rational person who needs proof before he can believe something, and Morpheus’ claims seem too fantastical.

However, Neo’s reluctance to accept the call also reveals his fear and self-doubt. He is unsure of his abilities and is afraid of failure. Neo is also hesitant to leave his comfort zone, even if it means fighting for a cause that he believes in. This fear and doubt are a common theme in the hero’s journey. The hero must overcome these obstacles to become the person they are meant to be.

Neo’s journey to accept the call is a long and arduous one. He seeks out advice from trusted friends, including his mentor Trinity (played by Carrie-Anne Moss), who encourages him to believe in himself. He also receives guidance from the Oracle, a wise woman who helps Neo understand his destiny. The Oracle tells Neo that he is not the chosen one, but rather he must choose himself to become the one.

Neo’s journey to accept the call is also fraught with danger. He is pursued by agents of the Matrix, who are determined to capture him and prevent him from joining the resistance. Neo also faces a test of his abilities when he is asked to jump from one building to another, a feat that seems impossible but that he accomplishes when he believes in himself.

Finally, Neo is faced with a choice. He can either accept the call and join the resistance or continue living in his comfortable existence. Neo chooses to accept the call, but not without acknowledging his fear and doubt. He tells Morpheus that he does not know if he can be the one, but that he will try. This acceptance of his limitations and his willingness to try despite them is a crucial part of his character development.