1. A Beginner's Guide to Archetypal Literary Theory

2. What is Archetypal Literary Theory?
Archetypal literary theory focuses on recurring (repeating) archetypes, patterns, symbols and myths in literature.

3. What is an Archetype?
An archetype is a primordial image in the collective unconscious of a people, expressed in literature, myth, folklore and ritual.
Essentially, it’s a pattern or universal theme.

4. First off, what is the Collective Unconscious?
The collective unconscious refers to that part of a person's unconscious which is common to all human beings.
The collective unconscious arises in each individual from (1) shared instinct, (2) common experience, and (3) shared culture.

5. (1) Shared Instinct FOR EXAMPLE:
The archetype of "the great mother" would be nearly the same in all people, since all infants share the expectation of having an attentive caretaker.

6. (2) Common Experience
Every surviving infant must either have had a mother, or a surrogate.

7. (3) Shared Culture
Nearly every child knows society's idea of what a mother should be.

8. How are Archetypes Expressed in Literature?
Characters (hero, scapegoat, outcast, mentor, temptress, villain) Stories/Situations (tragedy, quest, rags to riches, death and rebirth) Symbols (light/dark, heaven/hell)

9. The Hero
The hero is a character who embodies key traits valued by its originating culture.
The hero commonly possesses superhuman capabilities or idealized character traits which enable him to perform extraordinary, beneficial deeds.

10. Common Types of Heroes
Willing Hero: Ready for action and destined for greatness Unwilling Hero: Normal person thrown into an unusual situation or a hero who refuses the call Antihero: A bit shady and breaks the rules Tragic Hero: Suffers at the hands of his tragic “flaw”

11. The Mentor/Guide Provides motivation, insights, training to the hero.
Often represented by the wise old man.
Found alongside almost all heroes.
Does not have to be human.

12. Common Types of Mentors
Continuing Mentor: Someone who helps throughout journey Comic Mentor: Adds some comic relief Fallen Mentor: Helping, but dealing with own issues Dark Mentor: Sinister– may be loyal or not

13. The Earth Mother
The Great Mother offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those she meets.
The mother archetype manifests itself in a host of feminine symbolism.
Nurturing and caring

14. The Shadow
The Shadow archetype represents the brutal, animalistic characteristics of an individual.
It is amoral
It is responsible for unpleasant, socially unacceptable thoughts, feelings & behaviors.
Usually the antagonist.

15. The Devil
Evil incarnate; offers worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the hero in exchange for possession of the soul. Often associated with a snake

16. The Trickster
A trickster is a god, goddess, spirit, or human hero who breaks the rules of the gods or nature, sometimes maliciously but usually with positive effects.
Tricksters can be cunning or foolish or both; they are often very funny.

17. The Scapegoat
An animal or human who is unjustly held responsible for others’ sins; sacrificed but they often become more powerful force dead than alive.

18. The Outcast
Figure banished from a social group for some crime against his fellow man (could be falsely accused of a crime or could choose to banish himself from guilt). Destined to wander from place to place alone.

19. The Temptress
Characterized by sensuous beauty and the hero is attracted to her physically. She is often the cause of the hero’s downfall. She leads him off course.

20. The Damsel in Distress
Vulnerable woman who must be rescued by the hero. She is often part of a trap to catch the unsuspecting hero and allow the villain to win.

21. Symbolic Archetypes Water in the Desert
Water is rebirth or spiritual awakening
Desert often “dead” to morals or the “good side”
Heaven vs. Hell
Sky = heaven
bowels of earth = hell
Supernatural Intervention
When gods intervene
May favour hero
Haven vs. Wilderness
Places of safety contrast with danger
The Magic Weapon/Item
Symbolic of the hero’s inner strength or extraordinary quality.
Fire vs. Ice
Fire = Knowledge, life
Ice = Ignorance, death
Light vs. Darkness
Safety and innocence vs. unknown and despair

22. Storyline/Situational Archetypes
The Journey Rebirth Rags to Riches Death and Rebirth The Initiation The Unhealable Wound
Tragedy Nature vs Mechanical World Comedy The Task Voyage and Return