Archetype
A Concept Study
 of 
Literature and Life
Carl Jung
•	A pioneer in the field of psychology
•	dream analysis
•	recognized archetypal patterns and figures in literary and artistic works http://www.enteract.com/~jwalz/Jung/arche1.html
Literary Analysis
•	Depth psychology Freud and Jung
•	Dimensions of collective unconsciousness
•	Shared by all humankind

Archetypes
•	Unconscious images
•	universal symbolic forms
•	come from dreams and myths
•	products of individuals and societies
Mythic Motif
•	Mother Goddess
•	Hero
•	Trickster - God
•	initiation	
•	sacrifice - death - regeneration
Archetype Forms
•	An abstract idea or a single entity
»	circle or wheel  
•	a charismatic figure
»	hero or heroine
•	a pattern of behavior
»	a vision quest or rebirth or redemption
•	number
»	4   four corners of the earth or seasons

Archetype ~ Symbol
•	An archetype is always a symbol or symbolic pattern.
•	A symbol is not always an archetype.
Definition: Archetype
•	Credited to Carl Gustav Jung
•	instinctive patterns in collective unconscious of humankind
•	individual sharing of common heritage experiences through birth
•	Manifests:  myths, tales, legends, pictoral representations, symbols.
Definition:  Symbol
•	object that stands for something more abstract or general
–	the cross in Christianity symbolizes Christ’s suffering and death
•	presuppose a learning process to be fully understood
•	acquire great importance in the creation of intense experiences
•	have implications for action based on  belief
Archetype:   Circle
•	Power of World - sacred hoop;works in circles;tribal life reflects circular formation
•	Sky, earth, and stars are round shaped
•	Wind whirls in circular shape
•	Birds nests are in circles
•	Sun and moon - circular shape and movement
•	Seasons - cycle makes full cycle
Archetype: Circle cont’d
•	Human life - cycle makes full circle
•	Tepee dwellings are circular
•	Others?