Archetypes In Literature

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“The contents of collective unconscious are archetypes, primordial images that reflect basic patterns that are common to all, which have existed universally since the dawn of time.” Archetypes are recurring motifs in literature, whilst myths portray a classic story often concerning the primordial roots of a culture; both tend to be universal, connoting they remain recurrent through distinct eras regardless the society and its respective values and beliefs. The Ramayana, King Arthur, and Star Wars (four) will be used to substantiate the universality of myths and archetypes. Firstly, I will convey predominant resemblances between dissimilar myths through analogies of some primary archetypal characters, following up by the collation of several …show more content…
Stock situational archetypes include the task, death and rebirth, and the ravaging battle between good and evil. Primarily, the task is the infeasible feat the hero must perform. Rama has the impracticable tasks of rescuing Sita from Ravana’s impenetrable fortress and slaying Ravana whose immortality is illuminated as, “even the gods are powerless against Ravana.” Comparatively, Luke and rebel forces must demolish the gargantuan Deathstar. Another situational archetype concordant through literature is death and rebirth; typically, characters encounter death and are reborn robust. Luke submerges underwater in the trash chute for a lengthy period connoting death; his emergence from the water implies rebirth. Rama’s exile to the forest symbolizes death; his return after 14 years of exile justifying him to “return as a victorious hero to Ayodhya and rule there,” illuminates his rebirth. The recurring battle between good and evil stereotypically concluding in the triumph of good is integral in literature. The conflict between Rama and Ravana to rescue Sita encompasses the battle between good and evil. The battle between Obi Wan Kanobi and Darth Vader additionally symbolizes this archetype. Affinities between situational archetypes in disparate literary works is innumerable, demonstrating its
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