Archetypes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnSHTEn-gLA&feature=youtu.be

Definition of archetype:

An archetype is a term used to describe universal symbols that evoke deep and sometimes unconscious responses in a reader

In literature, regardless of when or where they live, the following are considered archetypes, because they symbolically embody universal meanings and basic human experiences: characters, images, and themes.

3 Different Practical Archetypes

1. Situation Archetype 2. Character Archetype 3. Symbolic Archetype

Situation Archetypes The Quest The Journey The Task The Initiation The Fall Death and Rebirth The Battle between Good & Evil Safe Haven vs. Wilderness Supernatural Intervention

The Quest the search for someone or something (a

talisman) which, when found and brought back, will restore fertility to a wasted land, the desolation of which is mirrored by a leader’s illness and disability.

Note:  “fertility” does not necessarily mean “reproduction” or “fruitfulness.” It can and often does mean prosperity, peace, harmony.

..

http://raresoundtracks.iespana.es/images/thelionking.jpg

The Journey The journey sends the hero in search for some

truth or information necessary to restore fertility to the kingdom.  a.  The hero descends into a real or psychological torment.b. He is forced to discover or face the blackest truths about himself (usually).c. He accepts responsibility for his faults and acknowledges his mistakes.d. He returns to the world of the living.

http://www.the-reel-mccoy.com/movies/2001/images/FellowshipOfTheRing_poster.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGV1BvnyvGo&feature=youtu.be

The TaskThe Task

To save the kingdom, to win the fair lady, to identify himself so that he may resume his rightful position, the hero must perform some nearly superhuman deed.

This differs from the Quest in that in the Quest, the ultimate goal is to restore fertility; here the goal is to gain something (power, the girl, wealth, etc.)

http://www.virginmedia.com/microsites/movies/slideshow/top-ten-movie-wizards/img_6.jpg

The InitiationThe Initiation

This usually takes the form of an initiation into adult life.  The adolescent comes into his or her own maturity with new awareness and problems along with new hope for the community.  This awakening is often the climax of the story.  It does parallel

the Ritual.

http://www.southshields-sanddancers.co.uk/photos_posters/harry_potter_calendar_photo.jpg

The Fall

This archetype describes a descent from a higher state of being to a lower state of being.  The experience involves a defilement and/or a loss of innocence and bliss.  The fall is often accompanied by an expulsion from a kind of paradise as penalty for disobedience and moral

transgression.  

http://www.nashvillescholars.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/arthur

Death & Rebirth

This is the most common of all situational archetypes.  It is the parallel between the cycle of nature and the cycle of life.  Thus, morning and springtime represent birth, youth, or rebirth; evening and winter suggest old age or death.

http://morris-photographics.com/photos/TheFourSeasons.jpg

The Battle Between Good & Evil

Obviously, the battle between two primal forces.  Mankind shows eternal optimism in the continual portrayal of good triumphing over evil despite great odds.

http://rangersin08.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/sauron1.jpg http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BD7HCN0TL.jpg

Safe Haven vs. Wilderness

Places of safety contrast sharply against the dangerous wilderness. Heroes are often sheltered for a time to regain health and resources.

Supernatural Intervention

The gods intervene on the side of the hero or sometimes against him.

Character Archetype

The HeroThe InitiatesThe MentorFather-Son

ConflictLoyal Retainers

Devil FigureWoman Figure The ScapegoatOutcast

The Hero

The courageous figure, the one who’s always running in and saving the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBRoHaQl8kY&feature=youtu.be

The InitiatesThese are young heroes or

heroines who, prior to their quest, must endure some training and ceremony.  They are usually innocent and often wear white.

http://spencerpeet.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/karate-kid-se-sleeve.jpg

The MentorThese individuals serve These individuals serve

as teachers or counselors as teachers or counselors to the initiates. to the initiates.

Sometimes they work as Sometimes they work as role models and often role models and often serve as father or mother serve as father or mother figure. figure.

Father – Son Father – Son ConflictConflict

Tension often results from separation during childhood or from an external source when the individuals meet as men and where the mentor often has a higher place in the affections of the hero than the natural parent.

Loyal RetainersLoyal Retainers

These individuals are like the noble sidekicks to the hero. Their duty is to protect the hero. Often the retainer reflects the hero's nobility.

Devil FigureDevil Figure

This character represents evil incarnate. He or she may offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the protagonist in exchange for possession of the soul or integrity. This figure's main aim is to oppose the hero in his or her quest.

Woman FigureWoman Figure

Shrew: This is that nagging, bothersome wife always battering her husband with verbal abuse.

Temptress: Characterized by sensuous beauty, she is one whose physical attraction may bring about the hero's downfall.

Damsel in Distress: This vulnerable woman must be rescued by the hero. She also may be used as a trap, by an evil figure, to ensnare the hero.

The ScapegoatThe Scapegoat

Scapegoat: The scapegoat figure is one who gets blamed for everything, regardless of whether he/she is actually at fault.

(i.e. Snowball in Animal Farm)

The OutcastThe Outcast

The outcast is just that. He or she has been cast out of a society or has left it on a voluntary basis. The outcast figure can oftentimes be considered as a Christ figure.

Symbolic ArchetypesShapesColorsNatureAnimalsNumbers

Shapes

Circle (Sphere)—wholeness, unity

Egg (Oval)—the mystery of life and the forces of regeneration

Colors Red—love, sacrifice, hate, evil,

anger, violent passion, sin, blood, disorder

Green— birth / death, fertility, luck, hope, jealousy, decay, greed

Blue— sadness, spiritual purity, truth, religious feelings of security

Black— power, doom, death, darkness, mystery, primal wisdom, unconscious evil

White— purity, innocence, death, terror, supernatural, blinding truth

Nature Water is a symbol of life, cleansing, and rebirth—

represents the mystery of creation

Examples: Sea—spiritual mystery and infinity; timelessness and eternity

River— death / rebirth (baptism), flowing of time into eternity, transitional phases of the life cycle

The Sun Represents energy, creativity, thinking, enlightenment, wisdom, spiritual vision, the passing of time, and life

Examples:Rising Sun—Birth and Creation

Setting Sun—Death

Animals

Snake (serpent, worm)—evil, corruption, sensuality, destruction, wisdom, temptation

Dark-colored bird (raven, hawk)—death, hate, corruption

Light-colored bird (dove)—peace, love, life

Numbers

Three (3)—represents unity, spiritual awareness, and light

Four (4)—cycle of life, (earth, water, fire, air) nature

Seven (7)—unity between 3 and 4, completion and perfect order