Archetypes in

Literature
World Literature

Definition of Archetype

A recurrent narrative design, pattern

of action, character type, themes or
image which is identifiable in a wide
variety of works of literature.
An archetype is the first real example
or prototype of something (as the
Model T is the prototype of the
modern automobile). In this sense an
archetype can be considered the ideal
model, the supreme
type or the
perfect image of
something
(Brunel 111-112, 114).
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Carl Jung
-

Swiss psychiatrist

Studied dreams, personalities,

and religious connections

1925 "Bugishu Psychological Expedition"

to East Africa
What he figured out:

People all over the world have the same

dreams and stories

We have a collective unconscious from birth

The collective unconscious comes out in the

form of archetypes in our stories

What is an archetype II
A pattern repeated through the ages in folk and literary
expressions. An original model on which something is
patterned.
Excerpt about Carl Jung & archetypes from Psychology
Classics narrated by

Tom Butler Bowdon http://youtu.be/dBDGw6AFoSs

Archetypal theme #1: The

quest
the hero undertakes a long journey towards a goal.
Must perform impossible tasks, confront errors, learn
the rules, suffer doubts and overcome
insurmountable obstacles.

One example: http://youtu.be/3mNEgCn5CmI

Another example: http://youtu.be/pWS8Mg-JWSg

Archetypal theme #2:

Intitaion
The initiation (rite of passage, fall from
innocence): The hero undergoes series of
ordeals passing from innocence to
social/spiritual maturity. Pattern of separation,
transformation, and return.
Can you think of a story patterned after this archetypal
theme? Write down at least one idea.
One example: http://youtu.be/4sj1MT05lAA
Another example: http://youtu.be/dkX8J-FKndE
Another example: http://youtu.be/ukdRPqtZDEc
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Definition of Motif
An

event, device reference or

formula which occurs
frequently in works of
literature.

So whats the difference?

The differences are minimal. Often the words are
used interchangeably.
An archetype is described as a recurring symbol,
theme, character, or setting in multiple works. It's
something that's appeared in literature so often
that it's very recognizable. For example, an
archetypical theme is "love conquers all." Where
have we *not* seen that before? An archetypical
plot structure is the infamous love triangle.
A motif, though, is a recurring contrast, structure,
or literary device that comes back in different
forms. In Lord of the Flies, the beasties are
symbols which are used as motifs which represents
fear, but it comes in different forms.
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The Hero

The main character leaves his or

her community to go on an
adventure, performing deeds that
bring honor to the community
(Herz and Gallo 121). 0
Courageous,

saves the day

Mother Figure

Fairy Godmother (surrogate mother)

comforts and directs child

Earth Mother fulfillment, abundance,

and fertility

Represents powers that can be called on

for help when it is needed. Helps young
person to solve own problems (Knapp 71).

offers spiritual and emotional nourishment

to those who she contacts; often depicted
in earth colors, with large breasts and hips

http://youtu.be/ppGMNRNgYrg

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Stepmother/parent
Stepmother

Often attractive
Usually evil
Jealous of beauty or power of
the protagonist
Deceives the biological parent
about motives
http://youtu.be/_bhopXy8hBw
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Examples

Stepmother in Cinderella Briar Rose,

Mythology: Persephone, Demeter,
Hercate, Gorgon, Medusa
Literature: Gladriel from Lord of the
Rings, Glinda from the Wizard of Oz,
Dantes Beatrice
Movies: Rons mom

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Female Soul Mate

represents goodness, innocence,
purity; may be a princess who is
beautiful, sought after and
remote.

http://youtu.be/zSVNOzXJuIY

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Cinderella Archetype
What kind of characteristics does Cinderella have? What about
the stepmother and stepsisters?

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The Great Teacher/Mentor

Wise old men/women protects or

helps main character when he or she
faces challenges.
Sometimes they work as role models
and often serve as father or mother
figure. They teach by example the
skills necessary to survive the journey
and quest.
Examples

: http://youtu.be/71_p8P_PVXo
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The Companion/Sidekick
the companion: Befriends and
helps the hero; may be unusual
http://youtu.be/jJGeeryk0Eo

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The Innocent
Child/Youth or inexperienced adult
Strength is their trust and optimism.
Others like them and support their quest.
May be blind to or deny their obvious
weaknesses.

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Double

Doppelganger
It is the double or mirroring or split
personality or good/evil
It is the duplicate of an individual
or part of a divided individual
Can have many names including
the Other, the alter ego, the second self
Examples
Frankenstein
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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The Sacrificial Redeemer

Willing

to die for his or her

beliefs; the main character
maintains a strong sense of
morality (Herz and Gallo 123).
Embodiment of divine power
and being sent on a mission to
save humanity.
Jesus Christ
Erin Brockovich
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The Sacrificial Scapegoat

The sacrificial scapegoat: hero
who chooses to dies or allows himself
to be sacrificed to restore his people
or the land back to fruitfulness
http://youtu.be/gdIgy-4o4fs

Tyson in Percy Jackson

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Enchantress/Temptress
Woman to whom the
protagonist is physically
attracted
Brings about his downfall.
May appear as a witch or
vampire .
The Sirens in Mythology
Mystique from X-Men

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Villain

Wolf

Antagonist

Bad Guy

http://youtu.be/okvnUzTRwU0

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Trickster

A trickster is a god, goddess, spirit,

man, woman, or anthropomorphic
animal who plays tricks or
otherwise disobeys normal rules
Loki
Coyote

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Evil Figure
The Devil or Serpent
Represents evil
incarnate.
offers worldly goods,
fame, or knowledge to
the protagonist in
exchange for
possession of the soul
or integrity.
Opposes hero in his/her
quest.

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Other Archetypes?
In

movies, there are stock

characters. They can be
archetypes as well.
A

few of them:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L

ist_of_stock_characters
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Check your knowledge

Choose any archetypal character and come up with your own
example from an EPIC movie, story, or book. This should be a
story that many people know!
Create a sign with the characters name & type of character
at the top, and a color picture of the character in the middle.
In the bottom third of the paper, write a 2 chunk paragraph at
the bottom in the Ridge Writing colors describing why this
person / thing / creature fits the character archetype.
TS: ________________ from Title of Movie is a good example
of a __________________________.
CDs: things that happened in the movie/book/story
CM: explain how this shows that he/she/it fits the archetype
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Characterization Review
Dynamic/Round

Character

We

know a great deal about

him/her

Changes

throughout the
story. Undergoes a

journey

either
physical or mental
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Flat
Can

be an archetype or
stereotype

Does

not change

We

know very little about the

person.
Appearance,

belongs to a

group, etc.
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Static
We

know a great deal

about him/her
Does

not change

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30

Settings

Garden

Cultivated and carefully planned. Restricted to certain

vegetation

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Forest

Habitat of the Great

Mother (Mother
Nature), the lunar
force. Fertility.
The vegetation and
animals flourish in
this green world
because of the
sustaining power of
the Great Mother.
Symbolically the
primitive levels of
the feminine
psyche, protective
and sheltering.

Those who enter

often lose their
direction or rational
outlook and thus
tap into their
collective
unconscious. This
unregulated space
is opposite of the
cultivated gardens,
which are carefully
planned and are
restricted to certain
vegetation.
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Tree

Represents life and knowledge

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Caves and Tunnels

Deep down where character delves into self

Place that character goes when invisible or inactive

At the extreme may signify death

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Mountains and Peaks

Highest peak is place to see far

Place to gain great insight

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The River

Crossing river may

symbolize new territory
Rivers can be boundaries
or borders and on the
other side is something
new or different
May represent human life
or time passing as we
follow the river from its
sourt to its mouth

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The Sea

Vast, alien, dangerous,

chaos

Waves may symbolize

measures of time and
represent eternity or

infinity

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Fountain

Stands for purification; the sprinkling of water

(baptism) washes away sin. Water of fountain
gives new life (Knapp 32).
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Islands

Microcosms or small worlds unto themselves

Represent isolation or get-a-ways

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Actions/Events

Journey The protagonist takes a journey,

usually physical but sometimes emotional,
during which he or she learns something
about himself or herself or finds meaning in
his or her life as well as acceptance in a
community (Herz and Gallo 112).
Linear
Circular
Quests

Quest for material wealth

Quest for security, as a secure place to live
Quest for kin
Quest for global good, such as when a kingdom is
threatened
Quest for self, for self-identity or self-assurance
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Rites of Initiation

This is the process by which a character is brought into

another sphere of influence, usually into adulthood.

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Parental Conflict and

Relationships
The

protagonist deals with

parental conflict by rejecting
or bonding with parents (Herz
and Gallo 117).

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Sleep

Crucial for physical and/or psychological healing.

During dreams, person can grow. Person can fantasize
freely in sleep. A transitional and beneficial period. In
dream sphere can descend to the sphere of the Great
Mother. Person awakens with a greater understanding
of human nature (Knapp 88).

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The Test or Trial

In

the transition from one

stage of life to another, the
main character experiences a
rite of ppassage through
growth and change; he or she
experiences a transformation
(Herz and Gallo 115).
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Birth/Death and Rebirth

Through

pain and suffering

the character overcomes
feelings of despair, and through
a process of self-realization is
reborn (Herz and Gallo 110).

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The Fall: Expulsion from Eden

the

main character is expelled

because of an unacceptable
action on his or her part (Herz
and Gallo 111).

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Annihilation/Absurdity/Total
Oblivion
In

order to exist in an
intolerable world, the main
character accepts that life is
absurd, ridiculous, and ironic
(Herz and Gallo 116).

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Works Cited
Brunel, Pierre. Companion to Literary
Myths, Heroes and Archetypes. New
York: Routledge, 1992.
Franz, Marie-Louise von. Archetypal
Patterns in Fairy Tales. Toronto: Inner
City, 1997.
Herz, Sarah K., and Donald R. Gallo.
From Hinton to Hamlet: Building
Bridges Between Young Adult
Literature and the Classics. 2nd ed.
Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2005.
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