ARCHETYPAL CRITICISM
Archetypal Criticism by Nirthrop Frye.
Hear portrait the autumn is over and coming of spring there is atmosphere is very nice it is instrument of Indian seasonal grid season...
I am maya batiya;
A student of M.A. sem-2 department of English, M.K.B.U.
This blog is based on Thinking activity of ThAct: Northrop Frye.
_ Assigned by Dilip Barad sir..
1. What is Archetypal Criticism? What does the archetypal critic do?
Ans :
∆ What is Archetypal Criticism?
Archetypal criticism is a literary theory that examines recurring symbols, themes, and character types, known as archetypes, across different cultures and time periods. It explores universal patterns and symbols in literature to understand their deeper, shared meanings and their impact on human experiences. This approach often draws on psychology and mythology to analyze the archetypal elements present in literary works.
Archetypal theory and criticism, although often used synonymously with Myth theory and crticism, has a distinct history and process. The term “archetype” can be traced to Plato (arche, “original”; typos, “form”), but the concept gained currency in twentieth-century literary theory and criticism through the work of the Swiss founder of analytical psychology, C. G. Jung (1875-1961). Jung’s Psychology of the Unconscious (1916, B. M. Hinkle’s translation of the 1911-12 Wandlungen und Symbole der Libido) appeared in English one year after publication of the concluding volume with bibliography of the third edition of J. G. Frazer’s The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion (2 vols., 1890,3d ed., 12 vols., 1911-15). Frazer’s and Jung’s texts formed the basis of two allied but ultimately different courses of influence on literary history.
∆What does the archetypal critic do?
An archetypal critic analyzes literature by identifying and interpreting recurring symbols, themes, and character types known as archetypes. They seek to understand the universal patterns and symbols present in a work, exploring how these archetypes connect to broader cultural, psychological, or mythological concepts. The archetypal critic aims to reveal the underlying meanings and shared human experiences conveyed through these symbolic elements in literature.
Archetypal criticism argues that archetypes determine the form and function of literary works, that a text's meaning is shaped by cultural and psychological myths. Archetypes are the unknowable basic forms personified or concretized in recurring images, symbols, or patterns which may include motifs such as the quest or the heavenly ascent, recognizable character types such as the trickster or the hero, symbols such as the apple or snake, or images such as crucifixion (as in King Kong, or Bride of Frankenstein)--all laden with meaning already when employed in a particular work.
Archetypal criticism gets its impetus from psychologist Carl Jung, who postulated that humankind has a "collective unconscious," a kind of universal psyche, which is manifested in dreams and myths and which harbors themes and images that we all inherit. Literature, therefore, imitates not the world but rather the "total dream of humankind." Jung called mythology "the textbook of the archetypes"
Archetypal critics find New Criticism too atomistic in ignoring intertextual elements and in approaching the text as if it existed in a vacuum. After all, we recognize story patterns and symbolic associations at least from other texts we have read, if not innately; we know how to form assumptions and expectations from encounters with black hats, springtime settings, evil stepmothers, and so forth. So surely meaning cannot exist solely on the page of a work, nor can that work be treated as an independent entity.
Archetypal images and story patterns encourage readers (and viewers of films and advertisements) to participate ritualistically in basic beliefs, fears, and anxieties of their age. These archetypal features not only constitute the intelligibility of the text but also tap into a level of desires and anxieties of humankind.
[Whereas Freudian, Lacanian, and other schools of psychological criticism operate within a linguistic paradigm regarding the unconscious, the Jungian approach to myth emphasizes the notion of image.
2.What is Frye trying to prove by giving an analogy of 'Physics to Nature' and 'Criticism to Literature'?
Ans:
Northrop Frye, a renowned literary critic, employs the analogy of "Physics to Nature" and "Criticism to Literature" in his work to emphasize a fundamental aspect of literary criticism. The analogy suggests that just as physics seeks to understand the underlying principles governing the natural world, literary criticism aims to unveil the underlying principles governing literature.
By drawing this parallel, Frye is highlighting the systematic and analytical nature of literary criticism. He suggests that, similar to how physics seeks to uncover the laws governing the physical universe, criticism seeks to discern the principles that govern the structure, themes, and symbols within literature. In essence, Frye is asserting that criticism is a discipline that should be approached with a systematic methodology, akin to the scientific study of nature.
This analogy underscores Frye's belief in the importance of a systematic and structured approach to literary analysis, emphasizing that critics should strive to uncover the deep structures and recurring patterns that define and unite various literary works.
In this Frye compare the both Physics to Nature and Criticism to Literature. The Physics is deep study of Nature but it called physics not Nature though it is based on the Nature only but it called physics.In the same manner In the literature we are not learn the literature but we learn to understand literature, how to read and how to criticise literature so we are not Learn literature but criticise literature. So it is the criticism of literature. So Literature is equall to Nature and Physics is equall to Criticism.
3.Share your views of Criticism as an organized body of knowledge. Mention the relation of literature with history and philosophy.
Ans :
Criticism, as an organized body of knowledge, serves as a disciplined approach to understanding and interpreting literature. It involves systematic analysis and evaluation of literary works to uncover their underlying structures, themes, and cultural significance. Here are perspectives on the relationship between criticism, literature, history, and philosophy:
1.Structured Interpretation :
- Criticism organizes knowledge by providing frameworks and methodologies for interpreting literature. It offers tools to analyze narrative structures, character development, and symbolic elements, contributing to a deeper understanding of literary works.
2.Literature and History :
- Literature often reflects and responds to the historical context in which it is produced. Criticism helps bridge the gap between literature and history by exploring how societal changes, events, and ideologies influence literary expression. It allows us to uncover layers of meaning and historical insight within texts.
3.Philosophical Inquiry :
- Criticism engages in philosophical inquiry by delving into the existential, ethical, and metaphysical dimensions of literature. It explores how literary works grapple with fundamental human questions, moral dilemmas, and philosophical themes. Through criticism, literature becomes a medium for philosophical reflection.
4. Cultural Significance:
- Criticism contributes to understanding the cultural significance of literature. By examining the themes and symbols within works, critics can unveil cultural values, norms, and beliefs. This intersection allows literature to serve as a mirror reflecting societal ideals and challenges.
5. Interdisciplinary Connections:
- Criticism establishes connections between literature and other disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary studies. It often draws on historical and philosophical insights to enrich literary analysis. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the depth and breadth of our understanding of both literature and the broader intellectual landscape.
In summary, criticism acts as an organized body of knowledge that provides structured tools for interpreting literature. It establishes meaningful connections between literature, history, and philosophy, offering insights into cultural contexts and philosophical inquiries. Through this organized approach, criticism enhances our appreciation of literature as a dynamic and reflective expression of human experience.
4.Briefly explain the inductive method with an illustration of Shakespeare's Hamlet's Grave Digger's scene.
Ans:
The inductive method involves drawing general conclusions from specific examples or observations. In literary analysis, this approach entails examining specific details within a text to arrive at broader thematic or interpretative insights. Let's apply the inductive method to Shakespeare's "Hamlet," specifically focusing on the Grave Digger's scene.
Illustration: Hamlet's Grave Digger Scene (Act V, Scene I)
1. Specific Observation:
- Begin with a specific detail or scene, such as Hamlet's encounter with the Grave Digger. Focus on the details of the dialogue, actions, and symbolism within this scene.
2. Identifying Patterns:
- Look for recurring themes, motifs, or character traits that emerge in this particular scene. Analyze how these elements contribute to the overall meaning and atmosphere of the play.
3. Generalization:
- Based on the specific observations and identified patterns, draw broader conclusions about the themes or messages conveyed in "Hamlet" as a whole. Consider how the Grave Digger scene fits into the broader context of the play's exploration of mortality, existential questions, or Hamlet's internal struggles.
4. Thematic Insights:
- Through the inductive process, you might find that the Grave Digger scene serves as a microcosm reflecting larger themes in "Hamlet," such as the inevitability of death, the complexity of human nature, or Hamlet's contemplation of mortality.
5. Contextual Application:
- Extend your generalizations to other parts of the play, exploring how the themes identified in the Grave Digger scene resonate throughout the narrative. Consider their impact on character development, plot dynamics, and overall meaning.
By applying the inductive method to the Grave Digger scene, you can uncover deeper insights into the thematic richness of "Hamlet" and appreciate how specific details contribute to the broader tapestry of the play's meaning.
5.Briefly explain the deductive method with reference to an analogy to Music, Painting, rhythm, and pattern. Give examples of the outcomes of the deductive method.
Ans:
The deductive method involves deriving specific conclusions from general principles or premises. In literary analysis, this approach starts with overarching theories, themes, or concepts and then applies them to specific details within a text. To illustrate this using an analogy to Music, Painting, rhythm, and pattern, let's consider the deductive method in the context of analyzing recurring motifs in a novel.
Analogy: Deductive Method in Literature and Analogy to Music, Painting, Rhythm, and Pattern
1. General Premise (Music):
- Start with a general principle, like the idea that a musical composition often follows a specific structure or rhythm.
2. Application to Literature:
- Apply this general premise to literature, considering how the narrative structure, pacing, or recurring motifs in a novel might resemble the rhythmic patterns in music.
3. Identification of Literary Patterns:
- Identify specific examples within the literary work that conform to the general premise. Look for recurring themes, narrative structures, or symbolic patterns.
4. Deductive Reasoning:
- Use deductive reasoning to draw conclusions about the overall meaning or intention behind these identified patterns. For instance, if certain motifs repeat consistently, consider how they contribute to the novel's thematic depth or the author's intended message.
5. Outcome Examples:
- Symbolic Motifs: Deductively analyzing symbolic motifs in a novel, like the recurring use of a specific color or object, can lead to insights about underlying themes or character development.
- Narrative Structure: Applying the deductive method to narrative structure may reveal how the author's intentional use of flashbacks or non-linear storytelling contributes to the overall impact of the work.
- Character Relationships:Deductively examining patterns in character interactions can provide insights into the novel's exploration of human relationships, dynamics, and underlying themes.
By employing the deductive method in literary analysis, scholars and critics can build a theoretical framework based on general principles and then use it to interpret specific elements within a text, enhancing our understanding of the work's deeper meanings.
6.Refer to the Indian seasonal grid (in the blog). If you can, please read a small Gujarati, Hindi, or English poem from the archetypal approach and apply the Indian seasonal grid to the interpretation
Ans:
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
In this poem, we find seasonal symbols..As we know, according to Archetypal Criticism, different seasons have different meaning..
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