archetypal literary theory focuses on recurring (repeating) archetypes, patterns, symbols and myths...
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A Beginner's Guide to Archetypal Literary Theory
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What is Archetypal Literary Theory?
Archetypal literary theory focuses on recurring (repeating) archetypes, patterns, symbols and myths in literature.
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What is an Archetype?An archetype is a primordial image in the collective unconscious of a people, expressed in literature, myth, folklore and ritual. Essentially, it’s a pattern or universal theme.
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First off, what is the Collective Unconscious?
The collective unconscious refers to that part of a person's unconscious which is common to all human beings.
The collective unconscious arises in each individual from (1) shared instinct, (2) common experience, and (3) shared culture.
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(1) Shared Instinct
FOR EXAMPLE:The archetype of "the great mother" would be nearly the same in all people, since all infants share the expectation of having an attentive caretaker.
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(2) Common Experience
Every surviving infant must either have had a mother, or a surrogate.
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(3) Shared Culture
Nearly every child knows society's idea of what a mother should be.
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Characters (hero, scapegoat, outcast, mentor, temptress, villain)Stories/Situations (tragedy, quest, rags to riches, death and rebirth)Symbols (light/dark, heaven/hell)
How are Archetypes Expressed in Literature?
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The HeroThe hero is a character who
embodies key traits valued by its originating culture.
The hero commonly possesses superhuman capabilities or idealized character traits which enable him to perform extraordinary, beneficial deeds.
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Common Types of HeroesWilling Hero:Ready for action and destined
for greatness
Unwilling Hero:Normal person thrown into an
unusual situation or a hero who refuses the call
Antihero: A bit shady and breaks the rules
Tragic Hero: Suffers at the hands of his tragic “flaw”
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The Mentor/GuideProvides motivation,
insights, training to the hero.
Often represented by the wise old man.
Found alongside almost all heroes.
Does not have to be human.
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Common Types of MentorsContinuing Mentor:Someone who helps throughout journeyComic Mentor:Adds some comic reliefFallen Mentor:Helping, but dealing with own issuesDark Mentor:Sinister– may be loyal or not
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The Earth MotherThe Great Mother offers spiritual
and emotional nourishment to those she meets.
The mother archetype manifests itself in a host of feminine symbolism.
Nurturing and caring
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The ShadowThe Shadow archetype
represents the brutal, animalistic characteristics of an individual.
It is amoralIt is responsible for
unpleasant, socially unacceptable thoughts, feelings & behaviors.
Usually the antagonist.
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The DevilEvil incarnate; offers worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the hero in exchange for possession of the soul. Often associated with a snake
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The TricksterA trickster is a god,
goddess, spirit, or human hero who breaks the rules of the gods or nature, sometimes maliciously but usually with positive effects.
Tricksters can be cunning or foolish or both; they are often very funny.
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The ScapegoatAn animal or human who isunjustly held responsible forothers’ sins; sacrificed butthey often become morepowerful force dead thanalive.
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The OutcastFigure banished from a social group for some crime against his fellow man (could be falsely accused of a crime or could choose to banish himself from guilt).Destined to wander from
place to place alone.
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The TemptressCharacterized by
sensuous beauty and the hero is attracted to her physically.
She is often the cause of the hero’s downfall. She leads him off course.
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The Damsel in DistressVulnerable woman
who must be rescued by the hero.
She is often part of a trap to catch the unsuspecting hero and allow the villain to win.
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Symbolic ArchetypesWater in the DesertWater is rebirth or spiritual awakeningDesert often “dead” to morals or the “good side”Heaven vs. HellSky = heaven bowels of earth = hellSupernatural InterventionWhen gods intervene May favour hero
Haven vs. WildernessPlaces of safety contrast with danger
The Magic Weapon/ItemSymbolic of the hero’s inner strength or extraordinary quality.
Fire vs. IceFire = Knowledge, lifeIce = Ignorance, death
Light vs. DarknessSafety and innocence vs. unknown and despair
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Storyline/Situational Archetypes
The JourneyRebirth Rags to RichesDeath and RebirthThe InitiationThe Unhealable Wound
TragedyNature vs Mechanical WorldComedyThe TaskVoyage and Return