ARCHETYPES in literature ~ from Sibley’s “Archetypes in Literature” Kleinberg 2009

Definition of an Archetype “A universally recognizable element . . . that recurs across all literature and life (Latrobe 13). Psychologist Carl Jung called these elements a kind of “collective unconscious” of the human race, prototypes rather than something gained from experience. The word is derived from the Greek: arche, original, and typos, form or model; thus, original model (Latrobe 13).

Definition of an Archetype cnt’d An archetype is the first real example or prototype of something (as the Model T is the prototype of the modern automobile). In this sense an archetype can be considered the ideal model, the supreme type or the perfect image of something (Brunel 111-112, 114). Archetypes result in a deep emotional response for readers. “Archetypes are repeated patterns that recur in the literature of every age” (Sloan 48).

Examples of Archetypal Characters The Hero “Tragic Hero” Classical hero journey and qualities of a Hero (honor, loyalty, strength, etc.) “The main character leaves his or her community to go on an adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community” (Herz and Gallo 121). Endowed with a tragic flaw Doomed to make a serious error in judgment Falls from great heights or high esteem Realizes he/she made an irreversible mistake Faces and accepts death with honor Meets a tragic death The audience goes through catharsis—feeling pity, fear, and emotional relief

More Archetypal Characters The Mother The Great Teacher/Mentor/ Wise Sage Loving Mother (true maternal instincts, caring, sacrificing, etc.) Fairy Godmother (surrogate mother)—comforts and directs child, especially when he or she is confused and needs guidance. Represents powers that can be called on for help when it is needed. Helps young person to solve own problems (Knapp 71). Earth Mother Step Mother Wise “old” man/woman protects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges. Rational, self-reflective character who provides guidance Honest, truth-seeker

Even More Archetypal Characters The Innocent – naïve child, youth, inexperienced adult The Scapegoat/Sacrificial Victim – the innocent who gets blamed or dies for the sake of others The Enchantress/Temptress – the female that exhibits power over others, especially men; sexually charged The Giant/Monster/Ogre – the beast who is an outcast, evil, grotesque; sometimes misunderstood The Underdog – the weaker of the two components, the one who is expected to lose The Double or Split Personality – a character with two aspects to their character; or a character that represents another within the text

And Finally . . . The Villain The Trickster (represents chaos and destruction; animalistic forces) The Devil The Serpent (biblical reference) All characters represent the evil forces at work whose sole purpose is to bring down that which is good; sometimes without any real motivation (no rationality or morality)

Archetypal Settings The Garden – a place of purity; cultivation The Forest – represents fertility, home of the Great Mother, symbolically primitive. Those who enter often lose their direction or rational outlook and thus tap into their collective unconscious. This unregulated space is opposite of the cultivated gardens. A Tree – represents life and knowledge A Cave – turning inward; deep down where a character delves into himself, becomes invisible; in extreme cases can symbolize death A Mountain – the highest peak; place to gain greatest insight A River – a place of reflection or rebirth; crossing borders or new territory; May represent human life or time passing as we follow the river from its source to its mouth The Sea – vast, alien, chaotic, dangerous; waves may symbolize measures of time and represent eternity or infinity An Island – a place of isolation; a small world unto itself; microcosm

Archetypal Actions or Events The Journey – “The protagonist takes a journey, usually physical but sometimes emotional, during which he learns something about himself or finds meaning in his life as well as acceptance in a community.” Parental Conflict/Relationships – “The protagonist deals with parental conflict by rejecting or bonding with parents.” Coming of Age – loss of innocence, entering into adulthood, natural progression of maturity (maturation) The Test/Trial – “In the transition from one stage of life to another, the main character experiences a rite of passage through growth and change; he or she experiences a transformation.” Birth/Death/Rebirth – “Through pain/suffering the character overcomes feelings of despair, and through a process of self-realization is reborn.” The Fall – “The main character is expelled because of an unacceptable action on his or her part”

Archetype vs. Stereotype Stereotype - a commonly held public belief about specific social groups, or types of individuals. Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups, based on some prior assumptions. In literature and art, stereotypes are clichéd or predictable characters or situations. For example, the stereotypical devil is a red, impish character with horns and a pitchfork, whilst the stereotypical salesman is a slickly-dressed, fast-talking individual who cannot usually be trusted. Go back to the definition of an archetype. In your opinion, what is the difference? Write down an answer in your notes.

Archetypes in Miller’s Crucible Take your character chart and identify as many archetypes as you can (write the archetype next to the character) Then, identify at least one or two ways that this character defies his or her archetype Finally, circle your top two characters that represent archetypes, and identify at least two similarities and differences between them.