Archetype

Introduction

An archetype is a universally recognized character, symbol, or situation that transcends time, culture, and geography. In literature, archetypes serve as prototypes or templates for characters or situations that represent common human experiences. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung popularized the concept, suggesting that archetypes arise from the collective unconscious and are manifested through myths, dreams, and literature. They are foundational elements that are deeply ingrained in the human psyche and can evoke instant understanding or resonance in a reader.

For example, the “Hero” archetype can be seen in characters like Harry Potter or Odysseus, who embark on significant journeys and face formidable challenges, ultimately growing or succeeding against all odds. Similarly, the “Mother” archetype is often portrayed as a nurturing, protective figure. By employing these archetypes, writers connect with their audience on a primal level, tapping into shared feelings, values, and instincts.

Pronunciation: /ˈɑːr.kɪ.taɪp/

When do writers use Archetype literary device?

Writers employ archetypes to tap into the collective unconscious of their audience, creating characters and scenarios that are instantly recognizable and relatable. This usage enhances the emotional connection between the story and the reader, making the narrative more compelling and memorable. Archetypes help in constructing a framework that guides the audience’s expectations and interpretations. For instance, using the “Mentor” archetype (like Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” or Dumbledore in “Harry Potter”) helps readers anticipate the guidance and wisdom that these characters will provide to the protagonists, setting up expectations for their roles in the hero’s journey.

Moreover, archetypes can be used to convey complex themes and messages succinctly, as they bring with them a wealth of symbolic meaning. By using these elemental symbols, writers can speak in a language that feels both profound and familiar, making stories resonate deeply across different cultures and time periods.

How should I use Archetype literary device?

When using archetypes in your writing, it’s essential to adhere to some foundational rules to ensure they serve your story effectively:

1. Understand the Core Traits: Each archetype comes with its own set of universal traits and roles. Familiarize yourself with these characteristics to maintain authenticity and avoid stereotypes.
2. Add Unique Twists: While archetypes are based on common templates, they should not be clichés. Personalize them to fit the context of your story, which adds depth and keeps the archetype fresh and engaging.
3. Balance Universality and Specificity: While archetypes are universal, your characters should also have individual traits and complexities that make them relatable to your specific audience.
4. Use Archetypes to Enhance Themes: Archetypes should reinforce the themes of your story. Their symbolic meanings can help to underscore the moral or message you wish to convey.
5. Be Intentional with Their Use: Employ archetypes to serve a purpose within your narrative structure. They should contribute to the character development, plot progression, or thematic depth of your story.

By thoughtfully incorporating archetypes, you can create richer, more engaging narratives that resonate on a deeper, almost instinctual level with your audience.

Types of Archetype

Archetypes in literature can generally be categorized into several distinct types, each representing universal patterns of human nature and experience that resonate across cultural boundaries:

1. The Hero: Often the protagonist, who leaves their familiar world to embark on a quest. Traits include bravery, curiosity, and the pursuit of justice.
2. The Mentor: Provides wisdom, training, and guidance. The Mentor helps the Hero grow and often gifts them with helpful tools or knowledge.
3. The Threshold Guardian: Tests the Hero’s ability or commitment to the quest. These characters or obstacles ensure the Hero is worthy of moving forward.
4. The Herald: Announces the need for change, which begins the Hero’s journey. This archetype can be a character or an event.
5. The Shadow: Represents the darkness within or the antagonist who mirrors or contrasts deeply with the Hero.
6. The Trickster: Adds comic relief but also represents wisdom and transformation through cleverness and deceit.
7. The Shapeshifter: Characters who change physically or morally during the story, often causing doubt and tension.
8. The Ally: Supports the Hero, often complementing their abilities and helping them on their quest.
9. The Orphan: Seeks safety and a place to belong. Often starts from a position of social or familial disadvantage.
10. The Caregiver: Nurtures and supports others, often at their own expense. This archetype is selfless and protective.

These archetypes are not only limited to their roles but are versatile tools that help in driving the narrative forward and deepening the emotional connection with the audience.

Archetype in Literature

Archetypes are prevalent in classic and contemporary literature, providing a rich framework that shapes character development and plot dynamics. Here are some famous examples:

1. The Hero: Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
2. The Mentor: Gandalf in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
3. The Threshold Guardian: The Sphinx in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex.
4. The Herald: The White Rabbit in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
5. The Shadow: Iago in William Shakespeare’s Othello.
6. The Trickster: Puck in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
7. The Shapeshifter: Severus Snape in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
8. The Ally: Samwise Gamgee in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
9. The Orphan: Jane Eyre in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
10. The Caregiver: Marmee in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.

Archetype in Children’s Books

Children’s literature frequently utilizes archetypes to create relatable and moralistically instructive narratives. Here are some notable examples:

1. The Hero: Max in Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are.
2. The Mentor: Charlotte in E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web.
3. The Ally: Timothy the Mouse in Dumbo.
4. The Caregiver: Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast.
5. The Trickster: The Cat in the Hat in Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat.
6. The Orphan: Cinderella in Cinderella.
7. The Shadow: The wolf in Little Red Riding Hood.

These characters often embody straightforward archetypal qualities that help convey life lessons and encourage emotional development in young readers.

Archetype in Poetry

In poetry, archetypes imbue the text with deeper symbolic meaning and universal appeal. Some well-known examples include:

1. The Hero: Beowulf in Beowulf.
2. The Trickster: The narrator in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven.
3. The Mentor: The Ancient Mariner in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
4. The Shadow: The tiger in William Blake’s The Tyger.
5. The Ally: The wind in Percy Bysshe Shelley’s Ode to the West Wind.

These poems use archetypal figures to explore complex themes such as morality, heroism, and the human psyche, making them resonate across generations.

Archetype in Songs

Songs, like stories, often tap into archetypal themes and characters to resonate with listeners. Here are ten famous songs that use archetypes:

1. The Hero: “Heroes” by David Bowie
2. The Outlaw: “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi
3. The Caregiver: “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
4. The Rebel: “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
5. The Lover: “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
6. The Jester: “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band
7. The Explorer: “Roam” by The B-52’s
8. The Ruler: “Royals” by Lorde
9. The Sage: “Wise Man” by Frank Ocean
10. The Innocent: “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

These songs embody the essence of these archetypes through their lyrics and themes, connecting deeply with audiences by tapping into universal emotions and experiences.

Archetype in Movies

Movies often use archetypes to create memorable characters and drive narratives. Here are some famous examples from film:

1. The Hero: Luke Skywalker in Star Wars
2. The Mentor: Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid
3. The Orphan: Oliver Twist in Oliver!
4. The Villain/Shapeshifter: Norman Bates in Psycho
5. The Trickster: Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean
6. The Outcast: Edward Scissorhands in Edward Scissorhands
7. The Sage: Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings
8. The Innocent: Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump
9. The Ruler: King Leonidas in 300
10. The Caregiver: Maria in The Sound of Music

These characters are enduring and iconic largely due to their archetypal foundations, which ensure they are both relatable and fascinating.

Famous movie line highlighting Archetype

One famous line that highlights the Hero archetype is from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, spoken by Frodo Baggins: “I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.”

YouTube Link of Relevant Movie Clip Demonstrating Archetype

Search for the clip titled “You Shall Not Pass!” from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. This scene features Gandalf as the Mentor archetype, standing against overwhelming evil to protect his companions, epitomizing the role of the wise, protective mentor.

Archetype in Advertising

In advertising, archetypes are used to forge an instant connective thread with the audience. Here are several examples:

1. The Regular Guy/Girl: Budweiser’s “Real Men of Genius” ads
2. The Hero: Nike’s “Just Do It” campaigns featuring athletes overcoming adversity
3. The Outlaw: Harley-Davidson’s branding around freedom and rebellion
4. The Jester: Old Spice’s humorous and quirky commercials
5. The Lover: Perfume ads, like Chanel No. 5, which often exude romance and sensuality
6. The Caregiver: Johnson & Johnson ads highlighting gentle care products
7. The Ruler: Luxury brands like Rolex and their portrayal of elite lifestyle
8. The Sage: Apple’s “Think Different” campaign

These brands use archetypes to appeal to fundamental human desires and aspirations, effectively communicating their brand values and building customer loyalty.

Archetype Related Literary Devices

Archetypes themselves are a literary device, but they are closely related to and often used alongside other devices, including:

1. Symbolism: Archetypes are symbols that stand in for broader concepts or shared human experiences.
2. Motif: Recurrent archetypes can serve as motifs throughout a narrative, reinforcing thematic messages or character development.
3. Allegory: Entire stories can be allegorical with characters and plots representing larger historical, religious, or philosophical ideas.
4. Parable: Often uses archetypes to teach moral lessons, with characters embodying virtues or vices.
5. Mythopoeia: The crafting of new myths in literature, which often uses archetypes to ground the fantastical elements in human experience.

Understanding and employing these related devices enhances the depth and resonance of archetypal characters and themes in storytelling.