1. An Archetype is . . .
A. Label a page in your notebook ARCHETYPES. Then, write notes on the various aspects of "archetypes" from the info below.
B. In your notebook, write down three different characters from your favorite TV shows. Then, using the links above, explain what type of archetype they are representing. How do you know this? (Use examples from the TV show that prove the archetypal behavior.)
- An ARCHETYPE is a symbol, usually an image, which recurs so often it is recognizable in many cultures. Archetypes are represented in literature and art.
- Since archetypes represent human experience and behavior, they are rooted in our "collective unconscious," meaning WE ALL recognize the traits and characteristics of the archetype. For example, we all know what a hero is and what a hero will predictably do. We know what the underdog is and what the underdog will predictably do.
- Images and representations of the archetypes are conceived through the "psychic activity" of an individual: for example through dreams, art works, ancient monuments, religious activities, etc.
- HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE JOHN WAYNE ARCHETYPE: rugged, lone, courageous man who faces heavy odds. He was always tough and macho, but in a way that protected the women and children. He always knew the right thing to do and he acted swiftly and decisively to do it. What true American would not appreciate these values?--quoted from PZ at OpEdNews.com
- The use of archetypes to show different sides of one's personality in literature was advanced by Carl Jung in the early 20th century. In modern psychology, archetypes are also considered to have light and shadow aspects. The light side of an archetype represents the best qualities. The shadow side is the archetype at its extreme or obsessive worst, the negative side of the archetype. Check the links below for more examples of archetypes.
- Traditional Archetypes
- Character Archetype Examples
- Archetypes Often Seen on TV
B. In your notebook, write down three different characters from your favorite TV shows. Then, using the links above, explain what type of archetype they are representing. How do you know this? (Use examples from the TV show that prove the archetypal behavior.)
2. Choose a Character Archetype
A. Scroll through the link below. When you think you have found the archetype that the character you tracked in the film seems modeled after, read the light and shadow aspects. In the archetype box on your character chart for WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE, explain your choice for this character and how they embody the light and shadow aspects. Use the terminology from the site and prove it with examples from the film.
B. You, as a person, are not fully one type of archetype or another, but you probably do see descriptions in these that fit your personality and life experiences thus far. Attempt to define your archetypal personality by combining any that apply. On your study guide sheet, write a short paragraph in the "your archetype" box, explaining your choices.
B. You, as a person, are not fully one type of archetype or another, but you probably do see descriptions in these that fit your personality and life experiences thus far. Attempt to define your archetypal personality by combining any that apply. On your study guide sheet, write a short paragraph in the "your archetype" box, explaining your choices.
3. Choose a Symbol Archetype
Lots of objects, elements, and settings are archetypal as well. For instance CAVES are considered the place people go to look deep within themselves and come out changed persons. The WOODS are archetypically dangerous places, according to fairytales, witches live there and children go missing in the woods. Do you know the phrase, "we're not out of the woods yet?"
A. In your notebook, label this section SYMBOLISM. Then, preview these easy steps for analyzing and interpreting symbolism. Write the steps in your notebook.
B. Now, you're ready to study the archetypal meanings of different symbols and motifs in the film. Study whatever is appropriate below, and interpret the symbol/motif in your study packet. In the archetype box of the "symbols and motifs" page, explain the various meanings of the symbol and how that shows up in the film. Use examples from the film.
GENERAL
Symbols and Motifs in Film Scroll this site for lots of great info for interpreting what you see on screen.
Dictionary of Symbolism Look for your symbol/motif by clicking letters of the alphabet
Archetypes and Symbols This is a 5-page, thorough list of various archetypes and symbols. scan through for more information.
SPECIFIC
Symbolism of Doors and Windows 1
Symbolism of Doors and Windows 2
Crossroads
Roads, and Roads, Paths, and Trails (scroll down to #7)
Meaning of Food Choices
Food as Symbol
Food in Literature
Being Good by Doing Good
How To Be Good
Various Meanings of Sunrises and Sunsets
Sunrises and Sunsets
Tree of Life
Basement at the Dream Dictionary
Dream Symbolism of Basements
A. In your notebook, label this section SYMBOLISM. Then, preview these easy steps for analyzing and interpreting symbolism. Write the steps in your notebook.
B. Now, you're ready to study the archetypal meanings of different symbols and motifs in the film. Study whatever is appropriate below, and interpret the symbol/motif in your study packet. In the archetype box of the "symbols and motifs" page, explain the various meanings of the symbol and how that shows up in the film. Use examples from the film.
GENERAL
Symbols and Motifs in Film Scroll this site for lots of great info for interpreting what you see on screen.
Dictionary of Symbolism Look for your symbol/motif by clicking letters of the alphabet
Archetypes and Symbols This is a 5-page, thorough list of various archetypes and symbols. scan through for more information.
SPECIFIC
Symbolism of Doors and Windows 1
Symbolism of Doors and Windows 2
Crossroads
Roads, and Roads, Paths, and Trails (scroll down to #7)
Meaning of Food Choices
Food as Symbol
Food in Literature
Being Good by Doing Good
How To Be Good
Various Meanings of Sunrises and Sunsets
Sunrises and Sunsets
Tree of Life
Basement at the Dream Dictionary
Dream Symbolism of Basements
JUST FOR FUN!
Try these trivia links and see how well you remember the film and what you know about the actors.
Gilbert Grape Movie Trivia
25-23 "I killed it, Gilbert. I killed it!" (The quiz, that is.)
22-20 You win a customized Airstream and a one-way
ticket out of Endora.
19-17 I'm having a birthday party, and you're not invited.
16-14 You're not going anywhere.
13 or fewer correct? Grasshopper.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape fill in the blank
Name the Johnny Depp Movie by his Character Picture
Name the Johnny Depp Movie from the "Johnny-less" scenes
Missing Word from Leonardo DiCaprio Movies
Gilbert Grape Movie Trivia
25-23 "I killed it, Gilbert. I killed it!" (The quiz, that is.)
22-20 You win a customized Airstream and a one-way
ticket out of Endora.
19-17 I'm having a birthday party, and you're not invited.
16-14 You're not going anywhere.
13 or fewer correct? Grasshopper.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape fill in the blank
Name the Johnny Depp Movie by his Character Picture
Name the Johnny Depp Movie from the "Johnny-less" scenes
Missing Word from Leonardo DiCaprio Movies