How do archetypes inform our understanding of literature and the world?

Answer 1

Hi Ke'Myra!

When reading literature that feature archetypes, we are able to look at patterns and figure out what a specific character means for the overall story. This also informs our understanding of the world because archetypes are not only in fiction, they're in real life too.

Answer 2

Archetypes helps you appreciate literature, movies, and TV programs more than you know. They are patterns and involve symbolism as well. For example, in the series The Boys, you have the good guys and the bad guys which both take similar hero/villain paths. Really they are the same path until the time of testing happens. If you have not seen the series, I'll just give a mini spoiler - Homelander is not a good guy, but had potnetial - one trait he has besides the abilities is daddy issues. He was made in a lab, so he's been seeking a father figure. Anyway when you understand the archetypes, you see they can be tropes. They do not have to apply to super heroes either. This is Us, all the major characters have daddy issues which cause conflict within their world. IRL, we all go through our deserts or time of testing in our "heroes journey". These help reveal who we are as well. I love talking about archetypes and symbolism! So feel free to ask more!