Guardians of The Galaxy: Archetypes According to Dictionary.com, archetypes can be defined as the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form. They are common storylines, images, and characters that people tend to resonate with. There are character, situational, and symbolic archetypes. Archetypes transcend cultural boundaries and have appeared in traditional stories across cultures. Guardians of The Galaxy, directed by James Gunn, contains many archetypes which the viewer can relate to. The movie uses the hero’s quest and journey, archetypes for the main characters, and many themes throughout.
The story begins in 1988, in the fictional marvel…show more content… At the start, he fit the anti-hero archetype. Anti-heros tend to be charismatic or funny, and Peter is both. He was impolite and offensive, which resulted from his rough upbringing with the Ravagers, a group of space pirates. When he begins his adventure, he transforms into a proper hero. He acts as a mediator and was able to hold the group together when there was tension. When small quarrels arose, he was able to break up the fights, without taking sides. Peter also makes some noble sacrifices for the greater good, at his own expense. Following the escape from the Ravager ship, the group decides to defend Xandar, even though it may be a suicide mission. Peter also shows loyalty to the group. When Gamora was going to be killed in the prison, Peter and Rocket saved her. Peter says it was because he needed her to sell the orb, but the real reason was because he felt it would be disloyal to let her die. The most important heroic trait Peter showed was courage. Ronan was about to destroy the planet, and Peter had the courage to dance as a distraction, while Rocket shot Ronan. Peter could have died, but he was willing to for the sake of the galaxy. Another instance where Peter shows courage was when he grabbed the infinity stone. The stone is so powerful that any mortal who touched it would explode. Again, Peter risked his life for the well-being of others. Without the help of his friends the stone…show more content… He has no redeeming qualities, making him a devil figure. We know he is not the shadow of Peter Quill because Peter is a anti-hero. Usually shadows are used to contrast with overwhelmly good heros, but Peter already has a visible bad side. We also can rule other the evil figure with a good heart archetype. Ronan shows no potential for good, and usually the hero would save the evil figure with good heart, which doesn't happen. All Ronan wants to do is destroy life on all other planets but his own. His ultimate goal is to rule the universe and do anything it takes to meet that goal. There are no examples of Ronan being remotely sympathetic, so he easily fits the devil figure
