STEREOTYPES vs. ARCHETYPES vs. MOTIFS vs. CLICHES What’s the Difference?

Definition of STEREOTYPE  A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. Not literary. We avoid using this term to talk about classifying characters, settings, plot points, etc..

Definition of ARCHETYPE 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).

Definition of ARCHETYPE, contd. A recurrent narrative design, pattern of action, character type, themes or image which is identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature. The broad, all-encompassing norms of the stories humanity tells. The same archetypes can be found in all or nearly all cultures.

Definition of MOTIF An event, device reference or formula which occurs frequently in works of literature.

Definition of CLICHE Overused and hackneyed phrases, characters, settings, plot points, etc.. Archetypes do not become clichéd. Clichés are defined by a loss of the meaning or as a distraction from the story.

So what’s the difference? The differences are minimal. Often the words are used interchangeably by people who don’t fully understand the distinctions.

So what’s the difference? An archetype is described as a recurring symbol, theme, character, or setting in multiple works. It's something that's appeared in literature so often that it's very recognizable. For example, an archetypical theme is "love conquers all." Where have we *not* seen that before? An archetypical plot structure is the infamous love triangle.

So what’s the difference? A motif, though, is a recurring contrast, structure, or literary device that comes back in different forms. In Lord of the Flies, the beasties are symbols which are used as motifs which represents fear, but it comes in different forms.

Works Cited Brunel, Pierre. Companion to Literary Myths, Heroes and Archetypes. New York: Routledge, 1992. Franz, Marie-Louise von. Archetypal Patterns in Fairy Tales. Toronto: Inner City, 1997. Herz, Sarah K., and Donald R. Gallo. From Hinton to Hamlet: Building Bridges Between Young Adult Literature and the Classics. 2nd ed. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2005.

Now for the assignment…

ARCHETYPE Explanation and 3 examples from literature or movies. In color. Quality work. Not like you did it in your biology class on lined paper 30 minutes before it was due. Seriously.

The HERO He or she is a character who predominantly exhibits goodness and struggles against evil in order to restore harmony and justice to society. Examples include Equality from Anthem, Simba in The Lion King, and K.C. in K.C. Undercover. There are sub-categories of “the hero,” as well: the willing hero, the unwilling hero, the loner hero, the tragic hero, etc.

Some student examples