Archetypal Criticism

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 This blog in  response to thinking task assigned by Dilip Barad Sir. Click here

In this blog, we'll look at archetypal criticism and its importance in understanding literature. We'll talk about the role of the archetypal critic, using Frye's comparison of 'Physics to Nature' and 'Criticism to Literature.' We'll also explore how criticism, literature, history, and philosophy connect. Then, we'll discuss two methods of analysis: inductive and deductive. Lastly, we'll apply the Indian seasonal grid to interpret a poem from an archetypal viewpoint. Let's get started on this journey through literature!

Introduction:

Northrop Frye, a well-known literary critic, developed archetypal criticism as a method of analysing literature via the examination of repeating symbols, characters, and motifs. He felt that literature is linked by universal patterns known as archetypes, which represent basic human experiences and emotions. Understanding the underlying meanings of literature, as well as its cultural and psychological relevance, is central to Frye's approach. By recognising archetypes, critics can discover the underlying structures and motifs that run through various works and time eras.

Question - Answer:

Question.1

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

Answer:

• What is Archetypal Criticism?

Archetypal criticism is a type of literary analysis that focuses on the recurring symbols, characters, and themes found in literature.

In simple words we can say that 'Archetypal Criticism' is like finding special patterns and symbols in stories that keep appearing again and again. These patterns and symbols help us understand the deeper meaning of the story. 

Example:

 Think about a story with a brave hero who saves the day. This hero is like a superhero who always fights for what's right. We see this hero in many different stories, like Superman, Spider-Man, or even a knight in shining armor. They all have similar qualities, and we can call them the "hero" archetype. 

So we can say 'Archetypal Criticism' is about looking for these special patterns and symbols in stories to understand their deeper meaning. It's like finding hidden treasures in the stories we love.

•™What does the archetypal critic do?

 The archetypal critic looks for universal patterns and symbols that are deeply embedded in our collective unconscious. They explore how these archetypes, such as the hero, the mentor, or the journey, shape the meaning and impact of a literary work. It's like uncovering the hidden meanings and connections that make stories so powerful and relatable! 

In archetypal criticism, the critic examines the presence of archetypes, which are recurring symbols, characters, or themes that have a universal and timeless quality. These archetypes are deeply rooted in our shared human experiences and are found across different cultures and time periods. The archetypal critic believes that these symbols and patterns hold a deeper meaning and can evoke powerful emotions and associations in readers.

The archetypal critic's role is to identify and analyze these archetypes in literature. They look for common patterns and symbols that appear in different works, exploring how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the text. By recognizing and understanding these archetypes, the critic can shed light on the deeper layers of a literary work and its universal themes.

Example:

The archetypal critic might analyze the presence of the hero archetype in a novel. They would examine the characteristics and journey of the protagonist, looking for similarities to other hero figures in literature. By doing so, they can uncover the underlying themes of heroism, self-discovery, and overcoming challenges that resonate with readers on a profound level.

The archetypal critic also considers the cultural and historical context in which the work was created. They explore how archetypes may be influenced by societal beliefs, values, and myths. This helps to deepen the understanding of how archetypes function within specific literary works and their broader significance.

So we can say that 'Archetypal criticism' provides a lens through which we can explore the universal and timeless aspects of literature. It helps us understand the deep-rooted symbols and themes that continue to captivate and resonate with readers across different cultures and time periods. 

Question.2

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

Answer:

When Northrop Frye compared physics to nature and criticism to literature, he was trying to show the relationship between the two. He believed that just as physics helps us understand the laws and principles that govern the natural world, criticism helps us understand the underlying structure and meaning in literature.

Physics is a branch of science that studies the physical world around us. It helps us understand how things work, like gravity, electricity, and motion. By studying physics, we can uncover the fundamental laws that govern the natural world. Similarly, criticism is a way of studying and analyzing literature to uncover its deeper meanings and patterns.

 Northrop Frye was comparing two things to help us understand them better. He said that physics is like studying nature, and criticism is like studying literature. 

As in school how we learn about nature by studying things like plants, animals, and how they work? Physics helps us understand the laws and rules that make nature work, like gravity and motion. It's like figuring out how things in nature move and behave.

Similarly, criticism is like studying stories and books. It helps us understand the deeper meanings and patterns in literature. It's like finding hidden treasures in stories, like the themes and messages that authors want to share with us.

Frye saw literature as a reflection of the human experience and believed that it contained hidden structures and symbols. Just as physics helps us understand the underlying principles of nature, criticism helps us understand the underlying principles of literature. It allows us to delve beyond the surface level of a story and explore its themes, symbols, and archetypes.

By using the analogy of physics to nature and criticism to literature, Frye was emphasizing the importance of criticism in understanding and appreciating literature. He believed that criticism provides us with a lens through which we can view and interpret literary works. It helps us make sense of the complex web of symbols, themes, and motifs that authors use to convey their ideas.

So we can say that Frye was suggesting that criticism is a tool that enables us to unlock the richness and depth of literature. It allows us to see beyond the words on the page and grasp the underlying structures and meanings that authors have woven into their works. Just as physics deepens our understanding of the natural world, criticism deepens our understanding of literature.

So, in nutshell, just as physics helps us understand nature, criticism helps us understand literature. It's all about exploring and discovering the amazing things in the world around us, whether it's in nature or in stories.

Question.3:

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

Answer:

Criticism as an organized body of knowledge is  like having a big toolbox full of tools that help us understand and appreciate literature even more. 

Now, when it comes to literature, it has a close relationship with history and philosophy. History helps us understand the time period and context in which a piece of literature was written. It gives us insights into the social, cultural, and political factors that influenced the author and their work.

On the other hand, philosophy helps us explore the deeper questions and ideas that literature often tackles. It delves into concepts like the meaning of life, morality, and human nature. Literature can be a powerful way to express and explore these philosophical ideas.

So, we can think of literature, history, and philosophy as three best friends who work together to help us understand and appreciate stories in different ways. It's like a big puzzle where each piece contributes to the bigger picture.

Question.4 :

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

Answer:

Defination of Inductive method:

" The inductive method is a way of figuring out general conclusions based on specific examples. It's like looking at a few pieces of a puzzle and using them to understand the whole picture. So, instead of starting with a big idea and finding examples to support it, we start with specific examples and draw a general conclusion from them. It's like connecting the dots to see the bigger picture."

So, the inductive method is a way of reasoning where we start with specific examples and then draw a general conclusion based on those examples. It's like putting puzzle pieces together to see the bigger picture.

In the Grave Digger's scene in Hamlet, we see the Grave Digger digging a grave and Hamlet talking to him. Now, by looking at this specific scene, we can make some general conclusions about the themes and ideas in the play.

We might notice that the Grave Digger's job represents the inevitability of death and the passing of time. This could lead us to think about the play's exploration of mortality and the fleeting nature of life.

By using the inductive method, we take this specific scene and use it as a starting point to understand broader themes in the play. It's like zooming out from a small detail to get a bigger understanding.

Question.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.

Answer:

Defination of Deductive method:

The deductive method is like solving a puzzle by using logical reasoning. It starts with a general rule or principle and applies it to specific situations to draw specific conclusions.

Music:

Let's use an analogy to music to understand the deductive method. Imagine we have a rule that says "music has melody." Now, if we apply this rule deductively, we can conclude that if we listen to a piece of music, we can expect to hear a melody.

For example, if we listen to a song and hear a catchy tune or a sequence of notes that repeats, we can deduce that it has a melody.

The deductive method helps us make specific conclusions based on the general principles or rules we already know. It's like connecting the dots to uncover the hidden patterns and understand things more deeply.

So, by using the deductive method, we can confidently say that music will have a melody because that's a general characteristic of music.

Painting:

 So, let's say our general rule is that "paintings have colors."

Now, if we apply this rule deductively, we can make specific conclusions based on it. For example, if we look at a painting and see various hues and shades, we can deduce that it has colors. It's like connecting the dots and recognizing that colors are an essential part of a painting.

Using the deductive method, we can confidently say that paintings will have colors because that's a general characteristic of paintings. It helps us uncover the details and understand the artwork more deeply.

So, the outcome of the deductive method in this case is the understanding that paintings will always involve the use of colors to create vibrant and expressive visuals.

Rhythm:

Let's dive into the deductive method using an analogy to music and rhythm. 🎶

So, let's say our general rule is that "music has rhythm."

Now, if we apply this rule deductively, we can make specific conclusions based on it. For example, if we listen to a song and hear a steady beat, we can deduce that it has rhythm. Similarly, if we tap our foot to a tune and feel a consistent pattern, we can deduce that it has rhythm.

So, using the deductive method, we can confidently say that a song will have rhythm because that's a general characteristic of music. It helps us uncover the hidden details and understand the music more deeply.

Patterns: 

So, let's say our general rule is that "patterns repeat."

Now, if we apply this rule deductively, we can make specific conclusions based on it. For example, if we look at a fabric with a repeating design, we can deduce that it follows a pattern. Similarly, if we observe a sequence of numbers where each number follows a specific rule, we can deduce that it follows a pattern.

Using the deductive method, we can confidently say that patterns will have repetition because that's a general characteristic of patterns. It helps us recognize the structure and predict what comes next.

So, the outcome of the deductive method in this case is the understanding that patterns involve repetition and can be used to create visually appealing designs or predict future elements in a sequence.

Question.5:

Refer to the Indian seasonal grid  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.

Answer: 

The Indian seasonal grid, also known as the Ritu Chakra, is a traditional concept in Indian culture that categorizes the year into six seasons based on the changing patterns of nature. Each season is associated with specific qualities, emotions, and activities.

The six seasons in the Indian seasonal grid are:

1. Vasant (spring): This season represents new beginnings, growth, and rejuvenation. It is associated with blooming flowers, pleasant weather, and the celebration of festivals like Holi.

2. Grishma (summer): Grishma is characterized by hot weather, longer days, and vibrant colors. It is associated with energy, intensity, and the ripening of fruits.

3. Varsha (monsoon): Varsha is the rainy season, marked by rainfall and lush greenery. It is associated with romance, rejuvenation, and the scent of wet earth.

4. Sharad (autumn): Sharad is the season of harvest, cooler temperatures, and clear skies. It is associated with abundance, gratitude, and the celebration of festivals like Navratri and Diwali.

5. Hemant (pre-winter): Hemant represents the transition between autumn and winter. It is associated with mild temperatures, fading colors, and a sense of calmness.

6. Shishir (winter): Shishir is the coldest season, characterized by chilly weather, fog, and shorter days. It is associated with coziness, introspection, and the celebration of festivals like Makar Sankranti.

The Indian seasonal grid provides a framework for understanding the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness between humans and nature. It can be used to interpret poems, literature, and art by exploring how the themes, emotions, and imagery align with the qualities of each season.

Poem: Madhushala" (The Tavern) by Harivansh Rai Bachchan Click here for Poem

 So let's see a Hindi poem "Madhushala" (The Tavern) by Harivansh Rai Bachchan, interpreted through an archetypal approach and applied to the Indian seasonal grid:

Interpretation through Archetypal Approach:

"Madhushala" is a metaphorical journey through life, depicted as a tavern where the poet invites the reader to partake in the joys and sorrows of existence. The tavern represents the world, and the wine symbolizes the experiences and emotions that one encounters on this journey. The various verses explore themes of love, life, death, and spirituality, resonating with universal human experiences.

Application of Indian Seasonal Grid:

The Indian seasonal grid divides the year into six seasons: Vasant (Spring), Grishma (Summer), Varsha (Monsoon), Sharad (Autumn), Hemant (Pre-winter), and Shishir (Winter). Each season corresponds to different emotional and thematic elements:

- Vasant (Spring): Symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and rejuvenation. In "Madhushala," Vasant can represent the stage of youthful enthusiasm and optimism, where the poet embraces life's pleasures and possibilities.

  

Grishma (Summer): Represents intensity, passion, and heat. In the poem, Grishma may signify the stage of life where desires are at their peak, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures consumes the individual.

  

- Varsha (Monsoon):

Signifies emotions, longing, and nostalgia. Varsha in "Madhushala" may reflect the poet's introspective phase, where he reflects on past experiences and contemplates the transient nature of life.

  

Sharad (Autumn): Represents maturity, reflection, and harvest. In the poem, Sharad could symbolize the stage where the poet gains wisdom from life's experiences and finds solace in reflection and acceptance.

  

- Hemant (Pre-winter): Symbolizes transition, preparation, and introspection. Hemant in "Madhushala" may depict the poet's contemplation of mortality and the ephemeral nature of existence.

  

-Shishir (Winter):  Signifies introspection, solitude, and closure. In the poem, Shishir can represent the stage where the poet embraces the inevitability of death and finds peace in spiritual transcendence.

By applying the Indian seasonal grid to "Madhushala," readers can explore how the poem's themes and emotions resonate with the cyclical rhythms of nature and human life.

Another example:

A short Hindi poem titled "बरसात" (Baraat), which we can analyze from an archetypal perspective and apply the Indian seasonal grid:

बूँदों की बारात लाई,

मिट्टी की खुशबू लाई।

पृथ्वी को सजा के रखा,

फिर से जीवन भर दिया।

बादलों की छाओं में,

सपनों की बारात लाई।

हरियाली को आगे बढ़ाया,

नया आशा का संदेश दिया।

Indian Seasonal Grid:

- Vasant (Spring)

- Grishma (Summer)

- Varsha (Monsoon)

- Sharad (Autumn)

- Hemant (Pre-winter)

- Shishir (Winter)

Interpretation:

The poem "बरसात" captures the essence of the monsoon season, which corresponds to the Indian season of Varsha. It portrays the arrival of raindrops as a joyous procession (बारात) bringing the scent of earth and renewing life. The imagery of clouds and dreams symbolizes hope and rejuvenation. The lush greenery reflects the abundance and vitality associated with the monsoon. Overall, the poem celebrates the cyclical nature of seasons and the promise of new beginnings that the monsoon brings, resonating with the archetypal themes of renewal and transformation.