Roles Of Archetypes In Literature

An archetype is, according to one definition, “a typical character, action, or situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature.” While found in all types of literature, archetypes unquestionably seem to populate myths, fantasies, and fables to a greater degree than other fiction. Archetypes are important to stories because they help the mind to categorize the behavior and, by doing so, humanize the characters. Archetypes are, in essence, labels that permit the reader the perception that people act in a predicable manner and make understanding humankind an easier task. By appealing to the fundamental nature of human beings, archetypes encapsulate the subconscious thoughts that permeate civilization. Into the