Archetypes

Definition

Symbol: something that stands for something else.

Archetype: recurring symbol, character, theme, setting and event found in literature. Archetypes have a recurring theme that

transcends time.

Symbols in Everyday Life

Symbolism of Color

White – goodness, purity, daytime, lifeBlack – evil, death, night, sinBlue – peaceGreen– new life, renewal, beginning,

SpringYellow/Gold: fullness of life, money,

completeness, wealth (harvest)Purple – royaltyRed – war, anger, sin, blood

Settings

Day – at the end of the story if night turns to day, things will get better

Night – crime, lack of understanding, bad actions

Garden: perfect society

Water – physical ingredient for life; can live longer on water than food. Life giving

Cleanses (literally, figuratively, religiously) Renews

Harmony between nature and man No hurricanes or tornadoes

Dominant Colors: green/gold

Garden, Cont.

Moderate TemperaturesSimplicityFreedom from EvilAbundance of food, clothes , & shelterLove

Wasteland

Very little or no waterNo harmonyDominant colors: red/blackblack/grayExtreme temperatures

Desert Antarctic

Not enough food, shelter, clothesEvilHave to work all the timeHate

Seasonal Archetypes

Spring WinterBirth/Rebirth Death

Summer FallFullness of Life Old Age

Cycle of Life

Character Types

HeroPerson who is better equipped

physically, mentally, or morally to achieve some goal.

Usually wears white.

Villain

The antagonist of the story. Usually wears black or red.

Sacrificial Figure

Gives up life or makes a big sacrifice to save another person in the story.Jumps in front of hero… takes the bullet

Servant

Reinforces the personality of the hero.

Usually a sidekick figure.No real personality of their own.

Fair Maiden

Sought after by hero and villain.

The focus of any kind of romance.

5 Stages of the Hero’s Life

# 1 - Birth Mysterious, unknown, often in exile or placed in

exile as a child. Exile: leaves society

Born on another planet Exile from birthplace: raised by adopted parents

Birth Process Unnatural Breech birth Cesarean

# 2 - Preparation Time when hero develops skills needed for

the quest. Time when he gains physical, mental,

moral superiority. Time when he proves he is ready for the

quest.

5 Stages of the Hero’s Life

#3 – Quest Part 1: Perilous Journey: hero travels

through wasteland alone Hero feels fear Hero’s way isn’t always clear Hero isn’t invincible Hero has a goal

Part 2. Struggle: when hero receives divine or natural assistance

Part 3. Exaltation: honoring of the hero

5 Stages of the Hero’s Life

5 Stages of the Hero’s Life

# 4 – Death Doesn’t occur in all stories, but just like

life, there is death. If death, usually fantastic in some way. Heroes die as saviors or because powers

waiver. If die as a savior, mourn and honor death

with singing, storytelling or monuments.

5 Stages of the Hero’s Life

# 5 – ReturnExaltation and honoring of the hero.Return physicallyReturn through monumentReturn in memoriesReturn through those who continue the cause

Heroic Characters

If the hero loses physical or mental powers, he is still a hero.

If the hero loses morals, he is no longer a hero.

Archetypal heroes are usually male.Females have the functions (roles) as the fair maiden. Beauty works for and against her.