Archetypes to Kill a Mocking Bird

Maria Ramos, Period 6

Character

Atticus Finch

Scout

Jem

“Boo” Radley

Bob Ewell

Dill

Miss Maudie

Tom Robinson

Calpurnia

Archetype Function

He is the Mentor because he is an older wiser teacher, serving as a role model. He is one of the few residents of Maycomb who is not racist and believes in equality, which serves as an example for his children. He teaches scout how to see in other people’s perspective instead of only her own.

She is the Hero of this novel. As the narrator and the protagonist she eventually develops a more mature point of view and learns how to see in other people’s perspective. She also learns to appreciate the goodness in people.

He is the Loyal Retainers because as Scout’s older brother he is there by her side, but soon enters adolescence and has to deal with much injustice throughout the novel.

In the novel, he is the Outcast because he is a good person, but in the eyes of mankind he is evil. He is a good person leaving presents for the children and saving their lives in a time of need, while being though of as a monster.

He is The Shadow because Atticus must struggle against him in a trial where he accused Tom Robinson for raping his daughter, while knowing this was a false statement. He represents ignorance, racism, poverty, and injustice.

He is the Friendly Beast because he is Scout’s companion throughout the novel. He represents innocence of a child and the protagonist’s best friend.

She has the Mentor- Pupil Relationship with the children. As the Finches’ neighbor, she acts as a friend and also has a passion for justice.

He is the Scapegoat in the novel because he is accused of something he didn’t do and is a symbol of the “mockingbird” for being innocent.

She is the Platonic Ideal because she lets the children in on her black community, giving them much knowledge and inspiration.

Situation

Having Boo come out, to be seen and saving the children from Ewell

Scout and Jem maturing throughout the novel, and growing up

The death of Tom Robinson, an innocent man

The trial of Atticus vs. Ewell

Archetype Functions

This is The Quest because this is where everything changes, no matter how people used to see Boo Radley, he was always a good person and always wanted to watch out for anyone trying to attack the children. With no children of his own, he feels that he has to take care of someone he cares deeply about. He had a quest to save their lives, and that is what he did.

This is an example of the Initiation in the novel. The children become adolescents throughout the novel, growing up and being able to see from different points of view. “Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough.” This is an example of how she soon realizes she can now see in other people’s perspectives.

This is the Death and Rebirth situational archetype because as an innocent man he did not deserve to die. Just as a quote in the novel states “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy... but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." Tom Robinson was nothing but a good man with a good family and true values, just as a mockingbird.

This is The Battle between Good and Evil. The trial was against Tom Robinson raping the daughter of Bob Ewell and Atticus Finch was defending Tom. Even though Ewell clearly knew that it was a false statement, he was still risking getting an innocent man killed just for the benefit of him winning the trial. He knew it was going to be easy because Tom Robinson is black. He is an example of evil and Atticus of good, defending the innocent man, and not worrying if people judged him for defending a black man. "It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived." He set a great example for Scout and Jem.

Symbolic

Jem and Scout being followed in the darkness by a shadow

Appearance vs. Reality, Scout’s enter into a new perspective of things

Archetype Function

This is an example of Light vs. Darkness. Jem and Scout were being chased by a shadow in the night, they could not see the face of the person but only felt themselves being grabbed and even the sensation of a knife on Scout. Suddenly out of nowhere a man came and saved Jem and Scout from the man and killed the man with his own knife. The symbolism for the darkness in this scene brings suspense and intrigue to the readers.

This is the Threshold because it is pierce to a new world. Scout’s enter to a new world is the symbolism for her entrance into a new way to view things. She is now living under a new perspective of things. She can now see the point of view from different sides and be more considerate of other people’s behaviors. "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." This is what she learned to do.