Select option 1 OR option 2.
Option 1 identifies a plot archetype from the novel you are reading. Analyze HOW the novel fits that plot archetype with direct quotes and explanation. Avoid summarizing the plot!
OR
Option 2 identifies a character archetype from the novel you are reading. Analyze HOW the character of your choice embodies that archetype with direct quotes and explanation. Avoid summarizing the character!
Paragraph 1 example:
The Metamorphosis Plot archetype is magical. It is not based on reality. In this archetype, the protagonist must change from one physical form to another. The movie, Shrek, is an excellent example of the Metamorphosis Plot archetype. The setting and characters are not realistic. The story takes place in a colorful land populated by fairy tale characters, including Donkey and the Gingerbread Man, who can both speak English. It can be argued that there are two main protagonists. One is Shrek: a green, less-than-fearsome ogre who lives in isolation in his own little swamp. The second is Princess Fiona. It is Fiona who changes physical form in the movie, illustrating the Metamorphosis Plot. While the Metamorphosis Plot is the main archetype in Shrek, there are also elements of the Quest and Love Plots. In the Quest Plot the protagonist searches for someone or something that will significantly change his or her life. Shrek searches for Fiona in order to preserve his life in the swamp, but ends up gaining much more than he imagined. The Love Plot is also evident. The obstacles to Shrek and Fiona’s relationship include the fact that Shrek has promised to bring Fiona to Lord Farquaad, and Shrek’s belief that Fiona could never love him as he is an ogre. They are able to overcome both of these challenges. In addition, there is also the use of the foreshadowing plot device. We see this near the beginning of the film when the magic mirror is telling Lord Farquaad about eligible princesses. When Farquaad selects Fiona, the mirror begins to tell him about something that happens at night, but is cut off by the impatient lord.
Paragraph 2 example:
The Magician archetype is an intelligent, persuasive, and often manipulative character who seeks knowledge. Because he functions at such a high level, he can be prone to vulnerabilities. Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional character, Sherlock Holmes, is a perfect example of the Magician archetype. Sherlock is uniquely talented and has particular, incredible abilities which make him a special detective. In The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Doyle explains how Sherlock can see, smell and feel clues and signs that nobody else can. This gives him an almost supernatural abilities of investigation. Adding to the mystique of the Magician archetype is Sherlock’s high level of intelligence. He engages all his wit and knowledge to actualize his belief that “it is [his] business to know what other people do not know” (Doyle, “Blue Carbuncle”). However, the Magicians are not without weakness, and neither is Sherlock. Sherlock has many personal problems, like his nicotine addiction for instance, which are all caused by the inner anger he suffers from. He almost always gives no explanation about what is going on in his mind and when people around him are confused, he simply gets mad and accuses them of stupidity. Sherlock Holmes is an excellent representative of the Magician Archetype. He is superbly intelligent and almost magically capable and efficient. He has a multitude of admirable qualities and skills, but his addiction and inner demons make Sherlock more human and relatable.
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