Archetypes: review and the

Hero’s Journey

Archetypes 101

What is an Archetype?An original model on which something is patterned or based

(prototype)In literature: character, action or situation that represent

universal patterns in human nature. Provides a framework to approach any piece of fiction

views literature as a reflection of life

ArchetypesComes from the psychology of C.G.

Jung (Young)dealt with man’s unconsciousness and

subconscious thoughts, desires, and dreams

man has four basic needs: food, water, shelter and love

Archetypes Traveled extensively and concluded from observations that these

patterns (archetypes) were so deeply imbedded in our psyches that they go back to prehistoric times

they are a part of our collective memory as human begins (everyone’s memory).

They have not changed and are present in all people.

ArchetypesPresent in the unconscious of the individualThese symbols are inborn and

understood like the instincts are passed on in animals

Part of the collective memory since prehistoric times

Occurs through all elements of the arts-literature, dance, painting, music and sculpture

Understood because they all come from nature or human nature

Archetypes of LiteratureIn literature archetypes occur as:

CharactersSymbols (object/action/event representing abstract idea/concept. i.e.

dove=peace)Colors (pos/neg meaning)Themes (love, hate, good vs. evil)Settings/situations (time, place, atmosphere)Life Cycles (life, seasons, time, meals)

Character ArchetypesCountless archetypes, but we will focus on the following in relation to

the Senior Project:1. Magician2. Warrior3. Wanderer 4. Martyr 5. Orphan 6. Innocent

MagicianCharismaticInspirationalCreativeSelf-awareEntertainingTransformingFamous Magician: Steve Jobs

Warrior CompetitiveAdaptableMinimalisticSkillfulLoyalDisciplinedFamous Warrior: Achilles

Wanderer NonconformistDesires freedomAmbitious Authentic AdventurousIntroverted Famous Wanderer: Amelia Earhart

Martyr Willing to sacrificeSuffering is self-inducedWilling to take blameDoes what is right StrongEmpowering Famous Martyr: Nelson Mandela

OrphanKnows everyone mattersUnpretentiousEmpathetic Realist Street SmartIrresponsible Famous Orphan: Harry Potter

Innocent Usually in form of child, saint, or mystic figure PureFaithfulGoodOptimistic Simple Famous Innocent: Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz

Archetype Jigsaw ActivityYou will be broken up into six groupsEach group will individually read/take notes on

assigned archetype with the materials I have provided. -On “Archetype 101” notes, label “Archetype Jigsaw Activity”. Number1-15. Record findings (15 total) on assigned archetype.

As a group, create a poster on your archetype. Include: (1) character traits (pos/neg), (2) literary examples, (3) visuals symbolizing archetype, and (4) any other pertinent information.

Choose two representatives to present poster

The Hero’s Journey• TED Hero’s Journey,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhk4N9A0oCA

Prewriting: Your Hero’s JourneyAnswer the following questions as completely as possible:• What are some of the “dragons” you have faced on your journey? • Who are the “mentors” who helped you face them? • How did you conquer them (or did you?)? • What effect did this journey have on you? In other words, how did

you “return changed”?• You will have multiple journeys/dragons. Take time to explore several.

They may be academic, athletic, personal, spiritual, financial… there is no limit to the arenas of life you can address.

You will keep this prewriting in your binder for future reference.

HW: Review Activity•Yesterday, you considered objects and symbols that functioned as archetypes. Today, complete the review sheet you picked up off of the front table this morning. This one focuses on archetypical characters in books and film.