Archetypal Literary Theory / Criticism

Introduction

Archetypal literary theory, also known as archetypal criticism, is an approach to analyzing literature focusing on the identification and interpretation of archetypes—universal symbols, themes, characters, and motifs—that recur across cultures and periods.

Derived from the concept of the collective unconscious proposed by Carl Jung, archetypal theory strives to go deep into the innate human experiences and instincts that shape the narratives.

By exploring these recurring patterns and symbols, archetypal critics seek to uncover the deeper psychological, cultural, and mythological meanings embedded within literary texts, providing valuable insights into the fundamental aspects of human existence and storytelling across the ages.

Etymology Archetypal Literary Theory / Criticism

• The term “archetypal” comes from the Greek word “archétypos,” meaning “original pattern” or “model.”
• “Criticism” is derived from the Greek word “krinein,” which translates to “to judge” or “to analyze.”
• “Archetypal criticism” involves the analysis and interpretation of original patterns and universal symbols present in literature and other storytelling mediums.

Etymology Archetypal Literary Theory: Origin, Key Theorists, Works and Arguments

Origin of Archetypal Literary Theory:

• Emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in the field of literary criticism.
• Rooted in the ideas of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung and his concept of archetypes.

Key Theorists in Archetypal Literary Theory:

• Carl Jung: The foundational figure in the development of archetypal theory. His work on the collective unconscious and archetypes greatly influenced literary scholars.
• Joseph Campbell: A prominent scholar who popularized the concept of the hero’s journey and its connection to archetypal patterns in world mythology.
• Northrop Frye: An influential literary critic who incorporated archetypal elements into his theory of literary genres and mythic patterns.
• Maud Bodkin: Known for her work on the archetypal dimensions of poetic language in Archetypal Patterns in Poetry.

Notable Works in Archetypal Literary Theory:

• The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious (1950) by Carl Jung: In this seminal work, Jung explores the concept of archetypes and their relevance to psychology and culture.
• The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949) by Joseph Campbell: Campbell’s book outlines the monomyth, or hero’s journey, as a universal narrative structure found in myths and stories from various cultures.
• Anatomy of Criticism (1957) by Northrop Frye: In this work, Frye discusses archetypal patterns in literature, particularly within the context of literary genres.
• Archetypal Patterns in Poetry (1934) by Maud Bodkin: Bodkin examines the presence of archetypal symbols and themes in poetry, emphasizing their emotional and psychological impact.

Main Arguments in Archetypal Literary Theory:

• Existence of Universal Archetypes: Archetypal theorists argue that certain symbols, themes, and character types are universal and recurrent across cultures and time periods.
• Collective Unconscious: Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious suggests that these archetypes are inherited and shared by all humans, influencing their thoughts, emotions, and creativity.
• Mythic Patterns and the Hero’s Journey: The theory identifies recurring mythic patterns, such as the hero’s journey, which reflect fundamental human experiences and transformations.
• Interpretation of Literature: Archetypal criticism involves interpreting literature through the lens of these archetypes, exploring the deeper meanings and psychological resonances within texts.

Archetypal Literary Theory continues to be a significant approach in the study of literature and storytelling, offering insights into the universal themes and symbols that shape human narratives.

Principal of Archetypal Literary Theory

Principle	Explanation	Example
1. Universality of Archetypes	Archetypal literary theory posits that certain symbols, themes, and character types are universally present in human cultures and storytelling traditions across time and geography.	The archetype of the hero can be found in ancient Greek epics like The Odyssey and modern superhero narratives like Spider-Man.
2. Collective Unconscious	This theory is rooted in Carl Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious, suggesting that archetypes are innate and inherited elements of the human psyche that influence creative expressions, including literature.	The archetype of the “shadow” representing the darker aspects of the human psyche can be seen in works like Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
3. Archetypal Patterns and Motifs	Archetypal critics identify recurring patterns, motifs, and symbols, such as the hero’s journey, the mother figure, or the trickster, which carry deep and shared meanings in literature.	The hero’s journey, as seen in Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, is evident in stories like J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings with Frodo’s quest.
4. Mythic and Symbolic Interpretation	Archetypal analysis focuses on uncovering the mythic and symbolic layers of literary works, exploring how archetypal elements enrich the interpretation of narratives.	The symbolic use of a journey to represent personal growth and transformation is found in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.
5. Psychological and Emotional Impact	Archetypal literary theory emphasizes the profound psychological and emotional resonance of archetypal symbols and themes, both for authors and readers.	The archetype of the “mother” can evoke feelings of nurturance and comfort, as seen in the character of Molly Weasley in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
6. Exploration of the Human Experience	It seeks to understand how archetypes reflect fundamental aspects of the human experience, including growth, transformation, and the universal quest for meaning.	The quest for identity and self-discovery is a common theme, exemplified by the archetype of the “orphaned hero” in works like Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.
7. Integration of Myths and Cultures	Archetypal theory draws from a wide range of myths, folklore, and cultural narratives to demonstrate the presence of archetypal elements in diverse literary works.	The archetype of the “trickster” can be found in various cultural myths, such as the Norse god Loki or the Native American Coyote.
8. Depth and Multilayered Interpretation	Archetypal critics engage in deep, multilayered interpretations of literature, delving beyond surface narratives to uncover the archetypal subtext.	Analyzing Shakespeare’s Hamlet through an archetypal lens reveals the archetype of the “tragic hero” struggling with inner conflict.

Suggested Readings

1. Bachelard, Gaston. The Poetics of Space. Beacon Press, 1994.
2. Bodkin, Maud. Archetypal Patterns in Poetry: Psychological Studies of Imagination. Oxford University Press, 2015.
3. Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press, 2008.
4. Estés, Clarissa Pinkola. Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype. Ballantine Books, 1996.
5. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays. Princeton University Press, 2000.
6. Jung, Carl Gustav. Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. Routledge, 2014.