Archetypes
What are archetypes, and what role do they play in the modern stories of today?
An archetype is the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype. In other words the first of its kind, but in literature an archetype is simply an idea that has been used in many different ways. Notice how modern movies have very similar characters even though they may be in totally different universes. This is the doing of archetypes.
The Three Categories
"In literature, an archetype is a typical character, an action or a situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature.
An archetype, also known as universal symbol, may be a character, a symbol or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work." (Literarydevices.net)
An archetype, also known as universal symbol, may be a character, a symbol or even a setting. Many literary critics are of the opinion that archetypes, which have a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race, shape the structure and function of a literary work." (Literarydevices.net)
The Hero Archetype
The hero is a person people look up to, the one who saves the princess or even the world. There are many different kinds of heroes that span out from time and space. "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself," are the words of one of the pioneers of the definition of a hero Joseph Campbell. His book, The Hero With A Thousand Faces, described the features that all heroes share in the stories told today. "He must put aside his pride, virtue, beauty and life and bow or submit to the absolutely intolerable," are the words he wrote in his book describing the hero.
The Setting Archetype
Symbolic Archetypes
Archetypes
Good vs Evil |
Description
The ongoing battle between the forces of those who fight for truth and justice, and those who fight for chaos, destruction and personal gain. |
Examples
\ Voldemort and Harry Potter, Harry fights to defend his friends and family while Voldemort is driven by his lust for power |
Citations
"Archetype." Literary Device. N.p., 2014. Web.
"Archetype Examples." Your Dictionary. N.p., 2014. Web.
"Double Mario." Fantendo. Wikkia, 18 Aug. 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
"Harry Potter Film." Twitter.com. Twitter, 1 June 2009. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
James, Allisa. "Six Archetypes of Video Game Characters That Could (And Should) Be Better Written." Dual Shockers. N.p., 5 June 2013. Web
Nelson, David. "Seven Classic Movie Archetypes." Point in Case. N.p., 20 June 2008. Web.
Pagsanjan, Noelle. "Archetypes Within a Movie: Hercules." Prezi. N.p., 22 Sept. 2013. Web.
Pemensie, Arvin J. "Harry Potter vs Voldemort." YouTube. YouTube, 25 May 2012. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
"Setting- Archetypes." Unit 1- Analyzing Literature. N.p., n.d. Web.
"The Hero's Journey Outline." Hero's Journey. N.p., n.d. Web.
Vorhees100. "Katniss vs Merida." - Battles. ComicVine.com, 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
"Archetype Examples." Your Dictionary. N.p., 2014. Web.
"Double Mario." Fantendo. Wikkia, 18 Aug. 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
"Harry Potter Film." Twitter.com. Twitter, 1 June 2009. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
James, Allisa. "Six Archetypes of Video Game Characters That Could (And Should) Be Better Written." Dual Shockers. N.p., 5 June 2013. Web
Nelson, David. "Seven Classic Movie Archetypes." Point in Case. N.p., 20 June 2008. Web.
Pagsanjan, Noelle. "Archetypes Within a Movie: Hercules." Prezi. N.p., 22 Sept. 2013. Web.
Pemensie, Arvin J. "Harry Potter vs Voldemort." YouTube. YouTube, 25 May 2012. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
"Setting- Archetypes." Unit 1- Analyzing Literature. N.p., n.d. Web.
"The Hero's Journey Outline." Hero's Journey. N.p., n.d. Web.
Vorhees100. "Katniss vs Merida." - Battles. ComicVine.com, 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.