Archetypes

What is an Archetype? Archetype is a Greek word meaning original pattern or model. In literature an archetype is a character, image, or symbol that reoccurs enough in many different works to be considered part of one’s literary experience. An archetype can be found across various cultures and time periods in artwork, religious monuments, commercial advertizing, etc.

Psychology and Archetypes Psychiatrist Carl Jung believed that archetypes were a product of our collective unconscious as humans in a society. This is knowledge that we are not aware that we have. It is created through births, deaths, love, struggle, etc. These “memories” get passed down from our ancestors, so we automatically attach importance to these images.

Character and situational/ symbolic Archetypes Examples of character archetypes include the hero, the outcast, the scapegoat, the shrew, star-crossed lovers, the caregiver, and the damsel in distress. Examples of situational/symbolic archetypes include the task, the quest, the loss of innocence, the initiation, water.

The Hero There are unusual circumstances surrounding the hero’s of birth. The hero leaves his/her family to live with others An important event (possibly tragic) leads to adventure. There is a special weapon that is only used by the hero. The hero is offered supernatural help.

Wanderer He/She does not realize his/her full potential and avoids the responsibilities of the journey. May be an evil but often charming villain in literature. solitary journey into the unknown. prefers isolation to gather his/her own thoughts.

mad scientist . Can be a villain or a neutral character mad scientists often work with fictitious technology to complete schemes (plans). They Don’t have a problem with playing God.

Outcast They are forced out of a group or choose to leave a group on their own. The outcast is often a free- thinker who may seek to go against convention. Unnatural – Goes against the nature order. Appear not to be fully human Hostile to people