Literary Archetypes

Ms. Geller’s Sensational Sophomore World Lit

Fall 2013

What is an archetype?

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

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

Common literary archetypes include stories of quests, initiations, heroes, descents to the underworld, and ascents to heaven.

Common Character Archetypes The Hero: The courageous figure, the one who’s always

running in and saving the day. (e.g. Odysseus, Harry Potter)

Threshold Guardian: Protects the “Special World” and its secrets from the Hero; provides essential tests to prove the Hero’s commitment and worth.

(e.g. Rafiki from The Lion King )

Pirate/Cowboy: The rebel, nonconformist, revolutionary. (e.g. Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean)

Childlike Innocent: Has trust, faith, and optimism. (e.g. Russell from the movie Up )

The Earth Mother: symbolic of fruition, abundance, and fertility; this character often offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those with whom she comes in contact.

(e.g. Gaia from Captain Planet)

The Damsel in Distress (Princess): A vulnerable woman who needs to be rescued by the hero.

(e.g.______________________)

The Villain: Most often the antagonist. This archetype is typically the nemesis of the hero.

(e.g.______________________)

The Mentor/Sage: The figure who plays a teacher/advisor’s role to the hero.

(e.g.______________________)

The Sidekick: The figure who is often an aide/friend to the hero and often accompanies the hero on his journey.

(e.g.______________________)

The Monster: Unnatural, strange, mystical beasts; hostile to people; can be judged as good/evil.

(e.g. Cyclops, Wicked Witch of the West)

Jester: clown or fool; not serious; helps to lighten the mood.(e.g.______________________)

Situational Archetypes The Task: A situation in which a character, or

group of characters, is driven to complete some duty often of monstrous proportion. (e.g. Frodo’s task to keep the ring safe in The Lord of the Rings)

The Quest: Here, the character(s) are searching for something, whether consciously or unconsciously. Their actions, thoughts, and feelings center around the goal of completing the quest. (e.g.Shrek )

The Loss of Innocence: This is, as the name implies, a loss of innocence through sexual experience, violence, or any other means.

The Initiation: This is the process by which a character is brought into another sphere of influence, usually (in literature) into adulthood.

Common Image Archetypes

Certain images that recur in myths and other genres of literature often have a common meaning or tend to elicit comparable psychological responses and to serve similar cultural functions.

Water Sun Colors Shapes, numbers, & other objects

Water

a symbol of life, cleansing, and rebirth—represents the mystery of creation or a symbol of sadnessExamples: Sea—spiritual mystery and infinity; timelessness and eternityRain = rebirth, transition, or sadnessGoing underwater & coming back up (river, lake, sea, etc.) = rebirth (like a baptism)

Sun

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

Examples:Rising Sun—Birth and Creation

Setting Sun—Death

Colors Red—love, sacrifice, hate, evil, anger, violence

passion, sin, blood, disorder, danger 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 Black/white checkered floor—fate (like a chess board)

Grey—uncertainty, ambiguity (blend of black/white) Brown—earth, nature Light vs. dark—good vs. evil, hope vs. despair,

knowledge vs. ignorance

Shapes/Objects

Circle (Sphere)—wholeness, unity

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

Mirrors: symbols of self-reflection and duality (2 sides/choices)

Numbers Three (3)—represents unity, spiritual

awareness, and light, 3 is considered a mystical number.

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

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

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