INTRODUCTION:
Archetypal criticism came into
prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, continued to flourish in the 1950s and
1960s. It is a type of literary theory wherein the critic interprets a text by
focusing on frequent myths and archetypes found in the narratives, symbols,
images, and character types in literary works.
ETYMOLOGY AND
MEANING OF “ARCHETYPAL”:
The term “Archetypal” comes from the
Greek adjective “archē” and the Latin noun “typus”. “Arch” as an adjective
means literally “chief” or “principal.” It refers to “highest” or “most
important.” Consider words like “archangel” or “archbishop.” “Type,” from the
Latin “typus,” means an “image” or “impression.” It refers to a general
character, trait, or structure commonly held in a certain group or class. A type
may also be a figure, representation, or symbol of something. Consider words
like “typical” or “typify.”
So we may say that “Archetype” means
an original model or type after which similar things are patterned. It is a
prototype or an ideal example.
DEFINITION OF
“ARCHETYPAL CRITICISM”:
·
Archetypal
criticism is a literary theory that focuses on the analysis of symbols and
images in literature, art, and culture. It is based on the idea that certain
universal symbols, images, and patterns of human experience exist across
cultures and time periods, and that these archetypes can be studied to gain
insight into the human condition.
·
The
idea of “Archetypal Criticism” comes primarily from a Swiss psychologist Carl
Jung. He studied mythology, religion, ancient symbols and rituals, and the
customs and beliefs of primitive people. He believed that man’s behaviour is
conditioned by his individual and racial history.
·
According
to Jung, all humans share what he called a “collective unconscious.” This
“unconscious” is a collection of memories and images comprising pre-human
experiences. Jung sees the individual personality as the product and container
of its ancestral history
·
Some
of the common archetypes are - birth, rebirth, death, power, magic, unity, the
hero, the child, God, the demon, the old wise man, the earth mother, and the
animal and so on.
FEATURES OF ARCHETYPAL
CRITICISM:
1.
Focus on repeated symbols and images: Archetypal criticism seeks to
identify and interpret the recurring symbols and images found in literature,
art, and culture, such as the hero, the villain, the mother, the father, and
the journey.
2.
Connection to the collective unconscious: Archetypal criticism is based on the
idea that these symbols and images are deeply rooted in the collective
unconscious, a term coined by psychologist Carl Jung to describe the shared,
universal experiences and knowledge of humanity.
3.
Exploration of universal themes: Archetypal criticism seeks to explore
the universal themes and motifs that appear across cultures and time periods,
such as birth, death, rebirth, and the struggle between good and evil.
4.
Interdisciplinary approach: Archetypal criticism draws on a range of disciplines,
including psychology, mythology, anthropology, and folklore, to analyze and
interpret the symbols and images found in literature, art, and culture.
5.
Emphasis on the reader's response: Archetypal criticism recognizes that
the meaning of symbols and images is not fixed or objective, but rather depends
on the reader's interpretation and response.
EXAMPLES OF
ARCHETYPAL CRITICISM:
1.
The hero archetype:
The hero archetype is a common motif in literature and mythology, representing
a character who goes on a quest or journey and overcomes obstacles to achieve a
goal. An example of this archetype can be seen in the character of Odysseus in
Homer's "The Odyssey," who goes on a long journey and faces numerous
challenges before finally returning home.
2.
The mother archetype:
The mother archetype is a symbol of nurturing and protection, and is often
associated with the earth and nature. This archetype can be seen in the
character of Demeter in Greek mythology, who is the goddess of agriculture and
the mother of Persephone.
3.
The cheat archetype: The cheat archetype is a mischievous and unpredictable character who
often disrupts the status quo and challenges authority. An example of this
archetype can be seen in the character of Loki in Norse mythology, who is known
for his cleverness and ability to cheat.
4.
The shadow archetype:
The shadow archetype represents the dark and unconscious aspects of the psyche,
often associated with fear, anxiety, and repressed desires. This archetype can
be seen in the character of Mr. Hyde in Robert Louis Stevenson's "The
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," who represents the repressed
desires and darker impulses of the main character, Dr. Jekyll.
By analysing and interpreting these
archetypes, the archetypal criticism tries to gain insight into the deeper
meanings and themes of literature, art, and culture, and to explore the
universal aspects of the human experience.
MAJOR CRITICS OF
ARCHETYPAL CRITICISM:
1.
Carl Jung: Swiss
psychologist who coined the term "collective unconscious" and
developed the theory of archetypes.
2.
Joseph Campbell: American mythologist and writer who popularized the study of mythology
and the hero's journey in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces."
3.
Northrop Frye: Canadian literary critic who developed the theory of archetypal criticism
in his book "Anatomy of Criticism."
4.
Maud Bodkin: British literary critic and scholar who explored archetypal motifs in
literature in her book "Archetypal Patterns in Poetry."
5.
Harold Bloom: American literary critic who used archetypal and mythological elements
into his theory of the anxiety of influence.
6.
Camille Paglia: American cultural critic and feminist who used archetypal
theory to analyse art and culture in her book "Sexual Personae."
7.
Robert A. Segal: American scholar who has written extensively on the theory
of archetypes and their relevance to religious and cultural studies.
CONCLUSION:
· Archetypal criticism is a type of
literary criticism that focuses on the recurring symbols, images, and themes
found in literature, which are rooted in human experience and reflect the
collective unconscious of humanity.
· The theory of archetypes was
developed by psychologist Carl Jung, who believed that these symbols and
patterns are deeply embedded in the human psyche and are common to all cultures
and historical periods.
· In archetypal criticism, the critic
analyzes literature by identifying and interpreting these archetypes, which can
include universal symbols such as the hero, the villain, the journey, and the
mother figure.
LIMITATIONS OF
ARCHETYPAL CRITICISM:
· Some critics argue that it can be
limiting, as it tends to emphasize universal patterns and symbols at the
expense of the unique qualities of individual works of literature.
· Moreover, archetypal criticism can
sometimes be criticized for being too subjective, as different critics may
interpret the same archetypes in different ways.
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