1/30/ Literary Archetypes Literature Circles 14 What are Archetypes? O Primordial images residing in the collective unconscious of a people, expressed in literature, myth, folklore and ritual. 15 1
1/30/ How Archetypes are Expressed in Literature O Literary archetypes can be expressed in three different ways: O Characters (hero, scapegoat, outcast, mentor, earth mother, temptress, devil). O Stories (quest, initiation, fall, death and rebirth, newcomer s arrival). O Symbols (light/dark, water/desert, heaven/underworld). 16 What are Myths? O Myths are master stories that describe exceptional people doing exceptional things and that serve as moral guides to proper action. 17 2
1/30/ Types of Myth O Myths come in various forms: O Cosmological Myths: Why are we here? O Societal Myths: What is the proper way to live? O Identity Myths: What makes one cultural group different from another? O Eschatological Myths: How is the world going to end (e.g., the Doomsday or Armageddon story)? 18 What are the Most Important Archetypes? 20 3
1/30/ The Hero The hero is an eminent 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. Noble warrior 21 Common Types of Heroes O Willing Hero: Hercules or Superman O Unwilling Hero: Frodo Baggins or Aragorn O Antihero: Batman (vigilante) O Tragic Hero: Macbeth 22 4
1/30/ The Wise Old Man O The Wise Old Man is a symbol of the power and wisdom that lie deep within parts of our own psyche. O This archetype is typically represented by a kind and wise, older father figure who uses personal knowledge of people and the world, to help tell stories and offer guidance, that in a mystical way illuminate to his audience a sense of who they are and who they might become. 23 The Mentor/Guide Mentor or guide provides motivation, insights, training, etc. to the hero. Often represented by the wise old man. Guide is a character found alongside almost all heroes. Does not have to be a human. 24 5
1/30/ Common Types of Mentors O Dark Mentor: O O O O Gollum (attempts to lead astray) Fallen Mentor (struggling too) Continuing Mentor: Gandalf Comic Mentor: Sam (advising sidekick) Shaman (guides vision) 25 The Earth Mother O The Great Mother is commonly conceived of as a nature goddess. O As the prominent feature of many early Indo European societies, the mother archetype manifests itself in a host of deities and symbolism. 26 6
1/30/ The Shadow O The shadow archetype represents unknown attributes of the individual that can be constructive or destructive. O We need to be aware of the shadow and incorporate it into conscious awareness so we do not project its attributes onto others. 27 The Animus and Anima O The anima is the feminine aspects of the male psyche (e.g., gentleness, tenderness, patience, receptiveness, closeness to nature, readiness to forgive, and so on). O The animus is the male side of the female psyche (e.g., assertiveness, the will to control and take charge, fighting spirit, and so on). 28 7
1/30/ The Self O Ultimate unity of personality. O According to Jung, this perfection could only be achieved in death. O Examples include Christ and Buddha. 29 The Persona O The persona is the socially acceptable "mask" self we wear to adapt to the outer world. O A well developed individual may have several personae appropriate to different social situations. O The problem comes not in having a persona but in identifying with it to the neglect of the one s inner life. O Can be a good impression or a false impression, or both. 30 8
1/30/ The Trickster O A trickster is a god, goddess, spirit, human hero or anthropomorphic animal who breaks the rules of the gods or nature, sometimes maliciously but usually with positive effects. O Can be cunning or foolish or both; often very funny even when considered sacred or performing important cultural tasks. 31 The Shapeshifter O Character who wears a mask and misleads the hero by hiding his or her intentions and loyalties. O Represents uncertainty or change. O Often a love interest. O All is not as it seems. 32 9
1/30/ The Herald O Issues challenges and announces the coming of a significant change. O Carrier of the power of destiny. 33 The Child O Children and small creatures representing innocence, future, becoming, rebirth, and salvation. 34 10
1/30/ The Maiden O Representation of purity, innocence, and naiveté. O Often young woman who still holds her virginity. 35 The Animal O Represents humanity s relationship with and connection to the animal world. O Often presented as loyal, faithful, honest, and innocent. 36 11