For each of the following images:

What might it symbolize?

What might it represent?

How do you know?

ARCHETYPES

A handy tool for interpreting literature.

Word analysis: ARCHETYPE

• Greek word roots:

–arkhe (first, original)

–typos (type, model)

• What, then, does “archetype” mean?

Archetypes: the basics

• generic, idealized model of a particular concept--an “essence”

• patterns (esp. in literature) that cross time, culture, language.

• Universally recognizable

Archetypes: Concept History

• Carl G. Jung (c. 1919), Swiss psychologist

• “The Collective Unconscious”– DNA of the psyche is composed of archetypes

• Humans have common psychological predispositions.

• Archetypes, said Jung, reveal symbolic themes that exist across cultures.

Say hello to Mr. Jung

As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being. It may even be assumed that just as the unconscious affects us, so the increase in our consciousness affects the unconscious.

Memories, Dreams,Reflections

Symbolic Archetypes

• Light vs. Darkness

• Water vs. Desert

• Heaven vs. Hell

• Good vs. Evil

• Innocence vs. Experience

• Tradition vs. Change

For all: note polarities

Situational Archetypes

• The Quest• The Task• The Initiation• The Journey• The Fall• Death and Rebirth

• Nature vs. Mechanistic World

• The Perpetual Wound• The Ritual• The Magic Weapon

Character Archetypes

• The Hero• The Mentor• Friendly Beast• The Devil Figure• The Scapegoat• The Outcast• The Trickster• The Child

• The Earth Mother• The Temptress• The Ideal Woman• The Unfaithful Wife• Damsel in Distress• Star-Crossed Lovers

Color Archetypes

• Symbolic nature of color is fairly obvious– Black: evil, emptiness, mystery– Red: passion, sin, blood, death, evil

• Try it out, and for each name an example. – Green– White– Gold– Red

YOUR HOMEWORK

• Find an example of an archetype. Write a paragraph that explains the archetype, and how it contributes to the meaning of its context.

• Search:– Children’s stories (Little Red Riding Hood, anyone?)– Film & TV– Advertisements – Books & comics

• If possible, bring in copy to share.