Archetypes

• An archetype is a pattern from which copies can be made, representing a universal theme that manifests differently on an individual basis
• Carl Jung believed archetypes were a result of a collective unconscious, a part of the unconscious mind expressed in humanity and all life forms with nervous systems
• The collective unconscious is a product of shared experiences of our ancestors, distinct from the personal unconscious which is unique to each individual
• Carl Jung believed archetypes are primordial, ingrained in our understanding even before birth, and universal, found worldwide throughout history
• Archetypes fall into two major categories: characters and situations/symbols
• Characters:

  • The hero: a courageous figure who saves the day (e.g., Batman, Frodo)
  • The outcast: someone cast out of society or left voluntarily, can be a Christ figure (e.g., Shrek, the big bang theory)
  • The scapegoat: blamed for everything, usually quiet and unable to stand up for themselves
  • The star-crossed lovers: a couple joined by love but parted by fate (e.g., Romeo and Juliet)
  • The shrew: a nagging, bothersome wife who verbally abuses her husband (e.g., Monica from Friends, Claire from Modern Family)
• • Water: a symbol of life, cleansing, and rebirth, often depicted as a living, reasoning force (e.g., James Bond falling into water)
• Situations/Symbols:

  • The task: a duty of monstrous proportion, usually external and physical (e.g., Killing a monster)
  • The quest: searching for something consciously or unconsciously, with actions, thoughts, and feelings centered around the goal (e.g., finding yourself)
  • The loss of innocence: a loss of innocence through various experiences (e.g., Juliet Capulet from Romeo and Juliet)
  • The initiation: a process bringing a character into another sphere of influence, often into adulthood (e.g., Baptism, entering a sorority)
• New Historicism involves putting historical events in the story and analyzing stories from a historical point of view, such as war, feminism, racism, etc.
• Literary Archetypes focus on seeing all archetypes in a story
• An archetype is a pattern or template from which copies can be made, a repetition of a particular trope used in writing to convey different ideas
• Hero archetypes are typically portrayed as saviors and provide hope in challenging situations
• Tasks in stories are external, while quests are more internal
• A quest in literature is akin to finding a purpose in life
• Archetypal literary criticism is an approach that focuses on the recurring symbols, patterns, and motifs called archetypes in literature, revealing universal themes and deep-rooted connections across different works.
• Archetypal literary criticism helps us understand literature by uncovering universal themes, cultural values, and psychological insights through the analysis of recurring symbols and patterns, revealing the profound and timeless aspects of storytelling that resonate with readers.