Transcript Archetypal Literary Criticism

Archetypal/Symbolic Criticism
BY: RYAN DIXON, NOAH FINK,
DAN GODZIEBA, AND BEN JU
Definition
 Archetypal criticism is the interpretation of literary
works through the archetypes used in their stories.
Archetypes are recurring motifs such as symbols,
patterns, and images that are influenced by culture
and social psychology. They are seen as the
traditional elements of a story off of which plots,
characters, and literary devices are based.
Origins
 The formulation of Archetypal Criticism stems from the work
of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, the protégé to Sigmund
Freud. It is based upon Jung’s theorizations concerning the
“collective unconscious”. This is considered to be the basis of
instincts and the formations of archetypes, as all are
supposedly aware of these archetypes. This criticism is
predicated on judging a text and reviewing the text based
upon its perceived archetypes represented in the work. These
can be determined in themes, characters, principles, or
symbols. Symbols are perhaps the greatest form of
represented archetypes along with characters, as they give
form and illustrate these archetypes better. This form of
criticism is also known as Psychoanalytical Criticism based
upon its foundations in Jung’s work
Character Archetypes
 1. the chivalrous hero - the main character and protagonist
of a literary work who often must complete a dangerous
quest or task in order to achieve a personal goal,
i.e. Odysseus, Beowulf, Hercules
 2. the damsel in distress - usually involved in the hero’s
quest and must be saved from some foreseeable peril, i.e.
Snow White
 3. the innocent child - this archetypal character represents
a simple, innocent outlook on situations within a work, i.e.
Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim
Character Archetypes
 4. the heartless villain - evil character in a work who
looks only to accomplish evil deeds and undermine
the deeds of the hero, i.e. Grendel, Captain Hook
 5. the great teacher or mentor - old man or woman
who helps the protagonist by offering wisdom or
other help when he or she faces a challenge, i.e. Mr.
Miagi, Obi Wan Kenobi, Merlin
Archetypal Images
 - the serpent or snake - associated with power,
corruption, and evil
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- the desert - associated with hopelessness or
powerlessness

- the garden - associated with paradise or
innocence
 - a storm - associated with a feeling of foreboding,
can be interpreted as an ominous sign
Works Cited
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“Archetypal Theory”. Basic Premises of Archetypal Theory. web. 9 September 2013.
[http://www.intech.mnsu.edu/bunkers/archetypal_theory.htm]
Brizee, Allen;Tompkins, J. Case. “Psychoanalytic Criticism” Purdue Online Writing Lab.
web. 9 September 2013. [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/722/04/]
Archetypal Criticism. Michael Delahoyde, n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.
<http://public.wsu.edu/~delahoyd/archetypal.crit.html>.
Archetypes. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013. <http://www.hccfl.edu/media/724354/
archetypesforliteraryanalysis.pdf>.
Archetypes and Archetypal Criticism. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.
<http://www.lebanon.k12.mo.us/lhs/faculty/croden/
archetypes%20and%20archetypal%20criticism.html>.
Common Archetypes and Symbols in Literature. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.
<http://www.muhsd.k12.ca.us>.