Character Archetypes Ms. Haen Honors English 9. What is an archetype?

Transcription

1 Character Archetypes Ms. Haen Honors English 9 What is an archetype? Arche = first, original Typos= form or model defined as a pattern from which copies can be made a result of collective unconsciousness this collective unconscious is not directly knowable and is a product of the shared experiences of our ancestors. 1

2 What makes an archetype? Carl Jung believed that archetypes are Primordial: individuals have these archetypal images ingrained in our understanding even before we are born. Universal: archetypes can be found all over the world and throughout history; the manifestation of the idea may be different, but the idea itself is the same. Archetypes manifest themselves in people, situations, and symbols. Things to remember Archetypes are similar to instincts and they reveal themselves to our consciousness by powerful symbolic images. Archetypes can bring people under their spell they have a vitalizing force when people allow themselves to experience them. Archetypes are collective as they are held in common by a social group. Archetypes appear simple on the surface, but are complex. 2

3 Dudes in Archetypal Studies Carl Jung-psychiatrist who first explored this collective consciousness Joseph Campbell-mythologist/ anthropologist that applied the idea of archetypes to tangible ideas Northrop Frye-literary critic that argued that archetypes model literature and teaching students to recognize them will help develop understanding of the world Hero Archetype One who is challenged physically, mentally, or morally to achieve a goal typically the protagonist Comes in many different forms (bad boy, chief, savior, warrior, etc.) 3

4 Scapegoat Archetype One who takes blame or makes a sacrifice, typically to save hero Takes the blame for everything Outcast Archetype A loner/wanderer Cast out from society for crimes committed (real or imagined) against the community this can be voluntary 4

5 Devil Figure Archetype Typically associated with dark/gloomy images seen as the evil incarnate May offer worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the protagonist in exchange for possession of the soul or integrity Woman Figures There are many archetypes that females embody, including the hero Here are a few of the typically female roles Mother Figureprovides motivation and support Damsel in Distress Figureneeds to be rescued by the hero often used as a trap to ensnare the unsuspecting hero 5

6 Women Figures, cont. Temptress Figure who distracts the hero from his journey, may cause downfall of hero Platonic Ideal Figure who is a source of inspiration to the hero an intellectual rather than physical attraction Archetypal Situations The Quest a search for someone or something of great power or importance The Task hero must perform some nearly superhuman deed; done to save kingdom, win the girl, or find him or herself 6

7 Archetypal Situations The Initiation a moment, usually psychological, in which an individual comes into maturity; gains a new awareness into the nature of circumstances and problems and understands his or her responsibility for trying to resolve the dilemma Archetypal Situations The Journey sends the hero on a search for some truth or information; forces the hero to discover many unpleasant truths The Fall shows a descent from a higher to lower state of being; represents a loss of innocence; usually comes with some type of expulsion as a result of disobedience 7

8 Archetypal Situations Death/Rebirth refers to those situations in which someone or something, concrete and/or abstract dies, yet is accompanied by some sign of birth or rebirth; mimics the circle of life Hero is honored as he/she comes back to life The return isn t always physical it can be in the form of memory Archetypal Symbols Light and Darkness Light usually represents hope, renewal or intellectual illumination Darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair. Water and Desert o Water is necessary for life and growth it appears as a birth or rebirth symbol. Water as an element can also be destructive: hurricanes, storms, can signify change or conflict. o The Desert is usually seen as sterile, deathlike; many heroes pass through wastelands in order to gain enlightenment. 8

9 Archetypal Symbols Heaven and Hell Places not easily accessible by man are regarded as the dwelling places of either the gods or demons The skies, clouds, or mountains house the gods Canyons, caves, and the inner earth play home to the evil forces of the world. 9