Archetypes

While we are working on archetypes and reading Gilgamesh, make sure you are working on your narrative poem. I will attempt to get your draft narratives to you by Friday.

Archetypes are a common form of literary analysis. The are offspring of the work done by Carl Jung - literary types noticed that as with dreams literature had patterns that were re-occurring. Archetypes are universal and primordial - they result from what Jung called the collective unconscious. Make sure you know the two categories, character and symbol/situation, and the five archetypes in each category. There will be a quiz on Thursday. The two brief articles we read today will also be on the quiz. Remember that Gilgamesh was eventually written in cuneiform after developing in an oral tradition for a 1000 years. The epic is the first recorded epic and its conventions were followed by successors. In an epic the hero is the center of the story. Epics are about a person/people not a culture or kingdom. Epics are also designed to be entertaining - with all the violence and sex that you see in today's movies and TV. Please remember that Gilgamesh was a real king and the dreams he had were interpreted as messages from the gods. Keep in mind that we are dealing with a polytheistic culture.

For an extra two points toward a quiz - define poly and monotheism in the comments section. This is only good until tomorrow's class. No credit unless if you use your real name - use the one you gave me.

Our featured artist was Peter Bruegel and his painting "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus."