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Archetypal Criticism

Archetypal Criticism. Applying a Critical Lens. Archetypal Criticism. Archetypal criticism and analysis of a work is one of the most common forms of literary analysis. Understanding archetypal criticism requires a little knowledge of the basics. Archetypes.

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Archetypal Criticism

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  1. Archetypal Criticism Applying a Critical Lens

  2. Archetypal Criticism • Archetypal criticism and analysis of a work is one of the most common forms of literary analysis. • Understanding archetypal criticism requires a little knowledge of the basics.

  3. Archetypes • Archetypal criticism focuses on patterns in a literary work that commonly occur in other literary works. These patterns include persistent images, figures, and story patterns shared by people across diverse cultures. Archetypal critics are also interested in certain myths and rituals that recur in a wide variety of cultures.

  4. What is an archetype? • An archetype is a pattern from which other, similar things can be developed. It is a kind of “original model.” For example, the Flood is an archetypal image that exists in myths across many cultures. • In archetypal criticism and analysis, archetypes are identified in many forms. Character types, situations, symbols and colors can all be considered archetypes.

  5. Carl Jung • Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung believed that these archetypes existed in the collective unconscious. He based this assertion in part on the fact that there are images, character types, settings and story patterns that existed across cultures. • He suggested that this collective unconscious is not directly knowable and is a product of the shared experiences of our ancestors. This is why archetypal criticism is often discussed in psychological terms.

  6. Jungian Criticism: • Jung theorized that all humans carry archetypes (universal images and patterns) in our individual and collective unconscious

  7. Primordial and Universal • Jung believed that the collective unconscious and its contents are primordial. That is, we, as individuals, have these archetypal images ingrained in our understanding before we are born. • Jung also believed that these archetypes are universal, which is why they can be found all over the world and throughout history.

  8. Archetypal Criticism • Archetypal criticism therefore seeks to identify and analyze the presence and variance of recognizable archetypes in works of literature. • These archetypes are said to be identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature, as well as myths, dreams and even ritualized modes of social behavior.

  9. Jungian Quest: • Assumes that the monomyth of the Quest underlies archetypal images • Hero forced to leave comfortable surroundings and venture in an unfamiliar, new world filled with new challenges • Meet wise old man who helps out with guidance and advice • Barrier tests the fledgling hero (tends to separate familiar world from unfamiliar)

  10. Jungian Quest (cont’d): • Adventures along the way – tests to prove the hero is worthy, training to prepare for final showdown • Ultimate showdown with father figure • Hero returns, ready to take his place as an adult, responsible member of society, often symbolized by marriage • Father (or mother) figure overthrown; hero takes the place of parent

  11. Familiar world Threshold Land of adventure Jungian Criticism: Home Bestow wisdom Call (At first, the call is often refused) Guide Crossing Return Adventure Initiation

  12. Archetypes on Parade There are a number of identifiable archetypes in literature, art and film spanning centuries. The following slides present some of the most easily recognizable archetypes in character, situation and symbol.

  13. Hero/Heroine Sidekick/Helper Villain Wise Sage Outcast Oracle Caring Mother/Earth Mother Mad Scientist Femme Fatale “Don Juan” Star-Crossed Lovers Witch/Shrew Underdog Stern Father Damsel in Distress Some Archetypal Characters

  14. The task/trial The journey The quest The loss of innocence The initiation Apocalypse/end of the world Pursuit of revenge Descent into the underworld/heavenly ascent Searching for father Damsel in distress Banishment of the prince Situations

  15. Water Blood Death/Birth/Rebirth Ashes Caverns Fertility Symbols (male and female) Fire Rose Snake Feast Ruined Tower Fall from a Great Height Some Symbols/Colors/Situations

  16. Archetypal Critical Questions • What images, symbols, figures, are present that are present in other literary works? • What myths, dreams and even ritualized modes of social behavior are present?

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