Roles Of Archetypes In Literature
An archetype is, according to one definition, “a typical character, action, or situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature.” While found in all types of literature, archetypes unquestionably seem to populate myths, fantasies, and fables to a greater degree than other fiction. Archetypes are important to stories because they help the mind to categorize the behavior and, by doing so, humanize the characters. Archetypes are, in essence, labels that permit the reader the perception that people act in a predicable manner and make understanding humankind an easier task. By appealing to the fundamental nature of human beings, archetypes encapsulate the subconscious thoughts that permeate civilization. Into the
Woods has three classic archetypes that help develop the plot structure and advance the storyline.
Together, these archetypes combine into a representative example of a fairy tale. The plot contains a “rags to riches” story embodied by Cinderella, an evil figure personified by a witch, and a quest that unites the characters. The characters and their stories originate from the early 19th century Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Consequently, identifying archetypal behavior through the rather bleak vision of the Grimm brothers makes the tale equally exciting and gloomy. Cinderella is both a weepy, sad character that mourns her mother and allows her stepmother and stepsisters to ruin her life and a vibrant, beautiful creature that immediately captures the prince’s heart. The evil witch is “an enchantress, who had great power and was dreaded by all the world.” in the story of Rapunzel, but she also longs for beauty and youthfulness. The quest that ties all of the characters together makes the fairy tale full of resourcefulness and ingenuity, cunning and shrewdness, compassion and kindness, and cruelty and vindictiveness, all symbolic of what makes the journey significant. Collectively, these three archetypal representations deliver a classic account of good vs. evil, the foundation for all fairy tales.
Archetypes exist because human nature demands labels: labels for behavior, labels for consequences, labels for events that might otherwise be beyond the understanding of society. Into the Woods provides these labels in a style that entertains at the same time it delivers a message of redemption and true love.
Woods has three classic archetypes that help develop the plot structure and advance the storyline.
Together, these archetypes combine into a representative example of a fairy tale. The plot contains a “rags to riches” story embodied by Cinderella, an evil figure personified by a witch, and a quest that unites the characters. The characters and their stories originate from the early 19th century Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Consequently, identifying archetypal behavior through the rather bleak vision of the Grimm brothers makes the tale equally exciting and gloomy. Cinderella is both a weepy, sad character that mourns her mother and allows her stepmother and stepsisters to ruin her life and a vibrant, beautiful creature that immediately captures the prince’s heart. The evil witch is “an enchantress, who had great power and was dreaded by all the world.” in the story of Rapunzel, but she also longs for beauty and youthfulness. The quest that ties all of the characters together makes the fairy tale full of resourcefulness and ingenuity, cunning and shrewdness, compassion and kindness, and cruelty and vindictiveness, all symbolic of what makes the journey significant. Collectively, these three archetypal representations deliver a classic account of good vs. evil, the foundation for all fairy tales.
Archetypes exist because human nature demands labels: labels for behavior, labels for consequences, labels for events that might otherwise be beyond the understanding of society. Into the Woods provides these labels in a style that entertains at the same time it delivers a message of redemption and true love.