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Meaning & use

refusal of the call

phrase·Advancedliterary

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UK/rɪˌfjuːzl əv ðə ˈkɔːl/
US/rɪˌfjuːzl əv ðə ˈkɔːl/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseliterary

    In storytelling, the moment when a hero is asked to begin a great task but hesitates or says no.

    Grammar: Used as a singular countable idea: 'the refusal of the call comes early in the film.'

    Patterns

    • the refusal of the call
    • a refusal of the call
    • stage of the refusal of the call

    In many adventure stories, the refusal of the call shows that the hero is afraid.

    The refusal of the call usually ends when a mentor pushes the hero to act.

    Critics say her novel skips the refusal of the call and starts the journey immediately.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    A person's or group's decision to turn down an invitation, offer, or duty.

    Grammar: This looser, non-technical use still treats the phrase as a unit: 'his refusal of the call surprised everyone.'

    Patterns

    • someone's refusal of the call
    • refusal of the call to do something

    His refusal of the call to join the board was polite but firm.

    The committee's refusal of the call for new elections angered the crowd.

Common combinations

the refusal of the call stage
The refusal of the call stage often comes right after the hero learns of the danger.
a classic refusal of the call
His doubts make a classic refusal of the call.
overcome the refusal of the call
A good mentor helps the hero overcome the refusal of the call.
the hero's refusal of the call
The hero's refusal of the call lasts only one scene.

Synonyms and how they differ

reluctance
This is a general feeling of not wanting to act, while 'refusal of the call' names a specific story moment.
hesitation
Hesitation is a brief pause before acting; the refusal of the call is a fuller, more deliberate rejection.

Opposites

acceptance of the call

Word family

refuse verb
To say no to something or someone.
refusal noun
The act of saying no.

Commonly confused: refusal of the call or call to adventure?

refusal of the call vs call to adventure

This is the invitation itself, while the refusal of the call is the hero's negative response to it.

Practice

In story theory, what does 'the refusal of the call' describe?

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