English-Lang Arts Standard 3.0 Literary response and Analysis archetypes3.6 Analyze the ways in which authors…use archetypes …

archetype A pattern or modelA pattern or model The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based.The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based. A generic (non-specific) or idealized model of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances or versions are derived, copied, patterned, or emulated.A generic (non-specific) or idealized model of a person, object, or concept from which similar instances or versions are derived, copied, patterned, or emulated.

Two types of archetypes: Stereotype – generic personality type observed multiple times, especially an oversimplification of such a type.Stereotype – generic personality type observed multiple times, especially an oversimplification of such a type.oversimplification –When people think of Manhattan Beach they often think about the stereotypical (stereotype of) the surfer dude.

Two types of archetypes: Epitome – idealized example; the “perfect” or “greatest” example of somethingEpitome – idealized example; the “perfect” or “greatest” example of something –He is the epitome of the scholar- athlete. –Her home epitomized elegance and warmth.

Archetype in literature An image, descriptive detail, plot pattern, or character type that occurs frequently in literature, myth, religion or folklore.An image, descriptive detail, plot pattern, or character type that occurs frequently in literature, myth, religion or folklore. A “type” of story or character we recognize and see used over and over in different stories.A “type” of story or character we recognize and see used over and over in different stories.

Examples of character archetypes The heroThe hero –The elite skills “kick butt and show no mercy” type –The common man/woman caught in extraordinary circumstances that compel him/her to become a hero The perfect mother/ bad motherThe perfect mother/ bad mother The abusive father/ perfect fatherThe abusive father/ perfect father The underdogThe underdog The wise old man (often who adopts a protégé)The wise old man (often who adopts a protégé) The "eternal boy" (guy who won’t grow up)The "eternal boy" (guy who won’t grow up) The “fallen woman” with a heart of goldThe “fallen woman” with a heart of gold The artist-scientistThe artist-scientist The kid genius

Stock Characters Generic or epitomized archetypes used in literature/filmGeneric or epitomized archetypes used in literature/film

Stock Characters - Heroes The Honest ThiefThe Honest Thief The Lovable Rogue The Lovable Rogue The Outlaw The Outlaw The Humbled Hero The Humbled Hero The Nerd The Nerd The Prodigy The Prodigy The Whiz kid The Whiz kid The Repentant Traitor The Repentant Traitor The Rookie The Rookie The Bad Boy The Bad Boy The Chosen OneThe Chosen One The Orphaned Hero The Orphaned Hero The Haunted Hero The Haunted Hero The Born Loser/The Fall Guy The Born Loser/The Fall Guy The Competent Man or Adventuress The Competent Man or Adventuress The Everyman The Everyman The Contender The Contender The Loose cannon, or Cop on the Edge The Loose cannon, or Cop on the Edge The Wise Old Man The Wise Old Man

Examples of STOCK PLOTS A downtrodden individual finds a mentor who helps him straighten out his life. Both mentor and downtrodden individual grow from the experience.A downtrodden individual finds a mentor who helps him straighten out his life. Both mentor and downtrodden individual grow from the experience. Boy and girl hate each other. Boy and girl are thrown into circumstances that require them to work together to overcome obstacle. Boy and girl grow to respect one another. Boy and girl fall in love and live “happily ever after.”Boy and girl hate each other. Boy and girl are thrown into circumstances that require them to work together to overcome obstacle. Boy and girl grow to respect one another. Boy and girl fall in love and live “happily ever after.” Common man’s family faces a hardship or injustice. Common man must fight an unfair “system” to get what they need and gains respect from others.Common man’s family faces a hardship or injustice. Common man must fight an unfair “system” to get what they need and gains respect from others.

Coming of Age Story Stock plot (archetypal pattern of action)Stock plot (archetypal pattern of action) Usually includes a journey motifUsually includes a journey motif Generally recounts one incident or a closely related series of incidents that cause an adolescent to gain a new level of maturity.Generally recounts one incident or a closely related series of incidents that cause an adolescent to gain a new level of maturity. Adolescent begins to move emotionally, socially, and cognitively from childhood into adulthood.Adolescent begins to move emotionally, socially, and cognitively from childhood into adulthood.

From Archetypal Criticism Archetypal criticism depends heavily on symbols and patterns operating on a universal scale. It is based on Carl Gustav Jung’s ( ) psychological theory. Jung believed in a collective unconscious that lay deep within all of us and contained the “cumulative knowledge, experiences, and images of the entire human race” (Bressler, 1994, p. 92). Jung identified certain archetypes, which are simply repeated patterns and images of human experience found in literature, such as the changing seasons; the cycle of birth, death, rebirth; the hero and the heroic quest; the beautiful temptress. The basis of archetypal criticism is that all literature consists of variations on a great mythic cycle within the following pattern: 1. The hero begins life in a paradise (such as a garden) 2. The hero is displaced from paradise (alienation) 3. The hero endures time of trial and tribulation, usually a wandering (a journey) 4. The hero achieves self-discovery as a result of the struggles on that journey 5. The hero returns to paradise (either the original or a new and improved one) The journey motif is very common in children’s stories and usually takes one of the two forms: 1. The linear journey: The hero moves away from home, encounters adventures, and finds a new home better than the first. 2. The circular journey: The hero moves away from home, encounters adventures, and returns home a better person. Strength: It allows us to see the larger patterns of literature Limitation: It tends to ignore the individual contributions of the author and the specific cultural and societal influences.

Archetypes Archetypes, according to Jung, are "primordial images"; the "psychic residue" of repeated types of experience in the lives of very ancient ancestors which are inherited in the "collective unconscious" of the human race and are expressed in myths, religion, dreams, and private fantasies, as well as in the works of literature (Abrams, p. 10, 112). Some common examples of archetypes include water, sun, moon, colors, circles, the Great Mother, Wise Old Man, etc. In terms of archetypal criticism, the color white might be associated with innocence or could signify death or the supernatural.