archetypal theory. in your groups: brainstorm as many typical elements of a hero and the hero’s...
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ARCHETYPAL THEORY
In Your Groups:
Brainstorm as many typical elements of a hero and the hero’s quest
To consider:Where did your prior knowledge come from?
Now What?
List 2-3 ancient stories and as many modern stories (literature, movies, song lyrics, etc.) that follow this pattern and contain many of these elements
Purpose
What is the purpose of a myth? Think back to ancient people and civilizations: why were myths written?
What if I told you there were no new stories? Would you agree or disagree to that statement? Why?
Metaphorical Expression
How are society’s myths like a tapestry?
Carl Jung
Carl Jung (1875-1961) Swiss psychiatrist who
was a colleague of Sigmund Freud
Approach to psychology focused on exploring: Dreams Art Mythology World Religion Philosophy
Connection to Psychoanalytical Theory
Conscious Mind
Unconscious Mind
Collective Unconscious
Collective Unconscious
Jung believed: This is similar to animal’s instinctual knowledge
and behavior Behind each person’s unconscious lies a
“collective unconscious” (shared memories of human experience and ancestry)
It is the “memory” of our ancient ancestors Experiences:
Déjà vu Love at first sight Near death-experiences Recognition of symbols
Archetype
An “archetype” is: “arche”= from Greek philosophy-
the principle, cause, source, or origin of things; beginning or ultimate principle
“type” = kind “arche” + “type” = “orginal kind” An original model from which other
similar people, objects or concepts are created, copied, or patterned
Archetypal Criticism
In literature, myth, religion and folklore, an “archetype” is a frequently occurring: image descriptive detail plot pattern character type
Jung’s Archetype
Symbols, themes and stories that help us make sense of our lives
Explains both nature and internal truth Collective Unconscious is the source of
creativity and health Example: story of Arachne
Arachne
Teaches us: the origin or genesis of the spider
and its web making to be mindful of the dangerous
metaphorical web we weave if we are prideful or completely honest about our abilities
Reflect
How do archetypes change over the years or can they?
Primitive Story Formulas:
TRUTH: Even the most innovative and contemporary literature is displaced mythology and reverts back to the same patterns and conventions as old myths, legends, songs, rituals, and folktales.
Authors both consciously and unconsciously use mythology in their work
Seven plot structures 1. Overcoming the Monster 2. Rags to Riches 3. The Quest 4. Voyage and Return 5. Rebirth 6. Comedy 7. Tragedy
Classic archetypes
Hero (ED-TED)
Hero (notes)
Dark Hero Villain Mentor Sidekick
Archetypal Critics Ask: What archetypal elements can you
find in this literary work? Do you see any recurring imagery or
any mythic plots, characters, themes, or symbols?
How do these archetypal elements contribute to the work as a whole?
How do the common images and patterns in literature reflect the human experience?
