Archetypes in Literature

Transcription

1 Archetypes in Literature A universally recognizable element... that recurs across all literature and life (Latrobe 13). Psychologist Carl Jung called these elements a kind of collective unconscious of the human race, prototypes rather than something gained from experience. The word is derived from the Greek: arche, original, and typos, form or model; thus, original model (Latrobe 13).

2 Definition Continued 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 , 114).

3 Definition Finished A key to understanding folk literature is to understand archetypes. An archetype is to the psyche what an instinct is to the body..... Archetypes are the psychic instincts of the human species. (Edinger as quoted in Knapp 10). Archetypes are universal in human beings. Archetypes result in a deep emotional response for readers. Archetypes are repeated patterns that recur in the literature of every age (Sloan 48).

4 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). This character brings about stability by eliminating evil and evil-doers.

5 Pygmalion Heroes Liza Doolittle has heroic qualities because she is a person who strives for what is beyond her and wants to achieve greatness, yet lacks the consistent courage and power of a super hero. So she s heroic in her perseverance and having all the human faults we do that could have prevented her continued efforts but pushing past them.

6 The Pygmalion Myth Liza is also an aspect of the statue, Galatea, in that she becomes Higgins s finest work to date. The relationship is far more complicated than the myth, though, so don t expect a romantic ending here.

7 Mother Figures Fairy Godmother (surrogate mother) comforts and directs child, especially when he or she is confused and needs guidance. Represents powers that can be called on for help when it is needed. Helps young person to solve own problems (Knapp 71). Earth Mother: Female or feminine power associated with nature Stepmother: The outsider who uses her power over the husband to put her own needs, and that of her own offspring, ahead of his children.

8 Examples

9 Pygmalion Mrs. Pearce is a mother figure to Higgins in her role as care-taker and reminder of rules and boundaries in society. She s also a bit of a middle class gate between upper class Higgins and lower class visitors. Higgins s mother, too, follows the mother archetype, but is far different in her relationship with Henry because her relationship is more of loving tolerance than direct nurturing. Liza has no mother figures in her life except stepmothers so you draw conclusions about her feelings there.

10 Father Figures The range is stern, authoritative disciplinarian to the goofy, lovable big kid Fathers come in all shapes and sizes. Any male character who takes on any parental duty for an extended period can be said to have aspects of this archetype.

11 Pygmalion Henry said outright he will be worse than two fathers to Liza once he begins teaching her. Pickering says he will be responsible for Liza once she becomes a student. Let s not forget her actual father, Alfred Doolittle, who is actually the worthless, abusive version of the father archetype. His charm and selfawareness make it easier to take.

12 The great teacher/mentor often one who trains the hero to realize his/her full potential

13 Teacher/Mentor In addition to the sculptor Pygmalion, Higgins is a teacher. So is Pickering. So is Mrs. Pearce. So is Mrs. Higgins. All in relation to giving lessons to Eliza in helping her become the person she is in the end.

14 Trickster Character who deliberately misleads others or is hiding their true nature.

15 Villain Person who is dedicated to stopping the hero and spreading chaos and evil.

16 Temptress Enchantress/Temptress: Uses her sexual/magical powers to side-track the hero.

17 The Innocent Character not wise in the ways of the world Child/Youth Inexperienced adult Pygmalion: Liza is the innocent one through most of the first three acts.

18 The Underdog Character who is perceived as a victim or loser but overcomes the odds to be the hero. Who could be that in the play?

19 Place Archetypes Garden Cultivated and carefully planned. Restricted to certain vegetation Tree Represents life and knowledge Caves and tunnels Deep down where character delves into self Place that character goes when invisible or inactive At the extreme may signify death

20 Place Archetypes The River Crossing river may symbolize new territory Rivers can be boundaries or borders & on the other side is something new or different May represent human life or time passing as we follow the river from its source to its mouth The Sea Vast, alien, dangerous, chaos Waves may symbolize measures of time and represent eternity or infinity Fountain Stands for purification; the sprinkling of water (baptism) washes away sin. Water of fountain gives new life (Knapp 32).

21 Action/Plot Archetypes Rites of initiation Parental Conflict and Relationships The protagonist deals with parental conflict by rejecting or bonding with parents (Herz and Gallo 117). Coming of age

22 Archetypal Plots The Test or Trial In the transition from one stage of life to another, the main character experiences a rite of passage through growth and change; he or she experiences a transformation (Herz and Gallo 115).