Chapter 11: Problem 43

Select an epic story that is popular in contemporary society (such as Harry Potter or Star Wars) and explain it terms of Jung's concept of archetypes.

Short Answer

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Harry Potter series is full of Jung's archetypes. Harry Potter himself can be seen as the Hero and the Individual, Hermione can be seen as the Wise old man or woman, Voldemort represents the Shadow, and Mrs. Weasley embodies the Great Mother.

Step by step solution

Understanding Jung's archetypes

Carl Jung proposed that all individuals share deep-seated experiences, patterns of thought and symbolism, which arise in dreams, fairy tales, mythology, and religious motifs among other things. These shared experiences and symbols, or archetypes, are housed within the 'collective unconscious'. An archetype may appear in an indirect manner, such as through behaviors that seek to satisfy the different archetypes or through symbolic, often illogical modifications, or as a direct design from an archetype. Primary examples of archetypes include The Self, The Shadow, The Anima/Animus, and The Persona.

Identifying Archetypal Patterns in Harry Potter

In the Harry Potter series, several of these archetypal figures are recognizable. Harry as the 'Hero' character, heading out on his journey and striving to overcome his 'Shadow', which is Voldemort, the dark lord. 'The Great Mother' archetype is personified in Mrs. Weasley, who takes Harry as her own child and cares for him. Hermione could be seen as the 'Wise Old Man' archetype, with her knowledge and wisdom guiding them through their journey.

Detailed Character Analysis

Detailing each character as per the archetype they represent will help in further understanding and completion of this exercise. For instance, Harry Potter is the individual; he has essentially emerged from a common background and unaware of his heroic lineage until he receives his invitation to attend the magical school, Hogwarts. Once there, Harry's challenge is to battle and defeat 'The Shadow', an archetype embodied by the villainous Voldemort, who seeks to destroy all that is good in the wizarding world.

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Select an epic story that is popular in contemporary society (such as Harry Potter or Star Wars) and explain it terms of Jung's concept of archetypes.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Jung's archetypes

Identifying Archetypal Patterns in Harry Potter

Detailed Character Analysis

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