Grammar Tips & Articles »

What Is an Archetype?

Go to Grammar.com and read the article: What is an Archetype? Learn how this word is used in our daily language as well as in literature and psychology. Sit comfortably and enjoy!


4:41 min read
425 Views
  Teri Lapping  —  Grammar Tips
Font size:

We use the word “archetype” in our daily language to refer to a prototype or a perfect model for something. 

For example, we might say: “She is the archetype of a successful teacher.” 

Archetypes exist at the micro as well as the macro level. This word holds a respectable place in the world of psychology as well as in our literary traditions. 

The concept of an archetype first appeared in the realm of philosophy, when Plato introduced the belief that everything has an ideal form, an archetype, on which the essence of all real things is based. 

Let’s delve a bit deeper.


Defining an “Archetype”

The word “archetype” is a noun and derives from the Greek word “archein” (“to begin” or “to rule”) plus “typos” (“type").
 
An archetype can be an image, a story, a symbol, or a character that repeats itself universally and is understood by people across many cultures. 

Common archetypal patterns coexist across time and space, and were found to exist in Europe, Asia, Africa, and other countries even before there were ways to communicate across the globe.

As well as referring to common aspects of the greater world, archetypes refer to internal representations that are part of each individual mind.


Archetypes in Psychology
 
The psychologist C.G. Jung believed that archetypes promote psychological development and self-realization.  He saw archetypes as inherited concepts or ideas that exist in the unconscious mind of a person, a race, or a culture and are the result of the experiences that humanity has accumulated and passed down. 

Jung believed that archetypes exist in our minds as perfect representations of roles that people play historically and across cultures. 

For example, the archetypal “Mother” figure contains the female essence: compassion and dependability; and the archetypal “Old man” is wise and learned. 

In Jung’s theory, he focused on these main archetypes: the Self, the Anima, the Persona, and the Shadow, and he believed that we emotionally relate and learn from experiencing the emotions that these archetypes evoke. 

Jung believed that archetypes also appear as universal symbols in dreams, where we recognize them and are often able to define their character, their purpose, the meaning of their symbolism, and the connection they might have with situations in our waking life. 


Archetypes in Literature

Archetypes take the form of certain characters or symbols in stories and mythology, with recognizable roles and familiar traits. When reading these stories, individuals will often have emotional reactions to these archetypes, connecting to them on a subconscious level. 

The use of archetypes in literature enables us to identify with one another through our recognition and sense of affinity with common archetypal characters. 


Examples of Common Archetypal Characters

The Hero:
 
The archetypical “Hero” is usually honest, courageous, and believes that the goodness in the world is worth defending. A “Hero” must often go on an adventure to overcome the forces of evil and save the world. The “Hero” can also be seen as a part of the “Leader” archetype.

Some examples of the “Hero” archetype include Homer’s Odysseus, who is on an archetypical “Quest,” overcoming archetypical “Villians” to return and restore goodness and justice to Ithaca, his home. 
Disney’s Simba is also an archetypal “Hero,” combatting “Villains” to return to his home, restore justice and order, and reunite with his archetypal “Love” Nala.

The “Hero” archetype can be seen as representing the universal need to explore oneself, to confront one’s fears, and to be brave when facing one’s challenges. 

The Lover:

The archetypical “Lover” is usually passionate, committed, emotional, and believes that love is the ultimate positive force in the world. This can be love of a person, a concept, or an object.  A “Lover” will search far and wide to find love, will lose love, and will typically have to perform great sacrifices to show his or her worthiness to regain love. 

Examples of the “Lover” archetype include Disney’s Ariel, who sacrifices her voice to become human, and Edward Cullen, the main vampire in the Twilight series, who has been searching for love for centuries, and finally finds the perfect partner in the mortal, Bella. 

The “Lover” archetype can be seen as representing the universal need for intimacy and for commitment to another or to a situation. 

The Mentor:

The archetype of the “Mentor” usually protects the hero against evil by providing guidance and wisdom, showing that knowledge can be power, and that everyone needs support and advice.
The “Mentor” seeks the truth and is often portrayed as a teacher, a researcher, or an expert. 

For example, Homer’s Odysseus, our archetypical “Hero” receives help from the famous “Mentor” Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. The “Mentor” Obi Wan Kenobi helps the “Hero” Luke Skywalker in the movie, Star Wars IV. In Disney’s Hercules, the “Mentor” Phil wisely gives advice to the “Hero” Hercules.

The “Mentor” archetype can be seen as representing the universal search for truth and the need for guidance from someone wiser.


Other commonly identified archetypes include the Villain, the Evil Stepmother, the Wise Man, the Scholar, the Ruler, the Innocent, the Magician, the Mother, the Father, and more.  


Final Thoughts

Archetypes might prove to be that common thread that can connect all cultures, upon which we can build empathy, understanding, and a universal language. 

If we actively strive to identify the archetypes that appear in our daily life, we might discover a surprising channel for creating comradery with our fellow man. 

Rate this article:

Have a discussion about this article with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this article to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "What Is an Archetype?." Grammar.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 6 Oct. 2024. <https://www.grammar.com/what_is_an_archetype>.

    Checkout our entire collection of

    Grammar Articles

    »

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web!

    Free Writing Tool:

    Instant
    Grammar Checker

    Improve your grammar, vocabulary, style, and writing — all for FREE!


    Quiz

    Are you a grammar master?

    »
    Identify the sentence with correct use of the subjunctive mood:
    A If I was you, I would apologize.
    B I suggest that she come early.
    C It's necessary that he goes to the meeting.
    D They wish they was here.

    Improve your writing now:

    Download Grammar eBooks

    It’s now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages.