Archetypes Are Defined As the Original Models from Which Copies Are Made. They Represent

Archetypes

Archetypes are defined as the original models from which copies are made. They represent images, symbols, characters, patterns, and settings that give literature its unity. They are fundamental patterns that occur repeatedly in the literature of all ages and cultures and are nearly universal.

I. Characters A. Hero – usually portrayed as “larger than life” – exhibits outstanding qualities and embodies the ideals of a culture or society – (ex. Odysseus, Superman, Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web, Beowulf) 1) Rebel Hero – goes against the “norm” but for a good reason (ex. Robin Hood, Zorro) 2) Stranger Hero – Comes from somewhere else – saves society from a “menace” – than goes on his way (ex. Knights, Lone Ranger, Beowulf) 3) Satanic Hero – has both evil and redeeming qualities (ex. Satan, Heath cliff from Wuthering Heights) 4) Lovable Scoundrel – smiling, often handsome, friendly fellow that should be hanged but everyone is glad when he goes free (ex. Falstaff, Han Solo) 5) Reluctant Hero – hero in spite of himself – did not choose the role – had it thrust upon him (ex. Robinson Crusoe)

B. Anti-Hero-may try to embody heroic qualities but does not – a loser 1) Degenerative Hero – once was good but was corrupted (ex. Macbeth, Darth Vader)

C. Alter-Ego - split personality or opposite personality – within one person (ex. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)

D. Helpful Animal – any animal that usually appears when the hero is in trouble and cannot see a way out (ex. Lassie, Mr. Ed, Rin Tin Tin.)

E. Earth Mother- the eternal provider, protective, sheltering, nourishing, nurturing – often pictured as a “full figure” woman (ex. Fairy godmother, Mother Nature, Mother Goose) F. Fatal Woman or Femme Fatale – a woman who through the use of her power – sexual, intellectual, or magical or a combination of the three – can make a strong man weak and a wise man foolish – every man’s worst nightmare. (ex. Delilah, Cat Woman, the Sirens, Guinevere)

G. Innocent – a child or inexperienced man or woman, exposed to the menace of the evil world – usually moves from innocence to experience and knowledge – his/ her immaturity becomes maturity – sometimes this innocence can be protection, sometimes not (ex. Beauty, Snow White, E.T.) H. Opposite or Complimentary Pair – two individuals of opposite natures who if combined, would make one balanced and completed individual (ex, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Watson, Don Quixote and Sanchal Panza)

I. Trickster – The character, who through superior wit, guile, cunning, and agility, can deceive and manipulate those who seemingly have greater strength and authority – he plays tricks on those who are stupid, pompous, and greedy who seem to be natural victims and who invite such treatment – Occasionally he tricks those who are innocent and do not deserve such treat – a survivor – sometimes he overeats and ends up being tricked himself (ex. Odysseus, Dennis the Menace, the Joker)

J. Scapegoat – one who suffers or is blamed unjustly in order that others may escape blame or punishment – may even die for the sake of society (ex. Cinderella)

K. Helping Characters – wise old men and wise old women who assist the hero in a positive way – may not, however, be what they seem, for wise old men can become sorcerers and wise old women can become witches (ex. Yoda, Merlin, Aunt Bea)

L. Villain – The antagonist, especially in opposition to the hero (ex. The Big Bad Wolf, the Giant in Jack and the Beanstalk)

II. Archetypal Settings and Symbols A. Garden – ordered and controlled environment that is usually safe, happy and nurturing – related to youth, innocence, and chastity.

B. Forest – disorder and chaos – related to experience and sexuality

C. Caves, tunnel and pools of water – descent into inner-self, the subconscious.

D. Countryside – represents healing and goodness.

E. City – represents evil, a wasteland – corrupt and debasing

F. Mountains and Peaks – symbols of quest for spiritual self, personal achievement, heightened consciousness and experience, personal achievement and assertion. G. River – on-flowing life or time, surreal change, destiny.

H. Sea – a mysterious source, unformed and unfathomed.

I. Islands and ship at sea – spiritual and physical isolation, exile.

III. Archetypal Themes

A. Initiation – a young character moves from innocence into experience and knowledge, from childhood to adulthood – often accompanied by rituals, trials, tests, and other rites – usually represents a change in social status – often results in knowledge of “evil” as well as of new responsibilities of life and its meaning.

B. Journey, Search, or Quest – search for roots, for identity, perfection, fulfillment, love, true father or mother, treasure, fame, wisdom, salvation – most common pattern in romantic fiction – quest may be linear or circular

C. Transformation – literal or symbolic – literal as in fairy tales where an evil witch may change a person into an animal or the love of a good woman may change a beast into a prince – symbolic when a person experiences a type of self-fulfillment D. Death and Rebirth – may be literal or symbolic

IV. Patterns in an Archetypal Hero’s Life

A. Birth – born in a heroic manner- often born to a virgin and abandoned at birth – rescued by people of lower class or even animals and raided (ex. Perseus, Romulus and Remus, Mowgli)

B. Initiation – on the threshold of manhood the hero must endure some form of ceremony to be recognized for what he is – often the initiation is accompanied by some sort of divine sign (ex. Odysseus killing the wild boar, Arthur pulling the sword in the stone)

C. Withdrawal – having passed the initiation stage the hero withdraws for meditation and solitude – emphasizes a need to think and come to “grips” with things

D. Quest or Trial – expression of the human need to prove oneself – symbolic of the move from adolescence to the adult life usually occurs in the springtime.

E. Death

F. Descent – descends into the underworld, a journey that represents preparation from a new or second life, a rebirth – often symbolized by a tree that has its roots in the ground but its branches reaching to the sky – hero tries to conquer death by descending deep into the underworld and confronting his fears – represents winter, the night journey, the dark side of the soul. G. Rebirth – hero moves from a normal life to life extraordinaire – a universal pattern – completes the cycle (from dust to dust)

H. The Myth of Apotheosis – the conclusion of the hero’s adventures he is given divine status and recognized in Heaven – often he is made immortal (ex. Hercules)

Additional Literary Archetypes and Fairy Tales Elements in Western Culture

1. Lost Child/Absent Parent 2. Animals a. Evil 1. Snakes 2. Bees 3. Lions 4. Cats b. Good 1. Lamb 2. Birds 3. Owl 3. Magic 4. Cinderella Motif 5. Owl a. Spring and Summer 1. Happiness 2. Growth 3. Love 4. Nurturing, rebirth 5. Youth b. Winter and Fall 1. Dying 2. Decay 3. Death 4. Old age 6. Beauty v. Plain Looks 7. Windows a. Knowledge b. Light c. Hope d. Temptation e. Freedom 8. Weaving 9. Numbers a. Pairs b. Threes 1. Three Bears 2. Three Pigs 3. Three Wishes 4. All multiples of three 10. Hair a. Rapunzel b. Sampson and Delilah 11. Tower a. Isolation b. Strength 12. Desert a. Isolation b. Fear c. Unhappiness d. Wasteland 13. Damsel in Distress 14. Ascent and Descent 15. Rose a. Love b. Life c. Beauty d. Fragility 16. Circle a. Unity b. Harmony c. Completeness 17. Don Juan (Womanizer) 18. Local Boy Who Makes Good 19. Hunted Man 20. Witch