Archetypes 101
What is an Archetype?
 An original model on which something is patterned or
based (prototype)
 In literature: character, action or situation that
represent universal patterns in human nature.
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Provides a framework to approach any piece of
fiction
views literature as a reflection of life
Archetypes
 Comes from the psychology of C.G. Jung
(Young)
 dealt with man’s unconsciousness and
subconscious thoughts, desires, and dreams
 man has four basic needs: food, water, shelter
and love
Archetypes
 Traveled extensively and concluded from observations
that these patterns (archetypes) were so deeply
imbedded in our psyches that they go back to
prehistoric times
 they are a part of our collective memory as human
begins (everyone’s memory).
 They have not changed and are present in all
people.
Archetypes
 Present in the unconscious of the individual
 These symbols are inborn and understood
like the instincts are passed on in animals
 Part of the collective memory since
prehistoric times
 Occurs through all elements of the artsliterature, dance, painting, music and
sculpture
 Understood because they all come from
nature or human nature
Jung’s Outline for Archetypes
 The Self: regulating center of the psyche (human
soul/mind/spirit) and facilitator of individuation
(personality)
 The Shadow: darkness w/in us. Suppressed/pushed
down into unconscious by ego (self-esteem or selfimportance)
- “The things a person has no wish to be”
- Appears in dreams/fantasies
The Shadow cont.
 Suppress/hide what we don’t like in ourselves, or
what others (family, friends, significant other) don’t like.
 Not necessarily “negative” attributes. “Positive”
attributes can be suppressed if viewed as a weakness
(spontaneity, intuition, creativity, etc)
Active/Passive Shadow
 Every archetype has an active/passive shadow
Examples:
1. Warrior
Active shadow=sadist
Passive shadow=masochist
2. Magician
Active=manipulator/trickster
Passive=innocent
Archetypes of Literature
 In literature archetypes occur as:
 Characters
 Symbols (object/action/event representing abstract
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idea/concept. i.e. dove=peace)
Colors (pos/neg meaning)
Themes (love, hate, good vs. evil)
Settings/situations (time, place, atmosphere)
Life Cycles (life, seasons, time, meals)
Character Archetypes
 Countless archetypes, but we will focus on the
following in relation to the Senior Project:
1. Magician
2. Warrior
3. Wanderer
4. Martyr
5. Orphan
6. Innocent
Magician
 Charismatic
 Inspirational
 Creative
 Self-aware
 Entertaining
 Transforming
Famous Magician: Steve Jobs
Warrior
 Competitive
 Adaptable
 Minimalistic
 Skillful
 Loyal
 Disciplined
Famous Warrior: Achilles
Wanderer
 Nonconformist
 Desires freedom
 Ambitious
 Authentic
 Adventurous
 Introverted
Famous Wanderer: Amelia Earhart
Martyr
 Willing to sacrifice
 Suffering is self-induced
 Willing to take blame
 Does what is right
 Strong
 Empowering
Famous Martyr: Nelson Mandela
Orphan
 Knows everyone matters
 Unpretentious
 Empathetic
 Realist
 Street Smart
 Irresponsible
Famous Orphan: Harry Potter
Innocent
 Usually in form of child, saint, or mystic figure
 Pure
 Faithful
 Good
 Optimistic
 Simple
Famous Innocent: Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz
Archetype Jigsaw Activity
 You will be broken up into six groups
 Each group will individually read/take notes on assigned
archetype with the materials I have provided.
-On “Archetype 101” notes, label “Archetype Jigsaw
Activity”. Number1-15. Record findings (15 total) on assigned
archetype.
 As a group, create a poster on your archetype. Include: (1)
character traits (pos/neg), (2) shadow archetype, (3) famous
examples, (4) visuals symbolizing archetype, and (5) any
other pertinent information.
 Choose two representatives to present poster