Archetypal Criticism - Northrop Frye

In literary criticism the term archetype denotes recurrent narratives designs, patterns of action, character-types, themes, and images which are identifiable in a wide variety of works of literature, as well as in myths, dreams, and even social rituals. The Canadian literary critic Northrop Frye theorized archetypal criticism in purely literary terms. The major work of Frye’s to deal with archetypes is Anatomy of Criticism but his essay The Archetypes of Literature is a precursor to the book. Frye’s thesis in “The Archetypes of Literature” remains largely unchanged in Anatomy of Criticism.Here I am sharing my views about archetypal criticism. These questions were a part of our blog task.

What is Archetypal Criticism? What does the archetypal critic do?

There are different meanings of Archetypal Criticism.

Dictionary - an image or symbol that is used repeatedly in art or literature.

The Archetypal criticism means identifying patterns of action, character-types, and themes in literature as well as in myths, dreams and social rituals. According to Carl Jung it is “Collective Unconscious”.

The Archetypal critic observes the symbols, myths, pattern of action and applies it to any particular literature.

What is Frye trying prove by giving an analogy of ' Physics to Nature' and 'Criticism to Literature'?

Northrop Frye compares “Physics to Nature” and “Criticism to Literature”. Physics is a systematic study of nature, but a student of Physics will say that he/she is learning Physics not nature. Similarly, Criticism is a systematic study of literature. We cannot learn literature but criticism of literature can be learnt.

Share your views of Criticism as an organised body of knowledge. Mention relation of literature with history and philosophy.

History deals with the events of past and the actions, while Philosophy deals with idea and shows the way to wisdom. Using History and Philosophy both, the writer creates literature. Thus, literature is connected with History and Philosophy.

Briefly explain inductive method with illustration of Shakespeare's Hamlet's Grave Digger's scene.

Inductive method – Example to Rule

Northrop Frye gives example of Gravedigger’s scene from “Hamlet” to explain this method. To study this scene we need to go step by step backwards to study this method:

a.)       First, the question of existence can be seen. Every man dies at one point.

b.)       Second, image of corruption can be seen.

c.)       Third, we see Hamlet’s love for Ophelia.

Hamlet represents Archetypal hero who is ready to die for his love.

This method moves from “Particular to General”.

Briefly explain deductive method with reference to an analogy to Music, Painting, rhythm and pattern. Give examples of the outcome of deductive method.

Deductive method – Rule to Example

Music has rhythm and Painting have pattern. We might not understand music at once and we might understand painting at first look. Literature is a bridge between music and painting. Words in literature bring the rhythm of music and pictorial image all together. This method moves from “General to Particular”.

Refer to the Indian seasonal grid (below). If you can, please read small Gujarati or Hindi or English poem from the archetypal approach and apply Indian seasonal grid in the interpretation.

 રુમઝુમ આવ્યા વર્ષારાણી;

    ખોબે ખોબા લાવ્યા પાણી.

        નદીઓ નાળા છાલકાયા;

    ખેતર, જંગલ મલકાયા.

       ચારે કોર પાણી પાણી;

    રુમઝુમ આવ્યા વર્ષારાણી.

   લીલી લીલી ધરતી ખીલી;

    ફોરે ફૂલો ફોરાં ખીલી.

   કરતા પ્રભુ જળની લ્હાણી;

   રુમઝુમ આવ્યા વર્ષારાણી.

   પંખી પ્રાણી રાજી રાજી;

   વરસે વાદળ ગાજી ગાજી.

   બાળો મોજ રહ્યા છે માણી;

    રુમઝુમ આવ્યા વર્ષારાણી.

                                         - Jayshree

As per Indian seasonal grid we have six seasons. They are: -

1.) Vasant Ritu or Spring

2.) Grishma Ritu or Summer

3.) Varsha Ritu or Monsoon

4.) Sharad Ritu or Autumn

5.) Hemant Ritu or Pre-winter

6.) Shishir / Shita Ritu or Winter

The above poem describes Monsoon season. Water is an Archetype Symbol of life, cleansing, rebirth and fertility. This poem reflects the happiness of people to see the rain. Thus, all the seasons and their symbols can be seen in literature.

Thank You...

Reference:-

·        http://dilipbarad.blogspot.in/2014/12/northrop-frye-archetypes-of-literature.html