Archetypal/Symbolic Criticism

1. Archetypal/Symbolic Criticism By: Ryan Dixon, Noah Fink, Dan Godzieba, and Ben Ju

2. Definition Archetypal criticism is the interpretation of literary works through the archetypes used in their stories. Archetypes are recurring motifs such as symbols, patterns, and images that are influenced by culture and social psychology. They are seen as the traditional elements of a story off of which plots, characters, and literary devices are based.

3. Origins The formulation of Archetypal Criticism stems from the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, the protégé to Sigmund Freud. It is based upon Jung’s theorizations concerning the “collective unconscious”. This is considered to be the basis of instincts and the formations of archetypes, as all are supposedly aware of these archetypes. This criticism is predicated on judging a text and reviewing the text based upon its perceived archetypes represented in the work. These can be determined in themes, characters, principles, or symbols. Symbols are perhaps the greatest form of represented archetypes along with characters, as they give form and illustrate these archetypes better. This form of criticism is also known as Psychoanalytical Criticism based upon its foundations in Jung’s work

4. Character Archetypes 1. the chivalrous hero - the main character and protagonist of a literary work who often must complete a dangerous quest or task in order to achieve a personal goal, i.e. Odysseus, Beowulf, Hercules 2. the damsel in distress - usually involved in the hero’s quest and must be saved from some foreseeable peril, i.e. Snow White 3. the innocent child - this archetypal character represents a simple, innocent outlook on situations within a work, i.e. Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim

5. Character Archetypes 4. the heartless villain - evil character in a work who looks only to accomplish evil deeds and undermine the deeds of the hero, i.e. Grendel, Captain Hook 5. the great teacher or mentor - old man or woman who helps the protagonist by offering wisdom or other help when he or she faces a challenge, i.e. Mr. Miagi, Obi Wan Kenobi, Merlin

6. Archetypal Images - the serpent or snake - associated with power, corruption, and evil     - the desert - associated with hopelessness or powerlessness     - the garden - associated with paradise or innocence - a storm - associated with a feeling of foreboding, can be interpreted as an ominous sign

7. Works Cited “Archetypal Theory”. Basic Premises of Archetypal Theory. web. 9 September 2013.         [http://www.intech.mnsu.edu/bunkers/archetypal_theory.htm]      Brizee, Allen;Tompkins, J. Case. “Psychoanalytic Criticism” Purdue Online Writing Lab. web. 9September 2013. [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/722/04/]       Archetypal Criticism. Michael Delahoyde, n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.     <http://public.wsu.edu/~delahoyd/archetypal.crit.html>. Archetypes. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013. <http://www.hccfl.edu/media/724354/     archetypesforliteraryanalysis.pdf>. Archetypes and Archetypal Criticism. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.     <http://www.lebanon.k12.mo.us/lhs/faculty/croden/     archetypes%20and%20archetypal%20criticism.html>. Common Archetypes and Symbols in Literature. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.     <http://www.muhsd.k12.ca.us>.