Archetypal Criticism

Archetype The word archetype is from the Greek arkhetupon, first mold or model, in the meaning of being the initial version of something later multiplied. In literature and art an archetype is a character, a tradition, an event, a story or an image that recurs in different works, in different cultures and in different periods of time.

What is an Archetype? An archetype is a pattern from which other, similar things can be developed. It is a kind of “original model.” For example, “the Flood” is an archetypal image that exists in myths across many cultures. The basic model is a huge flood covering the entire planet, initiating a kind of “clean slate.”

Example of a Tradition Archetype In the Western tradition of Easter, Jesus (considered the son of god in that tradition) is sacrificed to save humankind. In the Eastern tradition of Mahashivarati, the god Shiva drank a lethal dose of poison that otherwise would have polluted the oceans of the world, thus saving humankind. Both of these traditions center around a celebration of life and a deliverance from death.

Carl Jung Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung believed that these archetypes existed in the collective unconscious. He based this assertion in part on the fact that there are images, character types, settings and story patterns that existed across cultures. He suggested that this collective unconscious is not directly knowable and is a product of the shared experiences of our ancestors. This is why archetypal criticism is often discussed in psychological terms.

Jungian Criticism: Jung theorized that all humans carry archetypes (universal images and patterns) in our individual and collective unconscious

Primordial and Universal Jung believed that the collective unconscious and its contents are primordial. That is, we, as individuals, have these archetypal images ingrained in our understanding before we are born. Jung also believed that these archetypes are universal, which is why they can be found all over the world and throughout history.

Jungian Quest: Assumes that the monomyth of the Quest or Journey underlies archetypal images –Hero forced to leave comfortable surroundings and venture in an unfamiliar, new world filled with new challenges –Meet wise old man who helps out with guidance and advice –Barrier tests the fledgling hero (tends to separate familiar world from unfamiliar)

Jungian Criticism: Familiar world Land of adventure Threshold Home Call guide Crossing Adventure Initiation Return Bestow wisdom

Archetypes on Parade There are a number of identifiable archetypes in literature, art and film spanning centuries. Some of the most easily recognizable archetypes in character, situation and symbol include the following:

Archetypal Characters Hero/Heroine Sidekick/Helper Villain Wise Sage Outcast Oracle Caring Mother/Earth Mother Mad Scientist Femme Fatale “Don Juan” Star-Crossed Lovers Witch/Shrew Underdog Stern Father Damsel in Distress

Archetypal Situations The task/trial The journey The Quest The loss of innocence The initiation Apocalypse/end of the world Pursuit of revenge Descent into the underworld/heavenly ascent Searching for father Damsel in distress Banishment of the prince

Symbolic Archetypes Light vs. Darkness Water vs. Desert Heaven vs. Hell Good vs. Evil Birth vs. Death Fire vs. Ice Innate Wisdom vs. Educated Stupidity Haven vs. Wilderness Up vs. Down Weather/Celestial: Fog, wind, stars, comets, rising/setting sun, rain, snow, etc. Places: garden, city, cavern, home, tower, forest, river, ocean, fountain, spring, etc. Animals: reptiles, wolf, horse, bull, bird, rat, lion/tiger, spider

Archetypal Critical Questions What images, symbols, figures, are present that are present in other literary works? What myths, dreams and even ritualized modes of social behavior are present?