ARCHETYPES
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In literary criticism, archetypes are recurring
configurations that appear in myth, religion,
folklore, fantasy, and dreams, as well as in art
and literature; they are used to discuss the
significance of a plot, character, or situation.
Edited by R. Efpatridis – 2011 – 1DP English
Archetypal Figures
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The “Woman
Figure”:
Women are often found in roles of
the Mother Figure who provides
motivation and support;
a Temptress Figure, who
sometimes sexually distracts the hero
from his journey,
a Platonic Ideal Figure who the
hero has eventual happiness with or
of course
the Helper, who guides the hero on
his way.
Women also are in roles of the
Witch using powers for evil or the
Enchantress using powers for
Good.
usually females are not found in the
role of a hero.
The Wise Sage / Guide:
The Sage provides the hero with insight, advice, sometimes
internal or spiritual strength.
Good examples of the Guide are: Merlin the Magician, Obi Wan
Kenobi and Yoda in Star Wars, Rafiki from The Lion King, and
Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings.
The Outcast / Trickster:
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This character usually
takes the blame for
things having gone
wrong.
They pay for the
crimes by banishment
from the social group.
Good examples of the
Outcast are: Judas in
the Bible, Cypher in
the Matrix, and
Gollum
The Adversary / Villain/Devil Figure:
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This character, the perpetual antagonist to the protagonist,
attempts to thwart the hero’s plans and disrupt his journey;
is evil incarnate, greedy, lustful,
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Examples include Darth Vader, Hades in Hercules, Agent
Smith in the Matrix, Scar in The Lion King.
The Hero
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The most common
archetype is of course the
hero who usually possesses
some extraordinary
powers. However, the
common man can also
become heroic by
completing extraordinary
tasks.
Archetypal Themes
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In literature, there are not only archetypal characters, but
also recurring themes from story to story that are very
common
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Appearance versus Reality:
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This theme underlies many works of literature, and usually
illustrates the idea that all the hero sees is not as it appears to be.
Enemies can appear to be friends, familiar places can be filled with
traps, and even the world itself can be an illusion.
Good versus Evil:
 This is the most common theme in literature,
especially Fantasy literature, where the hero (or
heroes) are pitted against the forces of evil, and
must win several battles
before facing the arch-enemy
in a final battle to save
the world, his love
interest, or his very soul.
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Other Common Themes:
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True Love Conquers All is a common theme where no matter
the obstacles or challenges, a couple will end up being together
in the end.
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Life Always ends in Happily Ever After is a theme common
in fairy tales. Similar to above, despite all the problems
individuals faces, they are able to overcome issues and face a life
of utter happiness.
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Death and Rebirth are part of Life is a
common archetype as one life is lost, another is
created.
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The Fall describes a descent from a higher to a
lower state of being. The experience involves a loss of
innocence, and an expulsion from a kind of paradise as
penalty for disobedience and moral transgression. The
story of Adam and Eve develops this theme.
Archetypal Symbols
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Light/Dark Imagery
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Light usually represents hope, renewal or intellectual illumination
Darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair.
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Water/Desert Wastelands
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Water is necessary for life and growth it appears as a birth or rebirth symbol.
Water as an element can also be destructive: hurricanes, storms, can signify
change or conflict.
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The Desert is usually seen as sterile, death-like; many heroes pass
through wastelands in order to gain enlightenment.
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Fire
This element can cleanse or destroy; and is usually associated
with power.
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More Common Symbols
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Heaven/Hell
These extreme places embody the forces that govern the world
and man. Heaven represents the good and the ultimate reward.
Hell represent evil and the ultimate punishment in death and
darkness.
Swords
Swords usually represent strength, dignity, honour and grace.
The man who can exert the power of his sword is considered
master of a craft.
ex. King Arthur’s sword Excalibur, sword used in Braveheart to
mark the freedom of the Scots, etc.
Used from story to story, swords come to represent a variety of
ideas, concepts and identities.
Archetypal Settings
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The Humble Home
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Often the first setting observed in many adventure stories. It is usually
the home of the hero and represents the lower status he starts out with
at the beginning of his journey.
These places are usually peaceful, natural, bright and sunny, and reflect
the purity of the hero through his humble surroundings.
At the end of the story, the hero often returns to his community but as
part of his reward, he may relocate to a home of higher status
Examples: Kansas in The Wizard of Oz, and the farmhouse in The
Princess Bride
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Archetypal Settings
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Fantastic Lands
These faraway lands are different from the original land
where the hero comes from.
Each place can represent something quite different
depending on what stage of the quest the hero is at: a
place of rest, evil, an obstacle, danger, paradise
The hero must pass through these archetypes before he
can emerge victorious at the end of the quest.