Psychology and Archetypes

The Psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud

 Some of the worlds most respected writers have supplied psychologists with such accurate case histories of mental functioning in their literature that their works have been cited as significant in understanding humans. Sigmund Freud

 There are three psychic zones. Id Ego Superego

-These zones control certain mental functions out of which comes human motivation

ID: Pleasure Principle

Impulse towards satisfaction No logic No values Source of aggressions and desires Theologically similar to the devil

EGO: Reality Principle

Rational Regulates ids drives Mediating agency of psyche

SUPEREGO: Morality Principle

Morality principle Censors or represses the id Source of conscious and pride

THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND IS PREEMINENT (greatest influence)

Archetypes
Colors and Objects

Collective Unconscious
A genetically inherited level of the mind containing what Jung called the vast historical storehouse of the human race.

Collective unconscious contains symbols, ideas, themes, and conscious quests for the meanings of lifes mysteries. Therefore, it stores the material of the worlds myths, legends, religions, art and literature.

Archetype
An archetype is a pattern repeated through the ages in folk and literary expressions. Characters, plots, themes, and symbols or images may be archetypes.

Archetypal SYMBOLS and IMAGES

Symbol: A concrete object used to represent abstract ideas Image: A visual detail sustained or developed throughout a work

 An image has symbolic significance It has these functions: Reinforces character Enhances theme Foreshadows plot developments

Colors
Symbolize moods or emotions Most ancient and universal of symbols Positive and negative qualities/ connotations

BLACK (Darkness)
Negative connotations: Unconscious, underworld, death/mourning, emotional darkness, chaos, unknown, hidden desires/instincts Positive connotations:
First step in transformation process old is destroyed in order for new creation of the self to occur Knowledge

GREEN
Negative: Decay, jealousy, and envy

Positive: Mother nature, fertility, hope, renewal, health, youth, harmony Spiritual passion

BLUE
Negative (usually dark blue): Depression

Positive (usually light blue): Heaven, color of the spirit, the divine, institution, inspiration

RED
Negative: Anger, lust, embarrassment, war

Positive: Life force, passion, sacrifice, courage, will power

WHITE
Negative: Shallow, empty

Positive: Symbolic death, renewal Purity, redemption, peace, innocence, joy

YELLOW
Negative: Cowardly Greedy Positive:
Warmth, happiness

Orange
Negative: Pride, cruelty

Positive: Burning away impurities Creative expression

Purple
Negative: Severe pain/injury

Positive: Royalty, wisdom, truth

Forest/ Woods
The mysterious, primitive instinct The child must enter the forest of the unconscious, inner self to overcome an impossible task for individuation to take place Here there is no mother or father to protect the child. She/he must face the trial alone and grow.

Archetypal Characters

The Hero
Strong, intelligent, good, brave, savior or deliverer.

The Companion
Befriends and helps the hero May be an unusual figure

The Demonic Adversary

A villain, represents the forces of evil, chaos and darkness Almost as strong as the hero May take monstrous form