Romance Archetype 12th Grade English

What is an Archetype? An Archetype is a character, image, symbol, theme, or plot that is repeated in literature, art, or real life across cultures and time periods

The Four Archetypes in Literature Romance Tragedy Satire/Irony Comedy

Romance Archetype: Themes An ideal world that represents life as we wish it could be Innocence and purity of youth is more powerful than age and experience Good triumphs over evil

Typical Romance Settings Timeless (mythic past or fantasy future) Green and golden natural settings vs. dark and dismal fortresses of evil Recurring images: never- never lands, idyllic and beautiful natural world, spring, water, fire, morning, caves, mountains

Common Images Magic weapons Clairvoyant dreams Animals or objects with human traits Heroic costumes that empower the wearer Spell, potions, and sorcery

Romance Characters: Hero Young and completely innocence (lacking knowledge and experience) or totally good and brave Pure of heart and mind Represents the best of civilization May be an orphan or come from mysterious origins

Romance Villains Fallen hero now dedicated to evil Monster Witch Temptress Any force of pure evil

Other Romance Characters Wise teacher, mentor Heroine (beautiful princess) Sidekicks (human, animal, or robot) Animal with special powers

Typical Romance Plot A young hero sets off from home and embarks on a perilous journey During the journey, the hero has many trials during which he must discover his true identity (i.e. “father quest”) The climax is a physical battle: hero vs. evil forces The hero wins, saves civilization, and gets the girl