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Symbolic Approach to Literature

Symbolic Approach to Literature. Rich Gilliland & Eric Dunn. What. Universal symbols, patterns, & archetypes Archetype: basic motif, theme, or model from which others are derived Intuition/instinct

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Symbolic Approach to Literature

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  1. Symbolic Approach to Literature Rich Gilliland & Eric Dunn

  2. What • Universal symbols, patterns, & archetypes • Archetype: basic motif, theme, or model from which others are derived • Intuition/instinct • “Myths are the symbolic projections of a people’s hopes, values, fears, and aspirations.” –Wilfred L. Guerin

  3. Jungian Archetypes • Carl Jung – worked with Freud • Archetypal development • Common Jungian archetypes in literature: • The Child • The Hero • The Mother • The Wise Old Man • The Trickster (Fox)

  4. Questions • Are there any symbolic images, strong communal beliefs, motifs? • Is there a plot pattern? • What archetypal situations are explored? • How does this piece relate to others (themes, plot elements, character archetypes)?

  5. Insight into human nature Subconscious author motives Explains many seemingly abstract concepts Wouldn’t it be nice to be connected? Looking too far in? Losing the personal interpretation? Ignoring historical/ biographical pieces? Archetypes sometimes differ across cultures Advantages vs. Disadvantages

  6. Do You Remember When…? • Joseph Campbell – The Monomyth • Huck Finn – classic American adventure story • Arthurian Legends – significance of numbers • Robert Langdon – symbolic approach to DaVinci art • List of common plots/themes

  7. More Examples • The Matrix - Neo, Thomas A. Anderson, Morpheus • ET: The Extra -Terrestrial- ET is Christ-like • The Shawshank Redemption - Bible, water, Andy is Christ-like

  8. How to Apply • Lord of the Flies: Perils of society without authority • Ralph/Conch: leadership, authority • Simon: Christ-like • Jack: savage, uncivilized • Piggy: physical weakness, mental strength

  9. How to Apply • Animal Farm: Allegory for Russian revolution • Without symbolism in mind, meaning is completely altered • Windmill – Russia’s five year plan/Germany’s attack • Pigs – loyalists to the communist party

  10. Oedipus • Story was around before Sophocles • The Mother (Freudian/Jungian interp.) • The Child • The Hero (hubris)

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