Archetypal Literary Criticism Of The Novel 'The Scorpio Races'

Guyer High School

Archetypal Literary Criticism of The Scorpio Races

ID#804075

Coach K

A4

March 8, 2023

When reading a novel, it is possible to get a deeper message from the text. Using a literary theory can help find a different meaning that the text may hold. For example, when reading The Scorpio Races while focusing on archetypes. The reader will see that perseverance can drive a person to accomplish their goals even when faced with hardship and adversity. Some archetypes that show up throughout the novel are the reward and the martyr as situational archetypes, as well as the character archetype of the outcast, and the symbolic archetype of the horse which help evolve the theme of perseverance throughout the novel.

The book

In addition, the archetype shows up when Eaton exclaims that “She can’t ride … No woman’s ridden in the race” (Stiefvater 194-195). All through the novel Puck is portrayed as the “underdog who emerges victorious” (Mythological or Archetypical Theory - Dvusd.org). Even though Puck is the underdog and is being told that she shouldn’t ride in the races because she is a woman, she doesn’t listen to them and persists in riding in the race.

Another archetype that shows up frequently in the novel is the martyr. The archetype can be found due to the fact she “gives all that she has for those around her” (“What Is the Martyr Archetype? (Characteristics + Examples).”) when she decided to sign up for the races. Even after being told by Peg that “People die” (Stiefvater 65) during the races Puck still decides to sign up for the races, putting her life on the line to save her family. Despite being told about what could happen to her if she competes in the race it doesn’t stop her from pushing forward and competing for the sake of her

The horse symbolizes “strength, and courage” (Horse Spirit Animal Meaning & Symbolism.). The horse in this story is the capaill uisce and Puck’s horse, and they help show courage because the riders have to a capaill uisce whose “teeth will tear into men” (Stiefvater 2). Meanwhile, Puck and Dove need to have courage because if they want to win the race they can’t be scared about getting bitten during the races. Even though Puck is scared about the capaill uisce due to what they have done to her friends and family she needs to keep pushing forward and build up courage and strength so she can keep her family