REBIRTH: the basic plot behind Ordet Snow White and E.T.

Behind the Rebirth type of story one can find the same basic sequence:

1) a young hero or heroine falls under the shadow of the dark power;

2) for a while, all may seem to go reasonably well, the threat may even seem to have receded;

3) but eventually it approaches again in full force, until the hero or heroine is seen imprisoned in the state of living death;

4) this continues for a long time, when it seems that the dark power has completely triumphed;

5) but finally comes to the miraculous redemption: either, where the imprisoned figure is a heroine, by the hero; or, where it is the hero, by a young...