In order to analyze Anne-Marie’s role in Pauline Réage’s novel “The Story of O” within the framework of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey, we must first examine Campbell’s concept and the specific dynamics of the novel. Campbell’s hero’s journey, as described in “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” is a narrative archetype that describes a hero’s journey through various stages and encounters with other archetypal characters. In this blog post, I examine Anne-Marie’s role in relation to O, the protagonist, to determine which archetype she embodies.
In the context of the hero’s journey, O could be seen as the “heroine,” but her journey is unconventional: instead of striving for autonomy or self-realization, O strives for complete self-abandonment and submission. This reversal of the classic hero’s goal makes it difficult to assign archetypes, as the novel subverts the traditional hero’s journey.
What does “mentor” mean?
A mentor is usually an experienced person who supports another person (the mentee) with knowledge, advice, and support to help them develop personally or professionally. A mentor often imparts values, skills, or perspectives that help the mentee achieve a specific goal or find their way in a particular environment. In the context of “The Story of O,” one would have to examine whether Anne-Marie’s relationship with O meets these criteria or whether her role serves a different function, such as that of a strict teacher, supervisor, or mistress.
Anne-Marie’s role in “The Story of O”
Anne-Marie is a dominant, authoritarian figure who is introduced in the second part of the novel in Samois. She runs the Samois castle, where O is further introduced to her role as a submissive slave. Her actions include:
- Enforcing strict rules and punishments.
- The “training” of O, including physical markings such as branding.
- Preparing O for deeper submission, especially to Sir Stephen.
- An emotionless, functional relationship with O based on control and obedience.
Analysis of Anne-Marie’s role
- Teacher or supervisor instead of mentor?
Anne-Marie introduces O to the rules and practices of Samois. She explains the expectations, punishes O for breaking the rules, and supervises her “training.” However, her actions are less about care or personal development and more about enforcing a strict hierarchy and discipline. Unlike a traditional mentor, who often enters into a voluntary, supportive relationship, Anne-Marie’s role is highly authoritarian and coercive. She acts as the administrator of a system that leaves O with no choice but to submit completely. - Lack of emotional connection
A mentor often develops a personal connection with their mentee based on trust and mutual respect. However, Anne-Marie’s interactions with O lack any emotional warmth or empathy. Her relationship with O is functional and focused on fulfilling sadomasochistic principles. Anne-Marie shows no personal concern for O’s well-being, but focuses on forcing O into a predetermined role, which is more reminiscent of a strict mistress or instructor than a mentor. - The goal of “training“
A mentor often helps the mentee achieve autonomy or self-actualization. In “The Story of O,” however, the goal of Anne-Marie’s actions is the opposite: O is to completely surrender her own identity and autonomy in order to submit to the wishes of others (especially Sir Stephen). This dynamic contradicts a classic mentor-mentee relationship, as Anne-Marie does not lead O to independence or personal responsibility, but to complete self-abandonment. - Context of the novel
“The Story of O” is a work that deals with the themes of power, submission, eroticism, and self-abandonment. Anne-Marie’s role in this context is not designed to “promote” O in the sense of personal development, but rather to serve as a tool of the system that forces O into the role of absolute slave. Her actions, such as branding O or enforcing rules, are expressions of control and power, not mentorship in the traditional sense.
Alternative role attribution
Gatekeeper?
The gatekeeper, on the other hand, guards the transition into a new world or phase of the journey and presents the hero with trials to test their worthiness. Anne-Marie could be seen as a threshold guardian, as she introduces O to the deeper, stricter world of Samois, which represents a new phase in O’s journey. She oversees O’s transformation through rituals such as branding and ensures that O accepts the rules. Her strict authority and the trials she imposes fit well with this archetype. However, her role is not limited to the transition; she remains a permanent authority in Samois, which takes her beyond the mere function of a gatekeeper.
Shadow?
The shadow represents a dark or opposing force that challenges the hero. Anne-Marie is not a direct antagonist, as O accepts her subjugation voluntarily (albeit ambivalently). Nevertheless, one could argue that Anne-Marie is a kind of “dark mentor” or shadow figure, as she embodies the extreme aspects of the sadomasochistic world that demand O’s self-sacrifice. Her strict, emotionless control could be seen as a threat to O’s individual identity, which moves her toward the shadow archetype. However, she lacks the direct opposition that defines a shadow, as O accepts her role.
Goddess or ally?
These archetypes do not fit, as Anne-Marie offers no emotional or spiritual support and is not an ally in the classic sense. Her role is not designed to empower O, but to lead her into submission.
Trickster?
The trickster brings chaos or change, which does not apply to Anne-Marie. Her role is orderly and purposeful, with no playful or subversive elements.
Conclusion
Within Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey framework, Anne-Marie can best be described as a gatekeeper, as she introduces O to a new phase of his journey (the world of Samois) and imposes rigorous tests that test O’s devotion. Her authoritarian role and the rituals she oversees fit this archetype, even if she goes beyond the pure function of a gatekeeper.
The mentor archetype would be a possible but less fitting assignment, as Anne-Marie lacks the caring, supportive component of a mentor. Her role as a strict, emotionless authority figure who leads O into submission makes her a complex character who challenges Campbell’s archetypes, especially given the subversive nature of the novel.