Archetype

Etymology of Archetype

The term “archetype” has the Greek root archetypos as its derivative. It means original pattern or prototype. In Jungian psychology, this concept refers to a universal, symbolic image or pattern of behavior that we inherit and share with others.

Meanings of Archetype

The concept appears in various fields such as literature, psychology, and anthropology. Therefore, it has different meanings in these fields.

1. In literature, an archetype is a typical character, plot, or theme that appears repeatedly in different works of literature and across cultures. For example, the hero archetype is a common character in literature. He is typically brave, noble, and self-sacrificing.
2. In psychology, it is a universal, inherited pattern of behavior or perception stored in the collective unconscious of all human beings. These archetypes find expression in dreams, myths, and symbols.
3. In anthropology, it refers to the recurring patterns of behavior found across different societies and periods. These include rituals, myths, and symbols that express universal human experiences and values.

Archetype in Grammar

Grammatically, “Archetype” is a singular noun. Its plural is archetypes.

Definition of Archetype

As a literary device, archetype refers to a typical character, plot, or theme that appears repeatedly in different works of literature and across cultures. These archetypes are often recognized as universal symbols or patterns of human experience and behavior. Also, they evoke strong emotional responses in readers or audiences.

Common Examples of Archetype

There are various examples of archetype literary term in literature, mythology, and other forms of storytelling. Here are some common examples with details.

Archetype Type	Detail	Explanation with Example
The hero	A character who embarks on a journey or quest	It represents a protagonist who exhibits courage, determination, and overcomes obstacles. Example: Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series.
The mentor	A wise and experienced figure who guides the hero	The mentor archetype provides guidance, wisdom, and often imparts crucial knowledge to help the hero on their journey. Example: Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.
The trickster	A character who uses deception and wit	It is often mischievous, and cunning, and brings about unexpected outcomes through their actions. Example: Loki in Norse mythology.
The damsel in distress	A helpless female character who needs rescue	It represents a vulnerable character who requires saving or assistance from the hero. Example: Princess Peach in the “Super Mario” series.
The monster	A terrifying creature embodying evil or threat	The monster archetype embodies fear, danger, or represents a formidable obstacle for the hero to overcome. Example: Smaug in The Hobbit.
The journey	A story structure of the hero’s physical or emotional journey	It involves the hero undertaking a transformative quest that leads to personal growth and change. Example: “The Odyssey” by Homer.
The battle between good and evil	A conflict of virtuous hero against malevolent villain	It explores the clash between righteousness and wickedness. Example: Frodo vs. Sauron in The Lord of the Rings.
The coming of age	Focuses on the psychological and emotional growth of a young protagonist	The coming of age archetype revolves around the protagonist’s transition from adolescence to adulthood, often involving self-discovery. Example: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
The quest for knowledge	Characters seeking forbidden or hidden knowledge	It revolves around characters’ pursuit of wisdom, truth, or understanding. Example: Neo seeking the truth in The Matrix.
The rebirth	A transformative experience leading to new identity	The rebirth archetype involves a character undergoing a significant change, often leading to a new sense of purpose or identity. Example: Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.

Literary Examples of Archetype

1. The Hero Archetype – from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

 “When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow…When enough years had gone by to enable us to look back on them, we sometimes discussed the events leading to his accident.”

Explanation: In this extract from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Jem could be seen as the hero archetype. He suffers a painful injury while defending his sister. Jem’s bravery and willingness to protect his family, even at great personal cost, is characteristic of the hero archetype.

• The Monster Archetype: – from Grendel by John Gardner.

 “I understood that the world was nothing: a mechanical chaos of casual, brute enmity on which we stupidly impose our hopes and fears. I understood that, finally and absolutely, I alone exist. All the rest, I saw, is merely what pushes me, or what I push against, blindly—as blindly as all that is not myself pushes back.”

Explanation: The monster archetype is a terrifying creature that embodies evil or represents a threat to the hero. In Grendel, the titular character could be seen as the monster archetype, as he represents a violent and destructive force that threatens the hero, Beowulf. However, Gardner’s novel also subverts this archetype by exploring Grendel’s perspective and suggesting that he may not be entirely evil.

• The Journey Archetype: – from “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”

Explanation: The journey archetype is a story structure in which the hero sets out on a physical or emotional journey that leads to personal growth and transformation. In “The Road Not Taken,” the speaker’s journey is metaphorical, as he reflects on a decision he made to take a less-traveled path. This journey of self-discovery leads to a greater sense of independence and self-knowledge, demonstrating the transformative power of the journey archetype.

How to Create Archetype

Archetypes are not created, but rather they are recurring patterns or symbols that appear in literature, mythology, and other forms of storytelling. However, writers and storytellers can draw on existing archetypes to create characters and narratives that resonate with readers and audiences. To incorporate it into your writing, here are some tips:

1. Familiarize yourself with common ones
2. Consider your story’s themes and messages
3. Develop your characters
4. Use symbolism
5. Be mindful of stereotypes

Benefits of Using Archetype

There are several benefits to using it in writing and storytelling:

Here is the table you requested:

Benefit	Details
Familiarity	They are universal patterns and symbols that resonate with readers and audiences across cultures and time periods.By incorporating archetypes into your writing, you can tap into these universal themes and make your story more relatable.
Depth and Meaning	Archetypes provide a deeper layer of meaning to your story, as they often represent universal human experiences and themes.By using archetypes, you can add depth and complexity to your characters and plot.
Structure	They can provide a framework for your story’s structure and plot.For example, the hero’s journey archetype can be used to structure a plot that follows a character’s journey from innocence to experience.
Characterization	Archetypes provide a starting point for character development.By starting with a recognizable archetype, you can create a well-rounded and relatable character that resonates with your audience.
Symbolism	They often have associated symbols or motifs.By using symbolism, you can add layers of meaning to your story.

Archetype in Literary Theory

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Example and Detailed Critique
Humanism Literary Theory	Recurring patterns and symbols reflecting universal human experiences and emotions.	Example: The archetype of the hero’s journey, where a protagonist goes through trials and challenges to achieve personal growth and transformation. This archetype can be seen in ancient myths, as well as modern novels like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Critique: While humanism emphasizes the universal nature of archetypes, it may overlook the cultural and historical contexts that shape their interpretations, potentially leading to a limited understanding of the diverse meanings they can hold.
Formalism Literary Theory	Structural elements creating meaning in literature.	Example: The archetype of the “tragic hero,” characterized by a noble protagonist whose downfall is caused by a tragic flaw. This archetype can be analyzed in terms of its plot structure, character development, and thematic implications. Critique: By focusing solely on the formal aspects of archetypes, formalism may neglect the socio-cultural and historical contexts that contribute to their significance, limiting the analysis to the surface-level structure without exploring deeper meanings or the broader implications of the archetype.
Archetypal Literary Theory	Symbolic meanings rooted in the collective unconscious of humanity.	Example: The archetype of the “wise old man,” representing wisdom and guidance. This archetype appears in various mythologies and literature, such as Merlin in Arthurian legends. Critique: While archetypal literary theory highlights the cultural and mythological significance of archetypes, it may overlook individual interpretations and diverse cultural contexts, potentially generalizing meanings and disregarding the specificities of different literary works.
Chaos Literary Theory	Patterns emerging from complex systems.	Example: The archetype of the “fool,” a character who disrupts order and brings about chaos. This archetype can be seen in Shakespeare’s plays, where the fool often challenges the established social order. Critique: Chaos theory’s focus on patterns and structures may overlook the socio-political dimensions of archetypes, potentially neglecting their potential for social critique and reinforcing a deterministic view of literature.
Postcolonialism Literary Theory	Reflection of cultural values and power dynamics resulting from colonialism.	Example: The archetype of the “noble savage,” which portrays indigenous peoples as inherently pure and close to nature, but lacking in civilization. This archetype can be critiqued for perpetuating stereotypes and justifying colonial exploitation. Critique: The emphasis of postcolonialism on power dynamics and cultural clashes may overshadow other dimensions of archetypes, potentially limiting the analysis to a narrow scope of postcolonial concerns and neglecting other thematic and narrative aspects.
Postmodernism Literary Theory	Deconstruction and recontextualization of archetypes.	Example: The archetype of the “damsel in distress,” which postmodern literature may subvert by presenting empowered female characters who challenge traditional gender roles. Critique: While postmodernism aims to challenge established power structures, its deconstruction of archetypes sometimes leads to a loss of narrative coherence and meaning, making it challenging for readers to engage with the text and locate themselves within the narrative.
Feminism Literary Theory	Reflection of patriarchal values and stereotypes about gender.	Example: The archetype of the “femme fatale,” a seductive and manipulative female character. Feminist analysis may critique this archetype for perpetuating negative stereotypes and reinforcing patriarchal notions of women’s sexuality. Critique: The focus on gender dynamics and stereotypes in feminism may overlook other dimensions of archetypes, potentially limiting the analysis to a specific feminist lens and neglecting other thematic or symbolic aspects of the archetype.

Suggested Readings

1. Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press, 2008.
2. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 1957.
3. Jung, Carl. The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. Routledge, 1991.
4. Propp, Vladimir. Morphology of the Folktale. University of Texas Press, 1968.
5. Wheelwright, Philip. Metaphor and Reality. Indiana University Press, 1962.