Archetypes, stereotypes, and epitomes Access your prior knowledge to try to define each of these words

archetype A pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based.A pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based. The ideal or original versionThe ideal or original version Can be an image, symbol, character, theme, idea, or plot patternCan be an image, symbol, character, theme, idea, or plot pattern

Two types of archetypes: Stereotype – generic personality type observed multiple times, especially an oversimplification of such a type.Stereotype – generic personality type observed multiple times, especially an oversimplification of such a type.oversimplification –When people think of Canada they often think about the stereotype of the polite Canadian.

Two types of archetypes: Epitome – idealized example; the “perfect” or “greatest” example of somethingEpitome – idealized example; the “perfect” or “greatest” example of something –He is the epitome of the scholar- athlete. –Her home epitomized elegance and warmth.

Archetype in literature A situation, plot or character type that occurs frequently in literature, myth, religion or folklore.A situation, plot or character type that occurs frequently in literature, myth, religion or folklore. A “type” of story or character we recognize and see used over and over in different stories.A “type” of story or character we recognize and see used over and over in different stories.

Examples of archetypes Most common: The heroMost common: The hero –The elite skills “kick butt and show no mercy” type –The common man/woman caught in extraordinary circumstances that compel him/her to become a hero –There are even a variety of heroic archetypes: –Warrior –Lover –Scapegoat –Tragic –Anti-hero

Hero’s quest Stage 1: Departure- reluctantly accepts Stage 2: Initiation- Enters new and dangerous world Stage 3: Road of trials- endures tests of strength, resourcefulness, and endurance Stage 4: Innermost Sanctum- Hero enters a place of great trial (can be own mind) Stage 5: Return to society- Hero restores order

Characteristics of Hero's Quest Naïve & special. Absent parents. Isolated. Meets monsters (men) Wise mentor, guides, & loyal companions Goes on a journey Changes Mysterious origin Makes a stirring speech Suffers from a wound that will never heal

Other Stereotypes or Stock Characters used in Literature

Stock Characters - Heroes The NerdThe Nerd The Prodigy The Prodigy The Whiz kid The Whiz kid The Repentant Traitor The Repentant Traitor The Rookie The Rookie The Bad Boy The Bad Boy MasterMaster DevilDevil OutcastOutcast Damsel in DistressDamsel in Distress Unfaithful partnerUnfaithful partner TemptressTemptress

Examples of STOCK PLOTS A downtrodden individual finds a mentor who helps him straighten out his life. Both mentor and downtrodden individual grow from the experience.A downtrodden individual finds a mentor who helps him straighten out his life. Both mentor and downtrodden individual grow from the experience. Boy and girl hate each other. Boy and girl are thrown into circumstances that require them to work together to overcome obstacle. Boy and girl grow to respect one another. Boy and girl fall in love and live “happily ever after.”Boy and girl hate each other. Boy and girl are thrown into circumstances that require them to work together to overcome obstacle. Boy and girl grow to respect one another. Boy and girl fall in love and live “happily ever after.” Common man’s family faces a hardship or injustice. Common man must fight an unfair “system” to get what they need and gains respect from others.Common man’s family faces a hardship or injustice. Common man must fight an unfair “system” to get what they need and gains respect from others.

Coming of Age Story Stock plot (archetypal pattern of action)Stock plot (archetypal pattern of action) Usually includes a journey motifUsually includes a journey motif Generally recounts one incident or a closely related series of incidents that cause an adolescent to gain a new level of maturity.Generally recounts one incident or a closely related series of incidents that cause an adolescent to gain a new level of maturity. Adolescent begins to move emotionally, socially, and cognitively from childhood into adulthood.Adolescent begins to move emotionally, socially, and cognitively from childhood into adulthood.

Other Stock Plots The Quest (restores order and peace) The Task (a superhuman feat) The Journey (Hero sets out to save his world) Death and Rebirth (most common, spring= birth/youth, winter = old age/ death Good vs Evil (good must triumph) Unhealable wound (loss of innocence)

Archetypes: Symbols Light (good, hope, illumination) Fire, water Dark (evil, ignorance, despair) Ice, desert Innate wisdom vs educated stupidity Fog (uncertainty) Colours (red- passion; green- hope; blue- peace; yellow- wisdom) Numbers (3- light, male; 4- nature, female; 7- union of 3 & 4, most powerful, order, perfection)