Archetypes in Literature A brief overview of the basics of archetypes in literature. 10 th Lit

So, what is an archetype? From an unknown origin, but are preset at the moment of birth in everyone. They are the symbolic forms in the world’s myths, religions, art, literature and dreams. Archetypes are present in every culture & every historical time period.

Characteristics of archetypes: Shared with all of humanity Connects us to past and future Express themselves in various forms Grow out of people’s social, psychological and biological beings Universal & keep common traits Cannot be explained by interactions among cultures Recurrent, happen over all generations & cultures

The Hero Hero=male Heroine = female This archetype embodies key traits valued by it’s originating culture. Generally superhuman Able to perform extraordinary deeds for others

The Young Person from the Provinces Hero/heroine is taken away as a young person Raised by strangers Later returns home where he/she is a stranger who can see new problems and solutions.

The Initiates Young hero/heroine who, prior to their quest, goes through training and ceremony Usually innocent and often wear white

The Tragic Hero An honorable protagonist with a tragic flaw (aka fatal flaw) This flaw leads to his or her demise The death of the tragic hero saves others in the story.

The Anti Hero A character that has some characteristic that are anti-ethical Performs “heroic” acts that are not done in heroic ways.

Onto the ladies… Female Archetypes

Mother Goddess Ideas of nourishment and creation Worshipped as a source of life Has the ability to give new birth to objects that seem dead

The Temptress Sensual beauty Protagonist is physically attracted to her She ultimately brings about his downfall

The Platonic Ideal Source of inspiration & spiritual ideal Protagonist has intellectual rather than physical attraction toward her

The Unfaithful Wife/Friend Married to a man she sees as dull Attracted to a more desirable man

Damsel in Distress Vulnerable woman Must be rescued by the hero Often used to ensnare the hero

In General… Character Archetypes

The Trickster A “wise-fool,” rascal who looks out for himself Inventive agent whose actions can benefit human society Symbolizes humans’ excess & outrageousness

Mentors Serve as teachers or counselors to the initiates Sometimes role models and parental figure

Group of Companions Loyal companions willing to face any perils in order to be together

Loyal Retainers Protect the hero/heroine Reflect the nobility of the hero/heroine Somewhat like servants Heroic themselves

Evil Figure with Good Heart Redeemable devil figure Saved by nobility (or love) of the hero/heroine

The Outcast Banished from social group for some crime against fellow people Destined to become a wanderer

The Devil Figure Evil incarnate Offers worldly goods (fame/knowledge) in exchange for their soul

The Scapegoat Public punishment and/or death gets rid of a sin that has been visited upon a community

The Creature of the Nightmare Monster Usually summoned from the deepest, darkest part of human psyche to threaten the hero/heroine.

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 screwing up (going from god-like to man) Death and Rebirth: The most common situational archetype. Basically the Hero does 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 : Wisdom vs. Stupidity: Some characters have wisdom while others, who are usually in charge and make tons of mistakes, do not. These people accompany the hero on his journey to give him advice. 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.

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. The Whirlpool : Symbolizes the destructive power of nature Fog : Symbolizes uncertainty Symbolic Archetypes

Colors : 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 Symbolic Archetypes

Examples : Forest/Trees/Gardens = life, proliferation, immortality Mountains and Peaks = Gain insight, spiritual, powerful Rivers = journeys, decisions, paths to be crossed The Sea = Good/Evil/ human subconscious Tower/Castle = Power, human pride, and folly, protection Islands = Isolation with positive/negative effects Deserts/Wastelands = Emotional and physical wasteland The underworld (HELL) (caves, tunnels, "death", mazes) = Discovering one's self, death, unknown Setting archetypes