Shakespeare and Archetypes Analysis|My course tutor
Posted: February 25th, 2023
LIT1100 Introduction to Literature University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Shakespeare and Archetypes Analysis 30 pts
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Directions: Answer five of the following questions; each question is worth six points. Type your responses to each question in a word processing file, answering the questions
to the best of your ability. Be sure to include your name, date and question #. For each question, develop a 1-2 paragraph answer, explaining your interpretation and
supporting your ideas with specific references from the text itself (either paraphrased or directly quoted).
Use textual support and proper in-text citations for all answers.
1. Which archetypal plot does Shakespeare use in this play? What elements of this archetypal plot are present? Are there any missing elements?
2. In what ways does Viola embody the archetypal maiden? Are there any inconsistencies in her character in your opinion (if so, what are they)?
3. In what ways does Orsino embody the archetypal hero? Are there any inconsistencies in his character in your opinion (if so, what are they)?
4. As individuals, Lady Olivia and Sebastian seem to embody the standard roles of maiden and hero. As a couple, however, what happens to their roles?
5. The fool character usually speaks a truth or piece of wisdom that no one else will. Identify one truth or piece of wisdom that Feste speaks in this play (there may be more than one possible answer), and explain why Shakespeare would use him to speak the truth rather than having another the hero or maiden speak it.
6. Because archetypes are supposed to be universal, this play should appeal to any culture in any era on some level. Based on the type of archetypal plot, what aspects of this play would appeal a modern American audience? Explain why.
LIT1100 Introduction to Literature University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Archetypes for Twelfth Night
What is an Archetype? 1. Instinctive patterns in the collective unconscious of humankind. Figures or patterns that recur in works of art
from generation to generation. 2. Archetypes can come in the form of stories, characters and symbols. 3. These symbols must be shared by different cultures to be archetypes. They must be universal.
How is an archetype different than a symbol? A symbol is an object that stands for something else. This can be a letter, a character or a sign such as the American flag, a police badge or the Greek letter delta. While these specific symbols have meaning, their meaning is specific to a culture or a context. For example, the American flag will only have symbolic meaning in the time period that America exists. Another example is in Hawthorne’s short story “The Birthmark.” In that story, the birthmark is symbolic of man’s sin or corrupt nature. However, in real life or in another story or in another culture, a birthmark doesn’t contain that same symbolism. Thus, the birthmark is a symbol because its meaning is context-specific and not an archetype, which would have to be universally recognized as a symbol of man’s sin.
The Archetypal Comedy Plot Comedy is a relative term; every culture’s definition of what is funny varies a little. However, three elements of comedy are found in almost all culture’s comedic storylines:
1. The comedy revolves around a normal or common people 2. The comedy includes some form of mistaken identity 3. In a comedy, everyone gets married in the end (or everything ends happily)
Archetypal Characters Some character types are considered archetypes because all cultures have the same basic character. There are four recognized character archetypes for men and four archetypes for women. The following characteristics define each character archetype, however, a character doesn’t have to display all characteristics to fall into that category; all examples are taken from popular Disney movies:
MALE CHARACTERS FEMALE CHARACTERS
Hero: young, handsome, muscular, courageous, strong (sometimes super-strength), rebel or maverick Ex: Hercules, Aladdin, Peter Pan
Maiden/virgin: Young, beautiful, often helpless, innocent, is usually saved by the hero Ex.: Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty
Wise Man: Older than hero, intelligent, spiritual and moral, sometimes has special powers Ex: Merlin, Genie, Gill (Finding Nemo)
Mother: Birth, life, fertility, warmth, protection and nourishment Ex: Grandmother Willow
Fool: Usually a physical defect, overweight, usually a sidekick, humorous and bumbling, occasionally speaks the truth no one else will Ex: Sebastian the crab, Dory, Terk (Tarzan)
Crone/witch: Old or ugly, mysterious, intelligent, plotting or conniving (not necessarily magical) Ex: Cruella de Ville, Wicked Stepmother
Devil: Usually offers a trade or exchange, manipulative and deceptive, often physically attractive and well-dressed Ex: Hades, Scar
Temptress: Older than maiden, younger than mother, beautiful, usually dark-haired, sexual, deceptive and underhanded Ex: Queen Grimhilde (Snow White), Ursula
- What is an Archetype?
- How is an archetype different than a symbol?
- The Archetypal Comedy Plot
- Archetypal Characters
SOLUTION
Shakespeare uses the archetypal plot of the “romantic comedy” in Twelfth Night. The plot of a romantic comedy usually involves mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and ends with the resolution of the characters’ problems and the formation of happy relationships. In Twelfth Night, the characters are confused about their identities, and this creates comedic situations that are resolved in the end. The play also includes the element of love at first sight, which is a common trope in romantic comedies. Additionally, the play features characters who are in disguise, which is another common feature of romantic comedies. However, one missing element is the use of a matchmaker character who helps the main characters get together. In Twelfth Night, the characters are able to resolve their romantic issues on their own without the help of a matchmaker character.
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