ARCHETYPE Meaning and
Definition
-
An archetype, in the context of psychology and literary analysis, refers to a typical, recurrent and universally recognized character, symbol, theme or situation that represents a certain pattern of human behavior, experiences, or fundamental concepts. It is a primal blueprint or a fundamental model that forms the foundation for many other characters or symbols within a particular culture or society.
Archetypes are deeply embedded in the collective unconscious, a concept coined by Carl Jung, and are inherently shared among individuals regardless of cultural background or personal experience. They serve as core building blocks that underlie and inform the creation of characters, narratives, and symbols in literature, mythology, and other forms of creative expression.
There are various archetypes found in different cultures, including the hero, the wise old man, the trickster, the mother figure, the symbol of death and rebirth, and many more. These archetypes commonly present themselves in stories, legends, and myths throughout the ages, resonating with individuals on a profound level due to their universal and timeless nature.
Archetypes provide a framework through which individuals can understand and interpret the complexities of human existence. They tap into deep-rooted and instinctual aspects of human nature, allowing for the exploration of fundamental themes and universal experiences such as love, justice, power, and the hero's journey. By embodying archetypal patterns, characters and symbols gain depth and meaning, contributing to the richness and psychological resonance of literary and artistic works.
-
A primitive type of structure from which various forms have been developed by differentiation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
The original or model from which copies are made; a pattern.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ARCHETYPE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ARCHETYPE
Etymology of ARCHETYPE
The word "archetype" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "archē", meaning "original" or "first", and "typos", meaning "model" or "type". When combined, these words create "archetupos" (ἀρχέτυπος) in Greek, which translates to "archetype" in English. The term was first introduced by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who used it to refer to the original or idealized form or pattern that all things of a certain type or category should aspire to. The concept of archetypes has since been expanded and explored in various fields, such as psychology and literature.
Similar spelling words for ARCHETYPE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
