Describe your favorite movie An Archetype is an

Describe your favorite movie.

An Archetype is an original model or type after which other similar things are patterned. Frankenstein and Dracula are examples of many horror story archetypes

• In literature or movies an archetype is a symbol, story, pattern, or character type that recurs frequently and brings strong associations in the reader. • For example, the wicked witch and the enchanted prince are character types in a lot of folk tales and literature. The story of a hero who undertakes a dangerous quest is the story of someone who is looking for something. • A symbol is something that represents something in itself but also represents something with a deeper meaning. Circle stories are one of the most common patterns. Circle stories begin and end in the same place. They involve a journey that may or may not be physical. Books about time travel, journeys, adventures, dreams, entering other worlds, and self-acceptance are often circle stories.

All stories with archetypal characters must have the following properties: Primordial - existing from the beginning of time Universal – common to all cultures Recurring – occurring over and over again

Archetypal patterns are evident in Literature and movies. As you take notes, think of movies and literature that contain these patterns

There are three main archetypal Patterns which are evident in literature. Situation - where a “hero” takes a “full circle” journey Characters - types of characters who play an important part in the hero’s journey Symbolic – where symbols or objects stand for something else

Characteristics of Situation Archetypes The Quest The search for someone or some object that will restore fertility to a wasted land In “The Chronicles of Narnia” the children search for Aslan to bring life back to Narnia

Arthur must pull the sword out of the stone to assume his position as king. The Task The hero must perform some deed so that he can assume his rightful position in life.

The Initiation The maturing of the hero during the quest

The Journey consists of three parts. The Journey The search that the hero must take in order to restore fertility to his kingdom

Separation – the hero is physically, mentally, or spiritually separated from others. Usually a hero goes through a dark, trial period during this time. Gandalf separates Bilbo from the group.

Transformation- The hero goes through a transformation or change and becomes what he should be. Usually during this time the hero has to face his own faults. I have overcome my fears

Bilbo restores peace to Middle Earth and returns to Hobbiton. Return- The hero returns to his home or village and then takes charge.

The Hero’s Situation

The Unhealable Wound- can be either physical or physiological and can never be fully healed. Achilles was dipped in the river Styx in infancy, making him invulnerable to attack, except on his heel.

The Fall- The hero “falls” to a lower state of being, usually from disobedience. Achilles was a wild child and sent to study under Chiron, a centaur (half man, half animal), whom he eventually disobeyed.

The Magic Weapon- the extraordinary gift or quality that a hero posses. No one else can use it to its full potential. Remember Arthur’s sword Excalibur?

Other Situational Archetypes Death and Rebirth This is the most common situational archetype mirroring the cycle of life with death and rebirth. Think about the “Circle Of Life” in The Lion King.

Dinosaurs in Jurassic Park are a good example. Nature versus the Mechanical World Nature is good and science, technology, society are bad. (The Terminator and Jurassic Park)

We hope that Aslan can defeat the White Witch in the Battle Good vs. Evil Hope of optimism for good to triumph over evil despite great conflict

The Ritual Ceremonies that mark a hero’s rite of passage. The Presentation of Simba and then later his cub to the animal kingdom.

‘Not Another Teen Movie” • This movie basically makes fun of the archetypes that you see repeatedly in teen movies.