Archetypes

Definition Symbol: something that stands for something else. Archetype: recurring symbol, character, theme, setting and event found in literature.  Archetypes have a recurring theme that transcends time.

Symbols in Everyday Life

Symbolism of Color White – goodness, purity, daytime, life Black – evil, death, night, sin Blue – peace Green– new life, renewal, beginning, Spring Yellow/Gold: fullness of life, money, completeness, wealth (harvest) Purple – royalty Red – war, anger, sin, blood

Settings  Day – at the end of the story if night turns to day, things will get better  Night – crime, lack of understanding, bad actions

Garden: perfect society Water – physical ingredient for life; can live longer on water than food.  Life giving Cleanses (literally, figuratively, religiously)  Renews Harmony between nature and man  No hurricanes or tornadoes Dominant Colors: green/gold

Garden, Cont. Moderate Temperatures Simplicity Freedom from Evil Abundance of food, clothes, & shelter Love

Wasteland Very little or no water No harmony black Dominant colors: red/black/gray Extreme temperatures  Desert  Antarctic Not enough food, shelter, clothes Evil Have to work all the time Hate

Seasonal Archetypes SpringWinter Birth/RebirthDeath SummerFall Fullness of Life Old Age Cycle of Life

Character Types Hero Person who is better equipped physically, mentally, or morally to achieve some goal. Usually wears white.

Villain  The antagonist of the story.  Usually wears black or red.

Sacrificial Figure Gives up life or makes a big sacrifice to save another person in the story.  Jumps in front of hero… takes the bullet

Servant Reinforces the personality of the hero. Usually a sidekick figure. No real personality of their own.

Fair Maiden Sought after by hero and villain. The focus of any kind of romance.

5 Stages of the Hero’s Life # 1 - Birth  Mysterious, unknown, often in exile or placed in exile as a child.  Exile: leaves society  Born on another planet  Exile from birthplace: raised by adopted parents  Birth Process  Unnatural  Breech birth  Cesarean

# 2 - Preparation  Time when hero develops skills needed for the quest.  Time when he gains physical, mental, moral superiority.  Time when he proves he is ready for the quest. 5 Stages of the Hero’s Life

#3 – Quest  Part 1: Perilous Journey: hero travels through wasteland alone  Hero feels fear  Hero’s way isn’t always clear  Hero isn’t invincible  Hero has a goal  Part 2. Struggle: when hero receives divine or natural assistance  Part 3. Exaltation: honoring of the hero 5 Stages of the Hero’s Life

# 4 – Death  Doesn’t occur in all stories, but just like life, there is death.  If death, usually fantastic in some way.  Heroes die as saviors or because powers waiver.  If die as a savior, mourn and honor death with singing, storytelling or monuments.

5 Stages of the Hero’s Life # 5 – Return  Exaltation and honoring of the hero.  Return physically  Return through monument  Return in memories  Return through those who continue the cause

Heroic Characters If the hero loses physical or mental powers, he is still a hero. If the hero loses morals, he is no longer a hero. Archetypal heroes are usually male.  Females have the functions (roles) as the fair maiden.  Beauty works for and against her.