Archetypes in Literature World Literature

Definition of Archetype A recurrent narrative design, pattern of action, character type, themes or image which is identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature. A recurrent narrative design, pattern of action, character type, themes or image which is identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature. 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 , 11 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 , 11

Definition of Motif An event, device reference or formula which occurs frequently in works of literature. An event, device reference or formula which occurs frequently in works of literature. A pattern A patternFloralMotif

So what’s the difference? The differences are minimal. Often the words are used interchangeably. An archetype is described as a recurring symbol, theme, character, or setting in multiple works. It's something that's appeared in literature so often that it's very recognizable. For example, an archetypical theme is "love conquers all." Where have we *not* seen that before? An archetypical plot structure is the infamous love triangle. A motif, though, is a recurring contrast, structure, or literary device that comes back in different forms. In Lord of the Flies, the beasties are symbols which are used as motifs which represents fear, but it comes in different forms.

Archetype: Definition “A universally recognizable element... that recurs across all literature and life (Latrobe 13). “A universally recognizable element... that recurs across all literature and life (Latrobe 13).

Archetype The word is derived from the Greek: arche, original, and typos, form or model; thus, original model (Latrobe 13). The word is derived from the Greek: arche, original, and typos, form or model; thus, original model (Latrobe 13).

Archetype versus Stereotype An archetype is a universally understood symbol, term, statement, or pattern of behavior in myths or stories occurring across different cultures. Connotation – positive. An archetype is a universally understood symbol, term, statement, or pattern of behavior in myths or stories occurring across different cultures. Connotation – positive. A stereotype is a conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image. Connotation – negative. A stereotype is a conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image. Connotation – negative. It is “all too easy for an archetype to slip into a stereotype.” It is “all too easy for an archetype to slip into a stereotype.”

Let’s start with the two guys who came up with the concept: Carl Jung Joseph Campbell

Carl Jung Believed in the idea of the “collective unconscious” Believed in the idea of the “collective unconscious” Thought that archetypical patterns were reflective of the collective unconscious Thought that archetypical patterns were reflective of the collective unconscious People are not born as blank slates (tabula rasa) but rather with a connectedness to those who came before us People are not born as blank slates (tabula rasa) but rather with a connectedness to those who came before us

Mythological Analysis A student of Freud who differed in views of human nature. Jung believed that human nature was more than a collection of repressed desires and fears. He was influenced by religion, art and mythology. Jung divided the mind into the ego, the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious. The collective unconscious is the reservoir of all human experience. According to Jung all people were connected at this level.

Archetypes are universal images/concepts/ ideas that come from shared common experiences, which transcend time, place and culture. The value in using archetypal characters in fiction derives from the fact that we unconsciously already recognize the archetype, and thus the motivations, behind the character's behavior. Read: Why do we have heroes? (See link below.) Mythological Analysis examples

Joseph Campbell Scholar of myth- saw connections between myths of past and present Scholar of myth- saw connections between myths of past and present In his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”, Campbell identified the underlying patterns in myths, stories, and the spiritual traditions. In his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”, Campbell identified the underlying patterns in myths, stories, and the spiritual traditions

The Hero The hero is usually male. According to Campbell, women typically represent creation and ultimate wisdom and therefore do not need to make a journey. If a woman does go on a quest, traditionally it is to find her prince or mate. The hero is usually male. According to Campbell, women typically represent creation and ultimate wisdom and therefore do not need to make a journey. If a woman does go on a quest, traditionally it is to find her prince or mate.

The Hero The hero often times is of lowly birth, but may secretly have special powers or a high birthright he is unaware of. The hero often times is of lowly birth, but may secretly have special powers or a high birthright he is unaware of.

The Hero The hero's parents are often dead, absent, or uncaring. A hero usually can't begin a journey to become a man if his father figure is still present. The hero's parents are often dead, absent, or uncaring. A hero usually can't begin a journey to become a man if his father figure is still present.

The Hero According to Joseph Campbell A hero is judged by the things he does and the way he reacts and relates to people. His deeds must be marked by a nobility of purpose, and he must be willing to risk his life for his ideals. A hero is judged by the things he does and the way he reacts and relates to people. His deeds must be marked by a nobility of purpose, and he must be willing to risk his life for his ideals

Okay, so what exactly characterizes an Archetypal Hero then?

3 Stages of the Journey Departure Departure(Separation) Journey Journey (Initiation) (Initiation) Return Return The hero leaves on his or her journey. The hero leaves on his or her journey. The adventures and obstacles the hero faces. The adventures and obstacles the hero faces. The hero returns to a normal life but is changed. The hero returns to a normal life but is changed.

The Archetypal Hero

Hero Archetype Characters Characters Hero (think of the classic hero journey & qualities of hero)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). “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). The courageous figure, the one who’s always running in and saving the day. The courageous figure, the one who’s always running in and saving the day. D’artagnan from Three MusketeersD’artagnan from Three Musketeers John Wayne in most of his moviesJohn Wayne in most of his movies HerculesHercules

Traits of the Archetypal Hero Unusual Circumstances of Birth Unusual Circumstances of Birth Departure from Family Departure from Family Quest, faces an antagonist and a significant test Quest, faces an antagonist and a significant test Special Weapon Special Weapon Supernatural Help Supernatural Help Travel to a magical unreal world Travel to a magical unreal world

Proves self on Quest Proves self on Quest Gains self-knowledge Gains self-knowledge Faces a formidable antagonist Faces a formidable antagonist Journey and Unhealable Wound Journey and Unhealable Wound Atonement With Father Atonement With Father Spiritual Apotheosis Spiritual Apotheosis More Heroic Traits…

A Hero A person who undertakes a journey and is changed in the process.

Journey Return Departure

Departure (Separation) Spiderman Spiderman Peter realizes that he has special powers and begins to use them in NYC. Peter realizes that he has special powers and begins to use them in NYC. The Lion King The Lion King Simba’s dad is killed and he runs away. Simba’s dad is killed and he runs away.

Journey (Initiation) Spiderman Spiderman Learning to control power Learning to control power Learning to do what’s right Learning to do what’s right Fighting the Green Goblin Fighting the Green Goblin

Journey (Initiation) The Lion King The Lion King Simba meets Timon and Pumba Simba meets Timon and Pumba He grows up and decides to return to Pride Rock He grows up and decides to return to Pride Rock Fights his uncle Fights his uncle

Return Spiderman Spiderman Saves NYC Saves NYC Learns to live as Peter and Spiderman Learns to live as Peter and Spiderman The Lion King The Lion King King of the Lions King of the Lions Grows up Grows up Has a baby Has a baby

Quests Quest for material wealth Quest for material wealth Quest for security, as a secure place to live Quest for security, as a secure place to live Quest for kin Quest for kin Quest for global good, such as when a kingdom is threatened Quest for global good, such as when a kingdom is threatened Quest for self, for self-identity or self-assurance Quest for self, for self-identity or self-assurance

Tests & Trials “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). “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). “Through pain and suffering the character overcomes feelings of despair, and through a process of self-realization is reborn” (Herz and Gallo 110). Key is the idea that ultimately the hero comes to live a “mature” life and brings his wisdom back to his people. Discussion Points Link: Key is the idea that ultimately the hero comes to live a “mature” life and brings his wisdom back to his people. Discussion Points Link:

Consider a hero or heroine from a film or story familiar to you. How does that character’s journey fit the archetypal journey?

Details about the Hero Cycle According to Joseph Campbell This is the model for the hero’s journey that we will be using in this class. 4/myth/hero.pdf 4/myth/hero.pdf

How does the hero archetype apply to Beowulf? Question: In what ways is Beowulf representative of the hero archetype? How does his experience fit with the hero cycle as defined by Joseph Campbell?

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). 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 – This character is symbolic of fulfillment, abundance, and fertility; offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those who she contacts; often depicted in earth colors, with large breasts and hips Earth Mother – This character is symbolic of fulfillment, abundance, and fertility; offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those who she contacts; often depicted in earth colors, with large breasts and hips Stepmother Stepmother

Examples Fairy tales characters such as the stepmother in Cinderella, fairy godmothers, Mother Goose, Little Red Riding Hood, Briar Rose, Pocahontas Mythology: Persephone, Demeter, Hercate, Gorgon, Medusa Literature: Gladriel from Lord of the Rings, Glinda from the Wizard of Oz, Dante’s Beatrice, Faulkner’s Light in August, Woolf’s To the Lighthouse Movies: the Dad in Mr. Mom, the mother in Flowers in the Attic, Ripley with Newt in Aliens

The Great Teacher/Mentor Wise old men/women – protects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges. Wise old men/women – protects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges. Sometimes they work as role models and often serve as father or mother figure. They teach by example the skills necessary to survive the journey and quest. Sometimes they work as role models and often serve as father or mother figure. They teach by example the skills necessary to survive the journey and quest. Examples Examples Obi Wan KenobiObi Wan Kenobi RafikiRafiki

The Innocent Child/Youth Child/Youth Inexperienced adult Inexperienced adult The innocent, fearing abandonment, seeks safety. The innocent, fearing abandonment, seeks safety. Their greatest strength is their trust and optimism that endears them to others and so gain help and support on their quest. Their greatest strength is their trust and optimism that endears them to others and so gain help and support on their quest. Their main danger is that they may be blind to their obvious weaknesses or deny them. They also may become dependent on others to fulfill their heroic task. Their main danger is that they may be blind to their obvious weaknesses or deny them. They also may become dependent on others to fulfill their heroic task. Frodo – Lord of the Rings Frodo – Lord of the Rings

Double Doppelganger Doppelganger It is the double or mirroring or split personality or good/evil It is the duplicate of an individual or part of a divided individual Versions of the doppelganger are found in dreams, myths, rituals of primitive people, folklore and literature and other art forms Can have many names including the Other, the alter ego, the second self Examples Examples FrankensteinFrankenstein Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Sacrificial Redeemer “The protagonist is willing to die for his or her beliefs; the main character maintains a strong sense of morality” (Herz and Gallo 123). “The protagonist is willing to die for his or her beliefs; the main character maintains a strong sense of morality” (Herz and Gallo 123). Embodiment of divine power and being sent on a mission to Embodiment of divine power and being sent on a mission to save humanity. Jesus ChristJesus Christ Erin BrockovichErin Brockovich

Scapegoat/Sacrificial Victim The one who gets blamed for everything, regardless of whether he or she is at fault. The one who gets blamed for everything, regardless of whether he or she is at fault. Snowball from George Orwell’s Animal FarmSnowball from George Orwell’s Animal Farm HassanHassan

Enchantress/Temptress Characterized by sensuous beauty, this woman is one to whom the protagonist is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his downfall. May appear as a witch or vampire. Characterized by sensuous beauty, this woman is one to whom the protagonist is physically attracted and who ultimately brings about his downfall. May appear as a witch or vampire. The Sirens in MythologyThe Sirens in Mythology Mystique from X-MenMystique from X-Men Elektra King from JamesElektra King from James Bond The World is Not Enough

Villain Wolf Wolf Antagonist Antagonist Bad Guy Bad Guy Examples: Examples: Cruella DeVilleCruella DeVille

Trickster A trickster is a god, goddess, spirit, man, woman, or anthropomorphic animal who plays tricks or otherwise disobeys normal rules and conventional behavior. A trickster is a god, goddess, spirit, man, woman, or anthropomorphic animal who plays tricks or otherwise disobeys normal rules and conventional behavior. LokiLoki CoyoteCoyote

Evil Figure The Devil or Serpent The Devil or Serpent This character represents evil incarnate. He or she may offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the protagonist in exchange for possession of the soul or integrity. This figure’s main aim is to oppose the hero in his or her quest. This character represents evil incarnate. He or she may offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the protagonist in exchange for possession of the soul or integrity. This figure’s main aim is to oppose the hero in his or her quest. VoldemortVoldemort

Archetypes in Advertising Archetypes are used in all forms of storytelling, even marketing campaigns. By tapping into our familiarity with archetypes, marketers calculate and manipulate our emotional reactions. ost/240/archetype-casting-the-12- master-archetypes ost/240/archetype-casting-the-12- master-archetypes ost/240/archetype-casting-the-12- master-archetypes ost/240/archetype-casting-the-12- master-archetypes

Archetypal Settings

Settings Garden Garden Cultivated and carefully planned. Restricted to certain vegetationCultivated and carefully planned. Restricted to certain vegetation

Forest Habitat of the Great Mother (Mother Nature), the lunar force. Fertility. The vegetation and animals flourish in this “green world” because of the sustaining power of the Great Mother. Symbolically the primitive levels of the feminine psyche, protective and sheltering. Habitat of the Great Mother (Mother Nature), the lunar force. Fertility. The vegetation and animals flourish in this “green world” because of the sustaining power of the Great Mother. Symbolically the primitive levels of the feminine psyche, protective and sheltering. Those who enter often lose their direction or rational outlook and thus tap into their collective unconscious. This unregulated space is opposite of the cultivated gardens, which are carefully planned and are restricted to certain vegetation. Those who enter often lose their direction or rational outlook and thus tap into their collective unconscious. This unregulated space is opposite of the cultivated gardens, which are carefully planned and are restricted to certain vegetation.

Tree Represents life and knowledge Represents life and knowledge

Caves and Tunnels Deep down where character delves into self Deep down where character delves into self Place that character goes when “invisible” or inactive Place that character goes when “invisible” or inactive At the extreme may signify death At the extreme may signify death

Mountains and Peaks Highest peak is place to “see” far Highest peak is place to “see” far Place to gain great insight Place to gain great insight

The River Crossing river may symbolize new territory Crossing river may symbolize new territory Rivers can be boundaries or borders and on the other side is something new or different Rivers can be boundaries or borders and on the other side is something new or different May represent human life or time passing as we follow the river from its sourt to its mouth May represent human life or time passing as we follow the river from its sourt to its mouth

The Sea Vast, alien, dangerous, Vast, alien, dangerous,chaos Waves may symbolize Waves may symbolize measures of time and represent eternity or infinity

Fountain Stands for purification; the sprinkling of water (baptism) washes away sin. Water of fountain gives new life (Knapp 32). Stands for purification; the sprinkling of water (baptism) washes away sin. Water of fountain gives new life (Knapp 32).

Islands Microcosms or small worlds unto themselves Microcosms or small worlds unto themselves Represent isolation or get-a-ways Represent isolation or get-a-ways

Pablo Picasso once stated, "Art is the lie that tells the truth." This quote not only encompasses the power of a visual medium, but also evokes the power of symbols, and their role not only in art but also in literature.” Pablo Picasso once stated, "Art is the lie that tells the truth." This quote not only encompasses the power of a visual medium, but also evokes the power of symbols, and their role not only in art but also in literature.” Link to Quote:

Recurrent Motifs “When reduced to their most basic parts, archetypes are nothing more than symbols recurring again and again throughout literature and culture, manifesting themselves on the written page as well as on the canvas of history. Archetypes are everywhere.” “When reduced to their most basic parts, archetypes are nothing more than symbols recurring again and again throughout literature and culture, manifesting themselves on the written page as well as on the canvas of history. Archetypes are everywhere.” Link to Quote:

Works Cited Brunel, Pierre. Companion to Literary Myths, Heroes and Archetypes. New York: Routledge, Franz, Marie-Louise von. Archetypal Patterns in Fairy Tales. Toronto: Inner City, Herz, Sarah K., and Donald R. Gallo. From Hinton to Hamlet: Building Bridges Between Young Adult Literature and the Classics. 2 nd ed. Westport, CT: Greenwood, **URLS for direct Internet links are listed on individual slides.