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ARCHETYPES

ARCHETYPES. What is an archetype?. In literature, an archetype is a typical character, action, or situation that seems to represent universal patterns of human nature. Archetypes express shared cultural experiences or practices. They can be seen as a “universal symbol”

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ARCHETYPES

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  1. ARCHETYPES

  2. What is an archetype? • In literature, an archetype is a typical character, action, or situation that seems to represent universal patterns of human nature. • Archetypes express shared cultural experiences or practices. • They can be seen as a “universal symbol” • Popularized by Carl Jung, a psychologist who believed archetypes were a “collective unconscious”, or experiences shared by a cultural group or humanity as a whole. This includes many thematic topics such as: birth, death, love, struggle to survive, etc.

  3. Archetypal hero • Defining Hero: A figure who is larger than life. Struggles against evil in order to restore justice and harmony to society. Fights for what is right. Audience identifies with the hero. • Hero as Warrior: Powerful individual with a very strong determination and sense of right/wrong. Faces external challenges. Ex: Mulan. • Hero as Scapegoat: Hero suffers for the sake of others. Ex: Jesus • Hero as Lover: The journey/quest is motivated by true love. Ex: Prince Charming • Many heroes contain all 3 traits.

  4. Archetypal Villains • The character within the story whose main function is to, through any means, oppose the hero. The villain can also be the character whom the hero must defeat in order to bring justice. Ex Scar from The Lion King. • Most archetypal villains are representative of a particular sin or vice. Most often: greed, ambition, or wrath. • If a hero represents a particular virtue, the villain will be his/her inverse, or foil. • Archetypal villains often have a level of deception, or false grace towards the hero.

  5. A few more… • The Mother Figure – Can be seen as a “Fairy Mother”, or someone who guides the hero on his/her journey. Offers spiritual and emotional vitality. Ex: Glinda the Witch from Wizard of Oz • The Mentor – His or her task is to protect the main character, or to prepare the hero for his/her journey. The mentor makes sure the hero will be successful. Ex: Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings.

  6. Archetypal situations • The Journey – The protagonist/hero takes a journal where the destination may be physical, emotional, or spiritual, and understands his/her self and/or the nature of the world. Ex: Simba • The Initiation – The protagonist undergoes experiences that lead him/her to maturation and a “heroic” form. Ex: Disney’s Hercules. • The Fall – The protagonist falls from grace, or falls from his/her original intentions. Ex: Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Carribean.

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