A Beginner's Guide to Archetypal Literary Theory

What is Archetypal Literary Theory?

Archetypal literary theory focuses on recurring (repeating) archetypes, patterns, symbols and myths in literature.

What is an Archetype?An archetype is a primordial image in the collective unconscious of a people, expressed in literature, myth, folklore and ritual. Essentially, it’s a pattern or universal theme.

First off, what is the Collective Unconscious?

The collective unconscious refers to that part of a person's unconscious which is common to all human beings.

The collective unconscious arises in each individual from (1) shared instinct, (2) common experience, and (3) shared culture.

(1) Shared Instinct

FOR EXAMPLE:The archetype of "the great mother" would be nearly the same in all people, since all infants share the expectation of having an attentive caretaker.

(2) Common Experience

Every surviving infant must either have had a mother, or a surrogate.

(3) Shared Culture

Nearly every child knows society's idea of what a mother should be.

Characters (hero, scapegoat, outcast, mentor, temptress, villain)Stories/Situations (tragedy, quest, rags to riches, death and rebirth)Symbols (light/dark, heaven/hell)

How are Archetypes Expressed in Literature?

The HeroThe hero is a character who

embodies key traits valued by its originating culture.

The hero commonly possesses superhuman capabilities or idealized character traits which enable him to perform extraordinary, beneficial deeds.

Common Types of HeroesWilling Hero:Ready for action and destined

for greatness

Unwilling Hero:Normal person thrown into an

unusual situation or a hero who refuses the call

Antihero: A bit shady and breaks the rules

Tragic Hero: Suffers at the hands of his tragic “flaw”

The Mentor/GuideProvides motivation,

insights, training to the hero.

Often represented by the wise old man.

Found alongside almost all heroes.

Does not have to be human.

Common Types of MentorsContinuing Mentor:Someone who helps throughout journeyComic Mentor:Adds some comic reliefFallen Mentor:Helping, but dealing with own issuesDark Mentor:Sinister– may be loyal or not

The Earth MotherThe Great Mother offers spiritual

and emotional nourishment to those she meets.

The mother archetype manifests itself in a host of feminine symbolism.

Nurturing and caring

The ShadowThe Shadow archetype

represents the brutal, animalistic characteristics of an individual.

It is amoralIt is responsible for

unpleasant, socially unacceptable thoughts, feelings & behaviors.

Usually the antagonist.

The DevilEvil incarnate; offers worldly goods, fame, or knowledge to the hero in exchange for possession of the soul. Often associated with a snake

The TricksterA trickster is a god,

goddess, spirit, or human hero who breaks the rules of the gods or nature, sometimes maliciously but usually with positive effects.

Tricksters can be cunning or foolish or both; they are often very funny.

The ScapegoatAn animal or human who isunjustly held responsible forothers’ sins; sacrificed butthey often become morepowerful force dead thanalive.

The OutcastFigure banished from a social group for some crime against his fellow man (could be falsely accused of a crime or could choose to banish himself from guilt).Destined to wander from

place to place alone.

The TemptressCharacterized by

sensuous beauty and the hero is attracted to her physically.

She is often the cause of the hero’s downfall. She leads him off course.

The Damsel in DistressVulnerable woman

who must be rescued by the hero.

She is often part of a trap to catch the unsuspecting hero and allow the villain to win.

Symbolic ArchetypesWater in the DesertWater is rebirth or spiritual awakeningDesert often “dead” to morals or the “good side”Heaven vs. HellSky = heaven bowels of earth = hellSupernatural InterventionWhen gods intervene May favour hero

Haven vs. WildernessPlaces of safety contrast with danger

The Magic Weapon/ItemSymbolic of the hero’s inner strength or extraordinary quality.

Fire vs. IceFire = Knowledge, lifeIce = Ignorance, death

Light vs. DarknessSafety and innocence vs. unknown and despair

Storyline/Situational Archetypes

The JourneyRebirth Rags to RichesDeath and RebirthThe InitiationThe Unhealable Wound

TragedyNature vs Mechanical WorldComedyThe TaskVoyage and Return