Archetype
• Definition: the first original model of which all other similar persons, objects, or
concepts are merely derivative, copied, patterned, or emulated. The term is often used in
literature, architecture, and the arts to refer to something that goes back to the fundamental
origins of style, method, gold standard, or physical construct.
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[ahr-ki-tahyp]
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http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/archetype
Literary Examples
1. Bulfinch’s Mythology written by Thomas Bulfinch
2.
“Now I the strength of Hercules behold, a towering spectre of gigantic mould, a shadowy form! for
high in heaven's abodes himself resides, a god among the gods; there, in the bright assemblies of
the skies, he nectar quaffs, and Hebe crowns his joys. here hovering ghosts, like fowl, his shade
surround, and clang their pinions with terrific sound; Gloomy as night he stands, in act to throw the
aerial arrow from the twanging bow. around his breast a wondrous zone is roll'd,Where woodland
monsters grin in fretted gold: there sullen lions sternly seem to roar, the bear to growl, to foam the
tusky boar; there war and havoc, and destruction stood, and vengeful murder red with human
blood. Thus terribly adorn'd the figures shine, inimitably wrought with skill divine.” –Homer,
Odyssey
3. "I ain't got no people. I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't no
good. They don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They get wantin' to fight all
the time. . . 'Course Lennie's a God damn nuisance most of the time, but you get used to
goin' around with a guy an' you can't get rid of him” -John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men
Literary Analysis
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Bulfinch’s Mythology is a novel written about the Greek Gods and Goddesses, heroes, and many
other mythical creatures. Bulfinch’s purpose for writing the Bulfinch’s Mythology was to tell the
stories about monsters, the legends of mythology, and about the Gods and Goddesses. The stories
consist of The Age of Fables, The Age of Chivalry, and The Legends of Charlemagne. The term
archetype relates to the Bulfinch’s book because Bulfinch’s Mythology is filled with many
archetypes. The first original heroes were defined in the novel, such as Hercules. Young boys look
up to Hercules and they want to be as brave and strong as him.
In Odyssey, Homer wrote epic stories about the hero Odysseus. Odysseus had left for a battle and
never returned. The people of his town had thought that he died, but he was alive and was going
back to his wife. The Odyssey is an example of an archetype because the hero, Odysseus, is a well
built character that is highly looked up to. Odysseus is a well known character for his strength and
bravery.
Of Mice and Men is a story about two men named Lennie and George who experience hard times in
their lives together. Steinbeck’s purpose for writing the novel was to show the significance that
people can have on one another. Lennie is symbolic of the archetype “wise fool” because he is
mentally handicap, but he can reveal the best and worst in people.
Work Cited
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Sagolla, By Dominic. "Archetypes in Modern Mythology." Oracle ThinkQuest Library. Web. 11 Oct.
2010. <http://library.thinkquest.org/C005854/text/archetypes.htm>.
"Mythological Archetypes." AnneZo's Coffee Talk. Web. 11 Oct. 2010.
<http://annezo.net/fiction/archetype.html>.
"Archetype - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary." Merriam-Webster
Online. Web. 11 Oct. 2010. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/netdict/archetype>.
"CHAPTER XIX. Hercules- Hebe And Ganymede." Internet Sacred Text Archive Home. Web. 11 Oct.
2010. <http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/bulf/bulf18.htm>.
"Bulfinch's Mythology : King Arthur and His Knights : Chapter III. Merlin by Thomas Bulfinch @
Classic Reader." Free Classic Books Online at Classic Reader. Web. 11 Oct. 2010.
<http://www.classicreader.com/book/2823/46/>.