Archetypes in Literature What is an Archetype? Archetypes in Literature

What is an archetype? Epic: an extended narrative poem in elevated (fancy) language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. Gilgamesh is an epic. Archetype: pattern that commonly appears in stories no matter what culture they come from Archetypes can apply to plots of a story, characters in a story, and themes of a story.

Character Archetypes: patterns depicted in characters of stories 1. The Hero: protagonist whose life is depicted through a series of well-defined adventures The hero usually he has an unusual birth, will have to leave his kingdom to go on some journey, and returns to his home a changed person. He is usually very brave, strong, honorable, and risks his life for the good of all. Examples: Hercules, Aragorn, Lancelot, Wolverine

The Hero (5 types) The Traditional/Classical Hero: strong, good-looking, noble, skilled in many areas, lives by personal codes of honor, first to jump in and save the day, loves the acclaim

The Hero (5 types) 2. Antihero: the exact opposite of a traditional hero; reluctant to help, lacks courage and honesty, is physically and mentally weak (also called a Byronic hero)

The Hero (5 types) 3. Tragic Hero: main character in a tragedy who makes an error that leads to his/her downfall

The Hero (5 types) 4. Unsung hero: hero who does not get credit for his/her great deeds and goes unnoticed by society

The Hero (5 types) 5. Superhero: hero who has some sort of magical/ mythical power that aides him/her in tasks

Character Archetypes: patterns depicted in characters of stories (cont Young Man from the Provinces: The hero is from a small, rural area and is not exposed to the wider world. Mentor: The mentor is an older, wiser teacher to the hero. He is sometimes viewed as a father figure. He gives the Hero gifts, food, magic, information, help, etc. Example: Morpheus from The Matrix

Character Archetypes: Patterns depicted in characters of stories (cont Hunting Group of Companions (side-kicks): loyal friends to the Hero who are willing to face hardships with him on his journey Examples: Hans Solo from Star Wars, Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter The Shadow: a worthy opponent with whom the hero must fight in the end Examples: Voldemort, The Matrix, Pride, Jealousy Creature of Nightmare: a monster (literally or figuratively) that threatens the life of the hero and his companions Examples: Cyclops from Odyssey, the shark from Jaws

Character Archetypes: patterns depicted in characters of stories (cont The Damsel in Distress: a woman (usually) who needs to be rescued by the hero and who is often used to trap the hero Example: Princess Fiona from Shrek, Sleeping Beauty The Temptress: a woman whose beauty attracts the hero and brings about his downfall or gets him off course on his journey

Situational Archetypes: These are patterns in plots of stories The journey: The journey sends the hero in search of some truth that will help him save himself and/or his kingdom. Stages of a hero’s journey (5 stages): Stage 1: Departure: The hero is called (or forced) to adventure, although he is reluctant to accept. Stage 2: Initiation: The hero crosses a threshold into a new, more dangerous world, where he gains more perspective in life.

Character Archetypes: patterns depicted in characters of stories (cont Stage 3: The Road of Trials: The hero is given supernatural aid, endures tests of strength, resourcefulness, and endurance. Stage 4: The Innermost Cave: The hero descends into the underworld and is reborn in some way, either physically or mentally. (This is the final stand off between good and evil.) Stage 5: Return to Society: The hero returns home and restores order to his kingdom.

More Situational Archetypes The Task: the nearly super-human feats the hero must perform in order to help himself or his kingdom The Fall: the descent from a higher to lower state of being, usually as a punishment for messing up (going from god-like to mortal)

More Situational Archetypes Death and Rebirth: the most common situational archetype Basically the Hero dies someway (figuratively or literally) and is reborn. Battle Between Good and Evil: when the hero, usually a symbol of goodness, battles an evil character USUALLY, good triumphs over evil, thus showing man’s eternal optimism.

Symbolic Archetypes: patterns of symbols in stories Supernatural Intervention: when spiritual beings intervene on behalf of the hero The Underworld: a place of death where the hero faces his fear of death or a great challenge during his journey

Symbolic Archetypes: patterns of symbols in stories Haven vs. Wilderness: A haven is a place of safety which is typically contrasted to the wilderness, a place of danger. Heroes are often sheltered from the wilderness during their journey. The Crossroads: A place or time of decision when a realization is made and a change occurs in the hero.

Symbolic Archetypes: patterns of symbols in stories The Whirlpool: symbolizes the destructive power of nature Fog: symbolizes uncertainty

Symbolic Archetypes: patterns of symbols in stories Color Archetypes: Red: blood, sacrifice, passion Green: growth, hope, fertility Blue: highly positive, security, tranquility, spiritual purity Black: darkness, chaos, mystery, death, evil White: light, purity, innocence, timelessness Yellow: wisdom, enlightenment

The Journey Heroes can go on many types of journeys. They can be a quest for: identity, vengence, love, the holy grail, search for knowledge, a journey to save his people, or a tragic quest which is penance for something they think they did wrong or did do wrong.