Archetypes in Literature

• “A universally recognizable element . . . that recurs across

all literature and life (Latrobe 13). Psychologist Carl Jung

called these elements a kind of “collective unconscious” of

the human race, prototypes rather than something gained

from experience. The word is derived from the Greek:

arche, original, and typos, form or model; thus, original

model (Latrobe 13).

Definition Continued

• An archetype is the first real example or prototype of

something (as the Model T is the prototype of the modern

automobile). In this sense an archetype can be

considered the ideal model, the supreme type or the

perfect image of something (Brunel 111-112, 114).

Definition Finished

• A key to understanding folk literature is to understand

archetypes. “An archetype is to the psyche what an

instinct is to the body. . . . . Archetypes are the psychic

instincts of the human species.” (Edinger as quoted in

Knapp 10). Archetypes are universal in human beings.

Archetypes result in a deep emotional response for

readers.

• “Archetypes are repeated patterns that recur in the

literature of every age” (Sloan 48).

Hero

“The main character leaves his or her community to go on an

adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community”

(Herz and Gallo 121). This character brings about stability by

eliminating evil and evil-doers.

Pygmalion Heroes

• Liza Doolittle has heroic qualities because she is a person

who strives for what is beyond her and wants to achieve

greatness, yet lacks the consistent courage and power of

a super hero.

• So she’s heroic in her perseverance and having all the

human faults we do that could have prevented her

continued efforts but pushing past them.

The Pygmalion Myth

• Liza is also an aspect of the statue, Galatea, in that she

becomes Higgins’s finest work to date.

• The relationship is far more complicated than the myth,

though, so don’t expect a romantic ending here.

Mother Figures

• Fairy Godmother (surrogate mother)—comforts and

directs child, especially when he or she is confused and

needs guidance. Represents powers that can be called

on for help when it is needed. Helps young person to

solve own problems (Knapp 71).

• Earth Mother: Female or feminine power associated with

nature

• Stepmother: The outsider who uses her power over the

husband to put her own needs, and that of her own

offspring, ahead of his children.

Examples

Pygmalion

• Mrs. Pearce is a mother figure to Higgins in her role as

care-taker and reminder of rules and boundaries in

society.

• She’s also a bit of a middle class gate between upper

class Higgins and lower class visitors.

• Higgins’s mother, too, follows the mother archetype, but is

far different in her relationship with Henry because her

relationship is more of loving tolerance than direct

nurturing.

• Liza has no mother figures in her life except

stepmothers—so you draw conclusions about her feelings

there.

Father Figures

• The range is stern, authoritative disciplinarian to the goofy, lovable big kid—Fathers come in all shapes and sizes. Any male character who takes on any parental duty for an extended period can be said to have aspects of this archetype.

Pygmalion

• Henry said outright he

will be worse than two

fathers to Liza once he

begins teaching her.

• Pickering says he will

be responsible for Liza

once she becomes a

student.

• Let’s not forget her

actual father, Alfred

Doolittle, who is

actually the worthless,

abusive version of the

father archetype. His

charm and self-

awareness make it

easier to take.

• The great teacher/mentor—often one who trains the

hero to realize his/her full potential

Teacher/Mentor

• In addition to the sculptor Pygmalion, Higgins is a teacher.

• So is Pickering.

• So is Mrs. Pearce.

• So is Mrs. Higgins.

• All in relation to giving lessons to Eliza in helping her

become the person she is in the end.

Trickster

Character who deliberately misleads others or is hiding

their true nature.

VillainPerson who is dedicated to stopping the hero and

spreading chaos and evil.

Temptress

• Enchantress/Temptress: Uses her sexual/magical powers

to side-track the hero.

The Innocent

• Character not wise in the ways of the world

• Child/Youth

• Inexperienced adult

• Pygmalion: Liza is

the innocent one through

most of the first three acts.

The Underdog

• Character who is perceived as a victim or loser but

overcomes the odds to be the hero. Who could be that in

the play?

Place Archetypes

• Garden

• Cultivated and carefully planned. Restricted to certain

vegetation

• Tree

• Represents life and knowledge

• Caves and tunnels

• Deep down where character delves into self

• Place that character goes when “invisible” or inactive

• At the extreme may signify death

Place Archetypes• The River

• Crossing river may symbolize new territory

• Rivers can be boundaries or borders & on the other side is

something new or different

• May represent human life or time passing as we follow the river

from its source to its mouth

• The Sea

• Vast, alien, dangerous, chaos

• Waves may symbolize measures of time and represent eternity or

infinity

• Fountain

• Stands for purification; the sprinkling of water (baptism) washes

away sin. Water of fountain gives new life (Knapp 32).

Action/Plot Archetypes

• Rites of initiation

• Parental Conflict and Relationships

• “The protagonist deals with parental conflict by rejecting or bonding

with parents” (Herz and Gallo 117).

• Coming of age

Archetypal Plots

• The Test or Trial

• “In the transition from one stage of life to another, the main

character experiences a rite of passage through growth and

change; he or she experiences a transformation” (Herz and Gallo

115).