Archetypal criticism examines the presence of simple, recognizable character models in literature, based on the works of Carl Jung. Northrop Frye built on these ideas, dividing archetypes into comedic and tragic categories. Christopher Booker narrowed stories down to seven basic plot archetypes. Archetypal criticism is a type of literary criticism that examines the presence of […]
Archetypal characters are basic prototypes found in literature based on Carl Jung’s ideas about archetypes in society. They fulfill basic functions in the plot and form the outlines for main characters to develop from. They are essential for human understanding and relationship to a story. The four basic archetypes are the mother, rebirth, spirit, and […]
