Final answer:
Joseph Campbell's comparison of the hero's journey to dying symbolizes the metaphorical death and rebirth that the hero experiences, leading to a transformation of self, which is a central aspect of the Monomyth. Real-life examples of individuals confronting their mortality, like Randy Pausch, mirror this element of profound personal growth and reflection.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Joseph Campbell compares the hero's journey to dying, he is referring to the metaphorical death that the hero must experience as part of their transformation. This 'death' can be seen as the dying of the hero's former self, their ego, or their previous way of life, making way for the rebirth of a new identity or consciousness that arises from the challenges and trials of the journey. This process of death and rebirth is an essential phase in Campbell's concept of the Monomyth, which is a universal pattern that many myths from various cultures follow, where the hero embarks on an adventure, faces a decisive crisis, wins a reward, and then returns home changed or transformed.
The reference to literal dying can also be understood through examples such as Randy Pausch's last lecture or the teachings of Socrates before his death, where the confrontation with the end of one's physical life brings about a profound reflection on the meaning and purpose of living. Similarly, the hero's journey is a process of profound personal growth and self-discovery, often brought about by facing and overcoming one's deepest fears and challenges, akin to facing one's own mortality.