Literary Archetypes
Whenever you read a novel or play, or even see a movie, analyzing the Archetypes is one of the key steps to understanding the deeper meaning of the works. An archetype is a character, symbol, object, or situation that shows up again and again in literature or art. Carl Jung, one of the founders of modern psychoanalysis, discovered that these archetypes exist in cultures around the world. He believed that humankind possesses a collective unconscious: a deep part of us that is common in all people. Jung believed that the collective unconscious is created by the collective actions and experiences of all human beings, and the archetypes are passed on from person to person, from generation to generation, etched into our understanding before we are born. It is in this deep unconscious that creativity dwells. Writers, composers, and artists reach into this collective unconscious to create their works of art. That is why the best art reaches out to people all over the world and stands the test of time. We all relate to the archetypes.
Archetypes fall into three major categories: characters, situations and symbols.
The Hero/Heroine – This is the character that has the gift, that is called on an adventure, that is facing insurmountable odds. He or she may not always be successful. Example: Odysseus, Indiana Jones, Antigone, Frodo Baggins, Mulan, Aragorn, Luke Skywalker, etc.
The Initiate – The hero or heroine is often a character that needs to undergo some training or participate in a ceremony before he or she is able to participate in the quest or adventure.
The Mentor – Mentors often serve as teachers or counselors to heroes. The mentor acts as a guide or role model, and can also take on the role of a father or mother figure. The mentor teaches by example the skills necessary to survive the quest. Example: Ben Kenobi in Star Wars, Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back
The Woman – Archetypally, male characters generally play one role at a time: the warrior, the holy man, the villain, etc. Women play very special roles in society. They can play more than one archetypal role at a time. Here are some of the most common female archetypes:
Earth Mother – This character is symbolic of spiritual and emotional nourishment. She is often depicted in earth colors. She is usually depicted as having large breasts and hips representing childbearing capability
The Temptress – sensuous in beauty, this woman brings about the downfall of the hero by tempting him to turn away from his goal.
The platonic ideal – this is an inspiring woman for whom the protagonist has an intellectual rather than physical attraction.
The unfaithful wife – a married woman who finds her husband dull or unattractive seeks a more virile or interesting man. Archetypally, the woman is the center of the family and is responsible for keeping it together. While the role of the father/husband (as provider and protector) can be easily replaced, the absence of the wife/mother (as nurturer and teacher) throws a family into a different kind of chaos than the loss of the male.
The Damsel in distress – The vulnerable woman must be rescued by the hero. She is often a trap by the devil figure or the temptress to ensure the unsuspecting hero.
The star-crossed lovers – This archetype is found in many romance stories, though the purest form is when the two lovers are unexpectedly parted by fate. Example: Romeo and Juliet from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Antigone and Haemon in Sophocles’ Antigone, Jack and Rose in James Cameron’s film Titanic, etc.
The outcast – This is a character that has been cast out from society or has fled from it by choice. The outcast figure can oftentimes be considered a “Christ figure”. He or she usually wanders from place to place.
The Side Kick (or, Loyal Retainer) – These characters function a bit like loyal servant. They are often somewhat heroic themselves. Their duty is to protect the hero/heroine. Example: Sam Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings.
Friendly Beast – This character is most often found in myths, folktales, and fantasy stories. The friendly beast aids or serves the hero/heroine and symbolizes the hero/heroine’s positive relationship with the powers of nature. Example: Mr. Tumnus in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi,
Devil – this is a character that is very evil. He usually offers worldly goods, fame or knowledge to the hero or heroine. However, these gifts are only given at the expense of the hero/heroine’s soul.
The scapegoat – This character gets blamed for everything, whether he or she is guilty or not.
The task - A situation in which a character, or group of characters, is driven to complete some duty of monstrous proportion. Example: Frodo's monumental task of destroying the ring 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 this quest.
The loss of innocence - This is, as the name implies, a loss of innocence through sexual experience, violence, or any other means. Example: Adam and Eve in Genesis.
The initiation - This is the process by which a character is brought into another sphere of influence, usually (in literature) into adulthood.
The Magic Weapon – This weapon symbolizes the extraordinary quality of the hero or heroine because no one else can use or wield the weapon. It is often given by a mentor figure. Example: Luke’s Lightsaber in Star Wars, Aragorn’s sword in The Lord of the Rings, Odysseus’ bow in The Odyssey.
Light and Darkness – Light suggests hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination. Darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair.
Water – Water is a symbol of birth, rebirth, or cleansing.
Desert – A desert is seen as a place of exile. It is dry, parched, and a place where life struggles to exist. A desert is often a symbol of spiritual emptiness. It is the place where the Hero’s strength is tested.
Forest/ Wilderness – The forest/ wilderness is a place of danger. It is filled with shadows and dangerous beasts. Often, a forest must be crossed as part of a quest.
Supernatural Intervention – Gods often intervene on the side of the hero/heroine or act against the protagonist to provide obstacles in accomplishing his/her task. This is clearly seen in Homer’s Odyssey.
Fire – Fire often represents knowledge, light, life, and rebirth
Ice – Ice often represents ignorance, darkness, sterility, and death.