Archetypes

Carl Jung Various cultures created similar stories to explain some of life’s most difficult questions. Natural Phenonmena “Why do we die?” or “Why are we born?” The “Collective Unconscious” - Refers to common experience of all cultures and humans. Jung coined the term “archetype” to explain these patterns. Each individual shares in a common heritage of experiential structures. Living psychic forces that Jung believed we can never be cut loose from. These are our archetypal functions.

Archetypes Type or pattern. Inherited part of being human. Universal. From the Greek word archein, meaning type or original pattern. Inherited part of being human. Inherited idea/mode of thought present in the unconscious of all individuals by virtue of their being members of the human race. Universal. Come from man’s social & psychological being. Recurs throughout literature. An image, character, pattern of circumstances that recurs throughout literature and thought consistently enough to be considered a universal concept or situation.

A Few Common Archetypes The King noble The Trickster Intelligent schemer The Lover romantic The Warrior brave fighter The Femme Fatale seductress The Victim Princess Helpless, man saves The Victim Needs rescuing The Guide Wise counselor

The Hero Archetype Tragic Epic Folk Noble birth, tragic flaw, downfall, pity Ex: Oedipus Epic Unusual birth, trials/enemies, final task, returns home Ex: Gilgamesh Folk Normal person, transforms, defender of justice Ex: Frodo Baggins, Robin Hood

Archetype Examples…

Archetypes The Initiates Young heroes/heroines. Endure training. Mentor Teachers/counselors. Role models. Often serve as father or mother figures. Companions Loyal companions on quest. Willing to face any number of perils in order to be together.

Archetypes (Cont.) The Devil Figure Evil incarnate Tempts hero. Offers worldly goods in exchange for possession of the soul. Evil Figure with Good Heart Redeemable figure. Saved by the nobility or love of the hero. The Outcast Banished from a social group. Accused of some crime against his fellow man.

Archetypes (cont.) The Star Crossed Lovers Love affair fated to end tragically Creature of Nightmare monster from darkest part of the human psyche. Threatens lives of the hero/heroine.

Situational Archetypes The Fall Fall from higher to lower state. Loss of Innocence. Death and Rebirth Cycle of nature, cycle of life. All humans and nature experience a pattern of death and rebirth. Good versus Evil Battle between two primary forces. Good triumphs over evil. Mankind shows eternal optimism in the continual betrayal of evil despite great odds.

Archetype Assignment Read “The Sky Tree” and “Coyote Finishes His Work” on pages 24-25 in your textbook. Answer the “Thinking Critically” questions for each myth on page 26. In place of number five for “Coyote Finishes His Work,” answer the following question: Identify and explain the various archetypes you see in this myth. When you have completed that, write a short myth (1/2 page-1 page) explaining something in the world using at least on archetype.