Archetypes In Independent Study

An archetype can be defined as a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology. Examples of archetypes include: The Hero, The Scapegoat, The Quest, The Journey, Light-Darkness, Water-Desert, etc. Many famous works have archetypes throughout them. Some of the famous works and archetypes are: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Hercules, Frankenstein, and The Crucible. Joelle Charbonneau includes many archetypes in her book Independent Study, which is the second of a three book series. In Independent Study, Malencia Vale (Cia) experiences an archetypal task to save future children from a violent selection process known as “The Testing”; her fight to end The Testing cements her into becoming the Hero of not only the book, but the entire series.

Although her task seems daunting, Cia is prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed. On page 191, her determination to repeal The Testing is seen. Charbonneau states, “I look at the University campus- a place built on hope and a promise that those who study here will make this world better. A promise I believe in and will find the strength and courage to fight for. Starting Monday, I will do what it takes to get the information Michal and those working in secret need to bring down Dr. Barnes and The Testing- no matter what the cost to me might be.” This quote shows her resolve to fight for what she believes in and to complete her task. As a part of her task, she must find those whom she can trust to help her complete the mission. When Cia is contemplating who to ask to join her team she thinks, “Some have skills I know I will need. Others are willing to do the unthinkable to survive” (309). This, again, shows how Cia is willing to do whatever it takes to successfully complete the task that was assigned to her. By her determination, she is becoming the Hero for which she must develop into to complete her

Cia, after getting accepted into the University, had to go through a series of tests known as the Induction. While it is a series of tests, it’s not as violent as the actual Testing in which Cia is trying to get rid of. In one of the Induction tests, Cia encounters a massive snake in which she must escape. The book says, “My heart pounds with each agonizingly slow step. Inch by inch, I cross the uneven path, resisting the urge to look behind me in case that movement will make the creature attack” (99). The quote above shows how Cia must go through the dangerous and ritualistic tasks which makes her the archetype of Hero. In her final task, Cia must put her dignity and reputation on the line when she must confront the President to complete the task. Page 137 states, “Only those who use the proper phrase are given leave to enter the chamber. One wrong word and the petitioner will be denied for her lack of respect for the process and those she seeks to address.” Even though this doesn’t seem very difficult, if Cia would mess up, she would ruin the integrity and dignity of not only her, but her entire team. That is why Cia can be an example of the Hero archetype. Cia, through her experiences, can be seen as a Hero with a task to end a malicious and unjust Testing to save future children from