Archetypes
What is an Archetype? K W L (What do you KNOW?) (What do you WANT to know?) (What did you LEARN?)
Definition of archetype: the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype. Example: Frankenstein , Dracula are both archetypes that have influenced subsequent horror stories – i.e. Freddy Krueger "archetype." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 23 Aug. 2008. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/archetype>.
3 Different Practical Archetypes Situational Archetype Character Archetype Symbolic Archetype
Situational Archetypes The Quest The Journey The Task The Initiation The Fall Death and Rebirth The Battle between Good & Evil
The Quest Examples: The Lion King, Excalibur, Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail. the search for someone or something (a talisman) which, when found and brought back, will restore fertility to a wasted land, the desolation of which is mirrored by a leader’s illness and disability. Note: “fertility” does not necessarily mean “reproduction” or “fruitfulness.” It can and often does mean prosperity, peace, harmony. http://raresoundtracks.iespana.es/images/thelionking.jpg
The Journey Example: The Odyssey, The Canterbury Tales, The Aeneid, The Fellowship of the Rings, The Lord of the Flies The journey sends the hero in search for some truth or information necessary to restore fertility to the kingdom. a. The hero descends into a real or psychological hell b. He is forced to discover or face the blackest truths about himself (usually). c. He accepts responsibility for his faults and acknowledges his mistakes. d. He returns to the world of the living. http://www.the-reel-mccoy.com/movies/2001/images/FellowshipOfTheRing_poster.jpg
The Task Examples: Hercules, The Sword and the Stone, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Beowulf. To save the kingdom, to win the fair lady, to identify himself so that he may resume his rightful position, the hero must perform some nearly superhuman deed. This differs from the Quest in that in the Quest, the ultimate goal is to restore fertility; here the goal is to gain something (power, the girl, wealth, etc.) http://www.virginmedia.com/microsites/movies/slideshow/top-ten-movie-wizards/img_6.jpg
The Initiation Examples: This usually takes the form of an initiation into adult life. The adolescent comes into his or her own maturity with new awareness and problems along with new hope for the community. This awakening is often the climax of the story. It does parallel the Ritual. Examples: Huckleberry Finn, The Lion King, King Arthur, the Hobbits. The Harry Potter series. http://www.southshields-sanddancers.co.uk/photos_posters/harry_potter_calendar_photo.jpg
The Fall Examples: Adam and Eve, Lancelot and Guinevere, Milton’s Paradise Lost, many detective/cops stories. This archetype describes a descent from a higher state of being to a lower state of being. The experience involves a defilement and/or a loss of innocence and bliss. The fall is often accompanied by an expulsion from a kind of paradise as penalty for disobedience and moral transgression. http://www.nashvillescholars.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/arthur
Death & Rebirth This is the most common of all situational archetypes. It is the parallel between the cycle of nature and the cycle of life. Thus, morning and springtime represent birth, youth, or rebirth; evening and winter suggest old age or death. http://morris-photographics.com/photos/TheFourSeasons.jpg
The Battle Between Good & Evil Examples: The forces of Sauron and those of Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings, Satan vs. God in Milton’s Paradise Lost, any western movie or novel, most cartoons, The book of Revelation. Obviously, the battle between two primal forces. Mankind shows eternal optimism in the continual portrayal of good triumphing over evil despite great odds. http://rangersin08.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/sauron1.jpg http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BD7HCN0TL.jpg
Character Archetype The Hero The Initiates Mentors Father-Son Conflict Loyal Retainers Devil Figure Creature of Nightmares Woman Figure
The Initiates Example: Daniel from The Karate Kid. These are young heroes or heroines who, prior to their quest, must endure some training and ceremony. They are usually innocent and often wear white. http://spencerpeet.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/karate-kid-se-sleeve.jpg
The Mentor Examples: Obi-Wan Kenobe, Dumbledore These individuals serve as teachers or counselors to the initiates. Sometimes they work as role models and often serve as father or mother figure. (1) (2)
Father – Son Conflict Tension often results from separation during childhood or from an external source when the individuals meet as men and where the mentor often has a higher place in the affections of the hero than the natural parent Example: Romeo & Lord Montague (1) (2) http://p7.p.pixnet.net/albums/userpics/7/0/308370/1178083764.jpg http://www.mymovies.it/filmclub/attori/3994.jpg
Archetype Activity With your group, determine the role each character played in the story. Before you determine the role of your characters, each group member will have to determine his/her role during this activity.
Evidence of Learning Each group member needs to use the back of his/her KWL chart and label it like the example below. Character’s Name Character’s Role Evidence From Story
Evidence of Learning Work together to fill in each of the columns by discussing your group’s story. Document your group’s final answer in the format of the three (3) columns on the paper provided. You will have ten (10) minutes to complete this activity.
Ariel Flounder Ursula Sebastian
Alfred Pennyworth Joker Batman
Stepmother Fairy Godmother Jaq & Gus
Crush Nemo Bruce Dori
Dumbledore Rupert Draco
Professor X Rogue Magneto
Simba Scar Rafiki Timon and Pumba
Donkey Shrek Lord Farquaad Princess Fiona Lord Farquaad
Commander Neytiri Jake Neytiri’s Mother
What did you learn about archetype? K W L (What do you KNOW?) (What do you WANT to know?) (What did you LEARN?)