Themes, Patterns, and Character Types
from Myths, Traditional Stories, and Religious Works
in A Raisin in the Sun
Goal: Analyze and evaluate how works of literary or cultural significance (American, English, or world) draw on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works, including describing how the material is rendered new.
Example 1: Lindner as a Devil figure
In literature, an archetype is a typical character (in this case) that represents universal aspects of human nature.
Watch the first minute of this video: study.com/academy/lesson/how-fiction-draws-on-character-types-from-other-works.html
Example 1 - The most famous example of an archetype is the Hero. Hero stories have certain elements in common – heroes generally start out in ordinary circumstances, are “called to adventure,” and in the end must confront their darkest fear in a conflict that deeply transforms the hero. Luke Skywalker is a perfect example of a this archetype: he’s born on Tatooine, is called to adventure by R2-D2 and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and must then face Darth Vader in order to become a Jedi.
Example 2 - After the Hero, the most common archetype is probably the Trickster. Tricksters break the ordinary rules of society and even nature. They love to play tricks on those around them. They may also laugh at things others find terrifying, such as death. Tricksters can be evil (like Loki or the Joker), or they can be good (like Bugs Bunny).
Example 3 - Another archetypal character is the Anti-Hero, who has many of the attributes of a Hero but is not a traditional “good guy.” Batman, for example, is an anti-hero: while he fights crime and stops super-villains, he is also a moody recluse with a slightly cruel streak. As heroic as he may be, he is also fearsome and probably wouldn’t be much fun to have around.
Watch the first minute of this video: study.com/academy/lesson/how-fiction-draws-on-character-types-from-other-works.html
Example 1 - The most famous example of an archetype is the Hero. Hero stories have certain elements in common – heroes generally start out in ordinary circumstances, are “called to adventure,” and in the end must confront their darkest fear in a conflict that deeply transforms the hero. Luke Skywalker is a perfect example of a this archetype: he’s born on Tatooine, is called to adventure by R2-D2 and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and must then face Darth Vader in order to become a Jedi.
Example 2 - After the Hero, the most common archetype is probably the Trickster. Tricksters break the ordinary rules of society and even nature. They love to play tricks on those around them. They may also laugh at things others find terrifying, such as death. Tricksters can be evil (like Loki or the Joker), or they can be good (like Bugs Bunny).
Example 3 - Another archetypal character is the Anti-Hero, who has many of the attributes of a Hero but is not a traditional “good guy.” Batman, for example, is an anti-hero: while he fights crime and stops super-villains, he is also a moody recluse with a slightly cruel streak. As heroic as he may be, he is also fearsome and probably wouldn’t be much fun to have around.
Wikipedia says the following about the Devil archetype: "A deal with the devil, compact or pact with the devil is a cultural motif, best exemplified by the legend of Faust and the figure of Mephistopheles, but elemental to many Christian folktales. According to traditional Christian belief about witchcraft, the pact is between a person and Satan or a lesser demon. The person offers his or her soul in exchange for diabolical favours. Those favours vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, fame, and/or power."
Example 1 - Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005): In the metaphorical sense of the term, Anakin Skywalker pledges himself to the teachings of Darth Sidious to save his wife from the visions of death in childbirth he's been having, in that sense damning himself to get what he wants and becoming Darth Vader in return.
Example 2 - In Fast and the Furious 8, Dom (Vin Diesel) is forced to make a deal with an international terrorist and give up everything he loves--his family, friends, and morals--in order to save his former lover and his child.
1. How could Lindner and his deal be considered an example of the Devil archetype? Re-read their interaction on pages 73-78 and answer in constructed response form.
2. How is Lindner, who is modern, different from most Devil figures? Answer in a constructed response.
3. Is Walter an Anti-Hero or a Hero? Explain.
Example 1 - Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005): In the metaphorical sense of the term, Anakin Skywalker pledges himself to the teachings of Darth Sidious to save his wife from the visions of death in childbirth he's been having, in that sense damning himself to get what he wants and becoming Darth Vader in return.
Example 2 - In Fast and the Furious 8, Dom (Vin Diesel) is forced to make a deal with an international terrorist and give up everything he loves--his family, friends, and morals--in order to save his former lover and his child.
1. How could Lindner and his deal be considered an example of the Devil archetype? Re-read their interaction on pages 73-78 and answer in constructed response form.
2. How is Lindner, who is modern, different from most Devil figures? Answer in a constructed response.
3. Is Walter an Anti-Hero or a Hero? Explain.
Example 2: Allusions
In literature, an allusion is usually considered a reference to another work of literature. When a writer uses an allusion, it causes the text to take on a new meaning.
First, read Wikipedia's definition of Prometheus: "In Greek mythology, Prometheus (meaning "forethought") is a Titan, culture hero, and trickster figure who is credited with the creation of man from clay, and who defies the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity, an act that enabled progress and civilization. Prometheus is known for his intelligence and as a champion of mankind."
Second, re-read the interaction between George and Walter on page 52.
Third, answer the following questions about this literary allusion in one sentence each:
1. Which part of the definition of Prometheus is George probably referring to?
2. Why do you think George is using such an obscure reference to Walter?
3. How does this allusion to mythology affect the argument between Walter and George?
First, read Wikipedia's definition of Prometheus: "In Greek mythology, Prometheus (meaning "forethought") is a Titan, culture hero, and trickster figure who is credited with the creation of man from clay, and who defies the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity, an act that enabled progress and civilization. Prometheus is known for his intelligence and as a champion of mankind."
Second, re-read the interaction between George and Walter on page 52.
Third, answer the following questions about this literary allusion in one sentence each:
1. Which part of the definition of Prometheus is George probably referring to?
2. Why do you think George is using such an obscure reference to Walter?
3. How does this allusion to mythology affect the argument between Walter and George?