ARCHETYPE Archetype is a Greek word meaning “original pattern, or model.” In literature and art, an archetype is a character an event a story a setting an image These recur in different works different cultures different periods of time An example of an archetype occurs in the story of “The Flood.” Many different cultures have similar stories about the reasons for and the results of a flood.

Archetypes are… universal symbols motifs themes found among many different cultures certain symbols, such as the sky father the earth mother light blood up-down They recur in the myths of people worldwide They carry the same or very similar meanings for a large portion, if not all, of mankind

Archetypes in space and time recur again and again in cultures so remote from one another in space and time that there is no likelihood of any historical influence or causal connection among them.

ARCHETYPE The word is derived from the Greek: arche, original, and typos, form or model; thus, original model . 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. Archetypes are universal in human beings. Archetypes result in a deep emotional response for readers.

Archetypal Characters Archetypal characters are those who symbolize or represent a certain kind of universal human experience. Femme fatale, siren or temptress figure is a character who purposefully lures men to disaster through her beauty. Examples: Sirens in The Odyssey Delilah in the Bible Catwoman

Archetypal 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. Examples: Odysseus Indiana Jones Batman

Archetypal Characters Villains In fiction, villains commonly function in the dual role of adversary and foil to the story's heroes. In the role as adversary, the villain serves as an obstacle the hero must struggle to overcome. Examples: The Green Goblin (Spiderman) Darth Vadar Voldemort

Archetypal Plots EXAMPLES Journey-- The protagonist takes a journey, usually physical but sometimes emotional, during which he or she learns something about himself or herself or finds meaning in his or her life as well as acceptance in a community. EXAMPLES Quest for identity Journey in search of knowledge Epic journey to find the promised land or to build the good city

Archetypal Plots 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. Birth/Death and Rebirth Through pain and suffering the character overcomes feelings of despair, and through a process of self-realization is reborn.

The Human Year In literature the rhythm of the seasons provides a store of opposing images that relate to emotions that swing back and forth in the human mind and heart.

The Human Year - SPRING The time of planting and growth is related in the imagination to youth, hope, courtship and love - genre/comedy.

The Human Year - SUMMER The time of ripening, is related to the maturing of relations, to comradeship and community, to fertility and passion - genre/romance.

The Human Year - FALL The time of harvest, is related to reflection and declining vigor - genre/tragedy.

The Human Year - WINTER The time the earth seems sterile that is related to death and emptiness - genre/irony.

Archetypal Colors Red: blood, sacrifice, passion; disorder.

Archetypal Colors Green: growth, hope, fertility.

Archetypal Colors Blue: highly positive; secure; tranquil; spiritual purity.

Archetypal Colors Black: darkness, chaos, mystery, the unknown, death, wisdom, evil, melancholy.

Archetypal Colors White: light, purity, innocence, timelessness; [negative of death, terror, supernatural]

Archetypal Colors Yellow: enlightenment, wisdom.