The return of the hero to his place of origin is, of course, one of the oldest and most widely used plot devices in literature, and it almost invariably involves a number of standard elements. The hero, traditionally male, must have achieved success on a level that those who knew him as a child would never have predicted. Returning home, he must feel a need to prove himself to those who hurt him before he left and is likely to be motivated to some extent by the need for revenge.

Upon catching sight of his home, he must feel some fear of returning, but he must overcome it and go forward.

He must be recognized by those who hurt him and they must be suitably impressed by how far he has risen.

Simultaneously, however, he must see them as much smaller and shabbier than they are in memory...