What Is Archetype In Literature
Archetypes in Literature
EECE 441
Prof. Sibley
Definition of Archetype:
“A universally recognizable element . . . that recurs across all literature and life (Latrobe 13). Psychologist Carl Jung called these elements a kind of “collective unconscious” of the human race, prototypes rather than something gained from experience. The word is derived from the Greek: arche, original, and typos, form or model; thus, original model (Latrobe 13).
An archetype is the first real example or prototype of something (as the Model T is the prototype of the modern automobile). In this sense an archetype can be considered the ideal model, the supreme type or the perfect image of something (Brunel 111-112, 114).
A key to understanding folk …show more content…
Examples of Archetypes
Characters:
Hero (think of the classic hero journey & qualities of hero)
“The main character leaves his or her community to go on an adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community” (Herz and Gallo 121).
Mother figure
Fairy Godmother (surrogate mother)—comforts and directs child, especially when he or she is confused and needs guidance. Represents powers that can be called on for help when it is needed. Helps young person to solve own problems (Knapp 71).
Earth Mother
Stepmother
The great teacher/mentor
Wise old men/women—protects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges.
The innocent
Child/Youth
Inexperienced adult …show more content…
Coming of age
Sleep
Crucial for physical and/or psychological healing. During dreams, person can grow. Person can fantasize freely in sleep. A transitional and beneficial period. In dream sphere can descend to the sphere of the Great Mother. Person awakens with a greater understanding of human nature (Knapp 88).
Sacrificial rites
The Test or Trial
“In the transition from one stage of life to another, the main character experiences a rite of passage through growth and change; he or she experiences a transformation” (Herz and Gallo 115).
Birth/Death and Rebirth
“Through pain and suffering the character overcomes feelings of despair, and through a process of self-realization is reborn” (Herz and Gallo 110).
The Fall: Expulsion from Eden
“The main character is expelled because of an unacceptable action on his or her part” (Herz and Gallo 111).
Annihilation/Absurdity/Total
EECE 441
Prof. Sibley
Definition of Archetype:
“A universally recognizable element . . . that recurs across all literature and life (Latrobe 13). Psychologist Carl Jung called these elements a kind of “collective unconscious” of the human race, prototypes rather than something gained from experience. The word is derived from the Greek: arche, original, and typos, form or model; thus, original model (Latrobe 13).
An archetype is the first real example or prototype of something (as the Model T is the prototype of the modern automobile). In this sense an archetype can be considered the ideal model, the supreme type or the perfect image of something (Brunel 111-112, 114).
A key to understanding folk …show more content…
Examples of Archetypes
Characters:
Hero (think of the classic hero journey & qualities of hero)
“The main character leaves his or her community to go on an adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community” (Herz and Gallo 121).
Mother figure
Fairy Godmother (surrogate mother)—comforts and directs child, especially when he or she is confused and needs guidance. Represents powers that can be called on for help when it is needed. Helps young person to solve own problems (Knapp 71).
Earth Mother
Stepmother
The great teacher/mentor
Wise old men/women—protects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges.
The innocent
Child/Youth
Inexperienced adult …show more content…
Coming of age
Sleep
Crucial for physical and/or psychological healing. During dreams, person can grow. Person can fantasize freely in sleep. A transitional and beneficial period. In dream sphere can descend to the sphere of the Great Mother. Person awakens with a greater understanding of human nature (Knapp 88).
Sacrificial rites
The Test or Trial
“In the transition from one stage of life to another, the main character experiences a rite of passage through growth and change; he or she experiences a transformation” (Herz and Gallo 115).
Birth/Death and Rebirth
“Through pain and suffering the character overcomes feelings of despair, and through a process of self-realization is reborn” (Herz and Gallo 110).
The Fall: Expulsion from Eden
“The main character is expelled because of an unacceptable action on his or her part” (Herz and Gallo 111).
Annihilation/Absurdity/Total