Classical Archetypes: Symbolism in literature

What is an archetype? An archetype is a symbol, story, pattern, or character type that occurs frequently in literature and evokes strong, often unconscious, associations for the reader. Archetypes occur in all cultures and time periods.

Where did archetypes come from? The idea of archetypes are thought to grow out of man’s subconscious (we are born with these traits, and they are universally understood). This theory was developed and researched by famous psychologist CARL JUNG.

Types of archetypes: 1) situational 2) character 3) symbolic

Situational archetypes: These are archetypes that occur commonly in SITUATIONS within stories, myths, legends, etc. across all cultures.

Types of situational archetypes: A. The Quest A search for something or someone who will restore fertility to desolation (or provide salvation of some sort) Ex: the search for the Holy Grail, Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone, Percy Jackson and the golden fleece

B. The Task: When the hero must perform superhuman deeds as a part of the quest Ex: Arthur pulling the sword from the stone (King Arthur legend), Odysseus stringing the bow, Luke Skywalker must rescue Princess Leia

C. The initiation When the hero must come into adult maturity by facing certain difficulties, training ex: the karate kid must overcome his rival and win the karate match, Harry Potter faces many obstacles, etc.

D. The journey This is when the hero goes on a search of information about his past or is searching for a truth of some sort. Ex: Harry Potter’s search for information about his parents

E. The fall A descent from a higher to a lower state of being, often involves the hero going through a moral or spiritual decline Ex: Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Anakin Skywalker becomes Darth Vader

F. Death vs. Resurrection The cycle of life/death or life/rebirth shown in the literature Ex: summer to winter, morning to night, a character might change from evil to redeemed. A character’s spirit helps another

G. Nature vs. technology Nature is seen as “good” and more morally pure, while technology/society are seen as “evil” Ex: Hatchet (survival in the wilderness, the plane crash almost caused his death), the Ewoks are able to defeat technology (Star Wars), The Terminator, The Matrix

H. Battle between good vs. evil The ultimate battle between right and wrong which is demonstrated in most heroic conflicts Ex: Luke Skywalker vs. Darth Vader, Harry Potter vs. Voldemort, any western movie

I. The unhealable wound When the hero suffers a physical or emotional wound that can’t fully heal Ex: Harry Potter’s scar

J. The ritual An actual ceremony that the hero will go through that shows a rite of passage to maturity Ex: becoming a knight, crowning a king, baptism, bar mitzvah, weddings

Character Archetypes: Character archetypes are common CHARACTERIZATIONS that are seen in various types of myths, legends, or literature across all cultures and time periods.

Types of character archetypes: A. The Hero This is the main protagonist of the story. often taken away from his birth parents Circumstances of his birth are unusual Often an attempt is made to kill him at birth or in childhood by a rival Not much is known of his childhood Ex: Jesus, Moses, Wart, Superman, Harry Potter, Tarzan

B. The young man from the provinces This is the hero who is raised by relatives or strangers and separated from his birth parents Ex: Tarzan, Superman, Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz

C. The initiate the young hero or heroine who must go through rigorous training; they often wear white (symbol of innocence and purity) Ex: Daniel from the Karate Kid, Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker

D. Mentors Teachers to the hero Ex: Yoda, Merlin, Obi Wan

E. Hunting group of companions The loyal friends of the hero who face perils with him Ex: Hermione and Ron, the Knights of the Round Table, Robin Hood and his Merry Men

F. Loyal Retainers Servants who help the hero. Usually of lower social class or paid employees (unlike the hunting group of companions who are peers) Ex: R2D2 and C3Po

G. The friendly beast An animal who befriends the hero and helps him Ex: Chewbacca

H. The scapegoat A character who is blamed for some wrong when they are really innocent Ex: Mr. Keating, Snowball (Animal Farm)

I. The outcast A figure who is banished from society and becomes a loner/wanderer Ex: Han Solo

J. The devil figure An evil character who tries to destroy the hero Ex: Satan, Darth Vader, Voldemort

K. The creature of nightmare A non-human monster who threatens the hero Ex: Dracula, Freddy Kreuger, Jabba the Hut

L. Evil figure with an ultimately good heart A redeemed devil figure who is saved by the end of the story and converts to good Ex: Apollo Creed (Rocky films), Scrooge (A Christmas Carol), the Grinch

M. Earth mother A female character who is symbolic of emotional nourishment, care giver, mother figure Ex: Mother Nature, Claire Huxtable, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Mammy in Gone with the Wind

N. The Temptress A female character who uses her beauty to tempt and seduce the hero and tries to lead him to his downfall Ex: Delilah, The Sirens, Guinevere, Cleopatra

O. The platonic ideal A female character who is a platonic friend to the hero and often in the hunting group of companions. Ex: Hermione, Princess Leia

P. Damsel in Distress A female character who needs to be rescued by the hero Ex: Rapunzel, Princess Leia, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty

Symbolic Archetypes: These are archetypes that are universal SYMBOLS in literature which occur in many stories and in many cultures.

Types of symbolic archetypes: A. light-darkness Typically, light is seen to represent good, renewal , and insight. Dark is seen to represent evil, ignorance, or despair.

B. Water-desert The water is seen as symbolic of life, growth, rebirth, or fertility. The desert imagery is symbolic of death, destruction , and decay

C. Heaven vs. Hell Skies and mountains represent closeness to heavens or goodness. The bowels of the earth represent evil forces that inhabit the earth.

D. Innate wisdom vs. educated stupidity Some characters exhibit wisdom instinctively when others are educated but not “street smart.” Hero often needs guidance of innate wisdom in his initiation.

E. Haven vs. Wilderness Places of safety contrast sharply against the dangerous wilderness. The desert is often seen as dangerous Ex: Tatooine

F. Supernatural intervention This is when the gods intervene on behalf of the hero and give him supernatural strength to defeat evil. Ex: The force (Star Wars), The Bible, The Odyssey and mythology

G. The magical weapon This is the weapon that the hero uses to fight evil. It is usually given to him by his mentor. Ex: King Arthur’s sword Excalibur, Odysseus’ bow, Thor’s hammer, Luke’s light saber

We will be looking for examples of these archetypes in the film Star Wars: A New Hope. Try to look for examples of archetypes when you read, watch television, or view film. There are A LOT.