John Knowles Use Of Archetypes In Literature

The prominent use of archetypes in literature is especially evident in hero stories, for these patterns help the reader identify with the major characters. In John Knowles’ A Separate Peace (1959) and Thomas Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur (1889), these models help develop the characters into remarkable leaders. Though authors attempt to create original character in their works, often characters, such as King Arthur and Atticus, have “The Magician” and “The Ruler” archetypes in common.

An archetype is marked as a persistent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology.

Many authors use their characters to describe a specific archetype. A character archetype is made by using specific human qualities and traits. The first archetype used is the

For Gene, an example of when he is portrayed as a hero is in “Never accuse a friend of a crime if you only have a feeling he did it” (Knowles 66) This shows how gene is a ruler, as a ruler has qualities of a leader. A leader is honest and always does the right choices, which gets them into that leader position. In a way, this shows how he is a ruler because he is in a position of power, knowing if his friend is responsible for a crime. Gene states that one should not accuse a friend about a wrongdoing if there’s a feeling he was the one that did it. This place the situation in an uncomfortable condition, making it complicated for both the person and the friend.” Gene, on the other hand, seems to endure and even to thrive on his knowledge of evil” (Witherington) This also shows how Gene falls in The Ruler archetype. The quote shows how Gene mentally rises in power through his evil thoughts and manners, especially towards Finny. This further helps to show how much of a “ruler” he is, being similar to a Monarch ruler, as most of Monarch rulers were corrupt and evil, something that Gene is showing. Another example that shows that Gene is a “ruler” is “The Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session was a success from the start. That night Finny began to talk abstractly about it, as though it were a venerable, entrenched institution of the Devon School. The

For King Arthur, an example of when he is portrayed as a hero is in “We will have Arthur unto our King, we will put him no more in delay for we all see that it is God’s will that he shall be our king”.(Malory 13) This is significant as even the people believe that King Arthur is the one who should be throne as King. They believe it’s God’s will that he was able to pull the sword out of the stone. King Arthur shows many leadership qualities such as responsibility, wisdom and value. “Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will ride to the church yard and take the sword with me that sticketh in the stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day.” This is relevant as King Arthur's brother, Sir Kay was going into battle but was sword less, concerned and dedicated, King Arthur decided to get the sword that was stuck in stone for his brother. With little to no effort, King Arthur was able to pull it out. That was something many of the people fathomed to do. This shows responsibility for King Arthur as even if it was not him going into battle, he was still responsible enough to attempt to get a sword for his brother. King Arthur also shows power as he achieved something that most people perceived as godly or