Discovering Archetypes within Visual Literature “A Knight’s Tale” Discovering Archetypes within Visual Literature

Character Archetypes William Thatcher Hero Initiate Trained by Sir Ector as a squire before assuming the role of Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein. Young Man from the Provinces John Thatcher takes a young William to France to be raised and trained by Sir Ector.

Character Archetypes The Mentor Sir Ector John Thatcher Trains and acts as a role-model for William in the ways of the knight—chivalry and jousting. John Thatcher Teaches William to believe that he has the ability to “change his stars.”

Character Archetypes Loyal Retainers Roland Wat

Hunting Group of Companions Character Archetypes Hunting Group of Companions Roland Wat Chaucer Kate

Character Archetypes Damsel in Distress Jocelyn A “vulnerable” woman who must be rescued from marrying Count Adhemar by William (Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein)

Character Archetypes Devil Figure Count Adhemar Adversary to William Chooses to: Expose Sir Ulrich as William Thatcher for selfish reasons Cheat using a pointed lance tip against William

Character Archetypes Star Crossed Lovers William and Jocelyn Their very different social stations should keep the young lovers apart

Situation Archetypes The Quest The Task For William Thatcher to become a recognized knight despite his lowly birth. (To change his stars) The Task Win jousting tournaments Win the support of the people Defeat Count Adhemar

Situation Archetypes The Initiation The Journey Prince Edward knights William at the stockade in front of his subjects The Journey Traveling to jousting tournaments Winning jousting tournaments The two jousts with Prince Edward

Situation Archetypes The Fall Death and Rebirth When the people discover that William is not nobility Placed in stocks Loses respect of the people Death and Rebirth Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein “dies” and is reborn as Sir William Thatcher

Battle Between Good and Evil Situation Archetypes Battle Between Good and Evil William Thatcher vs. Count Adhemar The Ritual Knighting Ceremony Joust Prize Ceremony Dance

Symbolism Sir Ulrich’s Crest Green Outfits at Dance Black (Dragon): Protection Red: Passion and Courage Yellow: Health and Wisdom Green Outfits at Dance Hope and fertility; the budding romance between William and Jocelyn

Symbolism White When audience is introduced to Jocelyn, she is in a white coat which identifies her as an innocent Purity, innocence, and holiness (This archetype is further reinforced by her first interaction with William inside the church.)

Symbolism The English Channel (sea) The English Channel (bridge) William’s father crosses the English Channel with young William to give him to Sir Ector to train. Thereby, severing (death) his parental relationship with William. The English Channel (bridge) When William crosses the English Channel with Roland and Wat to return to England. This is symbolic of William bridging his past (William Thatcher) and present (Sir Ulrich) lives.

(on the English Channel) Symbolism Rain (water as rebirth) William rediscovers his father and they have a rebirth of their parental relationship. Mist (on the English Channel) Demonstrates John Thatcher’s uncertainty over giving William to Sir Ector to train. Uncertain future

Symbolism Twelve Stars It has been twelve years since William left England. The perfection of things Cosmic order Changing his stars ************************** Stars Sir William and his hunting party stand over Count Adhemar forming a star. Film ends with a night sky filled with stars, which suggests: Good fortune, hope, love, fertility, and harmony