The archetype (in Jungian psychology) is a primitive mental image inherited from the earliest human ancestors, and is supposed to be present in the collective unconscious; basically this means that human beings have subconsciously passed down human stereotypes from generation to generation. This can be used to explain the striking resemblance between many stories all through time; it can be based on plot, characters, or even passing symbols. The resemblance between characters can be seen in the three Greek plays The Odyssey, Oedipus Rex, and Antigone, which share the archetypal characteristics of a hero, sage, and villain.
The hero: In the plays The Odyssey, Oedipus Rex, and Antigone the heroes face torturous journeys that put their will power to the test. In The Odyssey, the hero is Odysseus, king of Ithaca. He is a hero because he “saves” his beloved wife from the suitors that yearn for her (the wife, Penelope’s) hand as well as Odysseus’ thrown; he does this through a battle that ends
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The Odyssey would not have existed without the rage that Poseidon spew at Odysseus, and once Odysseus returned home, there would have been no conflict to glorify the reunion of the Ithacan royal family without the long over-due defeat of the dreaded suitors. In Oedipus Rex, there wouldn’t have been a plot if Oedipus hadn’t, though unknowingly, committed both patricide and incest. “Alas, alas. It’s all come out so clearly. Light, let me see the last of you now, surrounded by those I ought to avoid—born from them, living with them, killing them.” His guilt will lead to his self-declared exile, leaving the reader to wonder if he was really a hero, or a villain. In Antigone, the villain is much clearer. Creon, the new king, is filled with anger, and declares that his niece, Antigone, should “Go join them, then; if you must have your love, find it in hell!” therefore sentencing her to
Most people think of a hero as a strong, superior, good-looking person that could never make a mistake. However, in a story called The Odyssey, a connection to real life reveals imperfections to be common in heroes. Each person has their low points and highlights, regardless of their “rank”. The author and epic poet, Homer, exemplifies our main character, Odysseus, to take on this idea of a hero throughout his writing. The time period took place in Ancient Greece, allowing Greek culture to relate to the poem. Different aspects of such culture and history may have influenced the works and creativity of Homer as well. A major point includes The Trojan War because it focuses in on Odysseus’ journey to bring Helen back home by devising a plan to destroy warriors in the city. Acknowledge this factor when reading The Odyssey, for not only evidence of heroism, but also other major points of archetypes, in which the device reflects the insights of readers in modern time and what is seen from Ancient Greek culture.
An archetype is a model or ideal example in which other things are patterned. There are many archetypes that could represent many characters; but for my character, Haley Kincain, the caregiver archetype represents her the best. Haley represents a caregiver due to constantly caring for her father and his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, along with helping her friends with problems like divorce and bullying. I found her to be pragmatic, considerate and patient throughout the book.
In the movie/book The Odyssey, archetypal characters play a pretty big role in shaping the development of Odysseus. The mentor Athena asks Odysseus if he wants guidance and a hand throughout his journey, which helps him to overcome challenges and make better decisions. However, the temptress archetype of Circe and Calypso, they feel as if they need to test Odysseus' loyalty and his will to work. That actually ended up tempting him to quit his quest.
An archetype is a pattern repeated through the ages in folk and literary expressions. Archetypes are important in literature because there everywhere. Odysseus looks strong and brave he is also very intelligent and nice and cares about his men. His behavior is very smart he doesn't do anything without thinking of the consequences. Odysseus is strong, brave ,and smart which are three critical characteristics of the “Hero” archetype.
Among the plethora of archetypes that present themselves in Homer’s The Odyssey and the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? is the character of the Blind Prophet. This character is an older man who has the gift of foresight, yet lacks the gift of physical sight. In the ancient epic poem, the hero Odysseus travels to the Underworld during his time on Circe’s isle to consult the blind seer Tiresias. In the film, Ulysses Everett and his hunting group of companions encounter a nameless blind soothsayer upon the railroad tracks after they first escape incarceration.Tiresias warns Odysseus of the trials ahead on his journey, including the Sirens and the monstrous Scylla, giving advice on how to best surpass them. The film’s blind seer describes a “long
In the book, The Odyssey of Homer, translated by Richmond Lattimore, the relationships Odysseus has with Circe, Kalypso, and Penelope all share a very different type of love. The weakest relationship Odysseus has is with Circe, her love is of respect and infatuation. Then, Kalypso’s love towards Odysseus, a bit stronger than Circe’s is full of selfishness and desperation. Lastly, Penelope’s love is enduring and hopeful for Odysseus making their relationship the strongest. The relationships Odysseus has with Circe, Kalypso, and Penelope share a type of love, the contrast is the different strength of love each woman gives to Odysseus.
The Odyssey by Homer is an epic poem that tells the story of the archetypal hero Odysseus. Archetypes are universal symbols; therefore, readers can see their features throughout literature. An archetypal hero is courageous and saves the day. They typically are very smart and creative. A few examples of archetypal heroes are Odysseus, Queen Penelope, and Circe.
A hero is one who sets a goal in which takes bravery and dedication in order to achieve. The book The Odyssey written by Homer reveals a story of a true hero. The main character is a man named Odysseus who displays hero characteristics throughout the book. Odysseus is a hero because he returns home with a changed perspective which reflects his heroic abilities, such as his bravery and dedication to return home.
In mythological epics, the narrative often depicts imageries of masculinity; they follow a journey of prophecy; fulfilment of destiny and/or a journey of honour (reference) in male characters thus securing their masculine status among their peers. Women however are often binary opposite of the reward, obstacle, or the love interest/desire in these epics (reference); another interpretation is that, in their own right, these women displayed honour and strength, demonstrating both androgynous traits during the Trojan War. In my research, I found it difficult to find literature that publicized female heroes and epic journeys from the point of view of a woman. However, the two that I have found come from Homer’s Odyssey (Leeming, 2005. 297) and
For many people, the pandemic was a time of isolation. Almost all of us had to stay in our homes for extended periods of time, and could not meet each other without using a mask. I remember not being able to hang out with my friends or go to school. This isolation has affected me and many others negatively. Many of us thought, “Why get out of bed today?”
Ancient Greece was full of mystery. They told of mystical, almost supernatural, heroes and monsters. One such story was told of a warrior named Odysseus. A king who ruled over the kingdom of Ithaca, but sadly left for war, leaving both his family, and his kingdom. Fighting for almost a decade, Odysseus set off on a long journey towards home. Through thick and thin, and through all of the bloodshed and fighting, he finally has a happy ending at home. At what cost though? His men, his ship, himself? Odysseus was put into the category of a hero, one of the many archetypes modern readers use to identify main characters and all other concepts in literature. All heroes experience the fright and thrill of adventure in
A hero accepts who he is as an individual, but strives to change himself for the better. In the epic poem, The Odyssey, by Homer, the main character Odysseus is a valiant king who embarks on a life-changing voyage. While traveling from Troy back to his home in Ithaka, King Odysseus overcomes daunting obstacles, and in doing so discovers his place in the world. Odysseus is truly a heroic figure because he demonstrates courage, improves his character, and wins the support of the gods.
In the epic poem, The Odyssey, written by Homer, a hero named Odysseus is unveiled. A hero is a person who takes charge, who is bold, confident, courageous, and loyal. Many debate whether or not Odysseus earns the title of a hero. Odysseus earns the title of a hero by representing many qualities such as: leadership, bravery, and determination.
A trip to hell is not unique to Homer’s The Odyssey, but rather this journey is found as an archetype in multiple cultures. If you look at any story from any culture, there is always a low point or valley in the story where a hero must dive into the unknown to prove themselves as a hero. This also serves as a stage to show the hero their own mortality and enhance their bravery. What results is that they emerge from the hardships as a brave and justified hero. There is no place that maintains these circumstances of death and decay better than the underworld. Additionally, what makes the hero a hero is the fact that he or she has gone to the place of no return for most people, and has come back after conquering some form of evil. This gives the
Ancient Greeks’ history consisted of monsters, creatures, gods, goddesses, fights, and battles. It shows that Ancient Greeks were very imaginative and creative. There were three main archetypes that were used in Homer’s epic ,The Odyssey, which show different aspects of Ancient Greek culture. Those three archetypes were: the hero/father figure archetype, the monster archetypes, and the search for love. The hero archetype explained the Ancient Greeks’ love for thrill and adventure; Odysseus went on many thrilling adventures while on his journey. The monster archetypes represented the Greeks’ love of horror; Odysseus’ men have died due to the monsters and creatures. There were also love stories that show the Greeks’ passionate and emotional