what was the refusal to call in spiderman

What Was the Refusal to Call in Spider-Man? Understanding His Hero’s Journey

by

In storytelling, the “Refusal of the Call” is a stage in the Hero’s Journey where the protagonist hesitates or declines the initial call to adventure, often due to fear, insecurity, or a sense of inadequacy. In various Spider-Man narratives, this theme manifests differently, reflecting the unique circumstances and character development of each version of the hero.

Refusal of the Call in Spider-Man Narratives

  1. Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002): In this film, Peter Parker’s refusal is subtle. After gaining his powers, he initially uses them for personal gain, participating in wrestling matches to earn money. His reluctance to embrace the responsibility that comes with his abilities leads to a pivotal moment where he allows a thief to escape, indirectly resulting in Uncle Ben’s death. This tragedy propels Peter to accept his role as Spider-Man.

  2. Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man (2012): Here, Peter’s refusal is portrayed through his uncertainty and misuse of his newfound powers. He initially uses them to confront a school bully, showcasing a lack of direction. It is only after Uncle Ben’s death, a consequence of Peter’s inaction during a robbery, that he begins to understand the weight of his responsibilities.

  3. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018): Miles Morales exhibits a clear refusal after acquiring his powers. Confused and frightened by the changes, he denies his potential, feeling unworthy of the Spider-Man mantle. This hesitation persists until personal loss and mentorship from alternate universe Spider-heroes inspire him to embrace his role.

Thematic Significance

The “Refusal of the Call” in Spider-Man stories underscores the internal struggle between the desire for normalcy and the moral imperative to use one’s gifts for the greater good. This reluctance humanizes the hero, making their eventual acceptance of responsibility more impactful and relatable.

FAQ

1. What is the “Refusal of the Call” in storytelling?
 It’s a stage in the Hero’s Journey where the protagonist hesitates to embark on the adventure due to fear or doubt.

2. How does Peter Parker refuse the call in the 2002 Spider-Man film?
He initially uses his powers for personal gain and fails to stop a thief, leading to Uncle Ben’s death.

3. What causes Miles Morales to refuse the call in Into the Spider-Verse?
Miles feels overwhelmed and unworthy of his new abilities, leading to self-doubt and hesitation.

4. Why is the “Refusal of the Call” important in Spider-Man narratives?
It highlights the hero’s internal conflict, making their journey toward accepting responsibility more compelling.

5. How does the refusal stage affect character development in these stories?
It allows the protagonist to confront personal fears and grow, leading to a more profound transformation into a hero.