Archetypal theory. What is it? Before I discuss the great archetypes presented throughout the novel, I want readers to grab a good understanding of the meaning. Archetypal theory is when you read material from an archetypal lens. The theory allows readers to decide the function of a specific thing in the writing piece, such as, symbols, characters, etc., who represent different and familiar archetypes. Psychological myths and culture create meaning in a narrative. ![]() The first archetype I found while reading the novel was a hero and caregiver. Hans Hubermann achieved these archetypes because his character’s actions and words revealed great examples. Throughout the book, Hubermann portrayed an amazing caregiver towards the foster child. At night, she would dream about her brother who passed away on the train ride over to the Hubermann house. Hans would go to her room and comfort her when she was upset and scared. Death, the narrator, described, "Possibly the only good to come out of these nightmares was that it brought Hans Hubermann, her new papa, into the room, to soothe her, to love her...He came in every night and sat with her...he held her. Trust was accumulated quickly.” (Zusak 27). He became a loving and protective father to Liesel; he truly loved and took care of the little girl as if it was his own daughter. Another archetype Hans portrayed was the Hero because he was brave and showed that he was courageous in many scenarios. For example, he allowed Max to stay at his house, even though he knew if the Nazi found out, they would be killed. Also, Hubermann went into the crowd where the Jews were and gave an old man bread. He felt a sense of sorrow for them and saw them suffering. Down below is a scene were Max was able to sleep in a comfortable bed and feel a little bit more safer at the Hubermann's house. Liesel’s foster dad was an example of two major archetypes, but another archetype shown throughout the book was the villain. I believe there were many villains, such as, Hilter and his Nazi party. The villains in the story adored all the power they had and loved feeding on the fear people had towards them. They treated others horribly, especially Jewish people and walked down the streets like bullies. For example, one of the characters in the story, Rudy, had a leader at the Hitler Youth. He was extremely rude to Rudy and lovered being in control of the kids. “When Rudy stood up, it served only to infuriate Deutscher even more. He brought him to the ground for a second time, following him down with a knee to the rib cage...Within a few seconds, the knife was applied to his hair.” (Zusak 204-205). They were cruel to the Jewish community, treating them as if they were not human. They would not feed them and make them march through the streets. The Jews were tired, hungry and very weak to the point where they would fall down. When Hans saw the old man fall to his knees multiple times, he offered him bread. The Nazi party did not accept that, "a soldier was soon at the scene of the crime...After another moment’s thought, he took the whip from his belt and began. The Jew was whipped six times...Then it was Papa’s turn.” (Zusak 266). That is the difference between a hero and villain in a novel. One is able to be brave and break laws while the others follow and do not question the authority figure. Work Cited Burt, Jeremiah. What Traits Would an Archetypal Character Have? 10 Jan. 2019, penandthepad.com/traits-would-archetypal-character-have-4946.html.
Sign In, dpcdsb.elearningontario.ca/d2l/le/content/16341648/fullscreen/125063739/View?d2lSessionVal=6ftcqQ4cZdASXmRM8jtcxguys. Zusak, Marcus. " The Book Thief." Westernhs, westernhs.bcps.org/UsersFiles/Server_4204286/Image/Grade9GT-- TheBookThiefMarcusZusak.pdf.
2 Comments
Sankavy Theivikaran
7/25/2020 07:45:17 am
I agree with the archetype theory you have found. I really like the way you stated the different archetypes followed by an example. I also like how you incorporated different websites in your blog so if the reader does not know what a word means, they can just click it to find the definition. (For example, Archetpal thory)
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Tara Johannink
7/27/2020 08:35:15 pm
You described how the hero and the viliain played a role in the novel really well, I also loved the quotes you chose to support your answers, good job!
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