This paper will discuss this question of good and evil in light of selected aspects of psychology, fairy tales, and fictional literature. The main focus will lie on the Jungian concept of archetypes, particularly the shadow archetype, with reference to which the following literary works will be briefly analysed: Grimm’s fairy tale “The two travellers”, Afanasiev’s fairy tale “Vasilisa the Beautiful”, von Chamisso’s fairy tale “Peter Schlemihl’s Miraculous Story” and Andersen’s fairy tale “The Shadow” as well as Le Guin’s novel “A Wizard of Earthsea” and Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The question about the possible perception by the reader, in particular by a child, will also be touched upon. Finally, a comparison will be drawn between the shadow archetypes of the two title characters of “A Wizard of Earthsea” and the Harry Potter series.
The question of Good and Evil has occupied humanity for centuries. Different models have been created by various cultures, societies, and individuals about what is right and what is wrong, what can be accepted and what cannot, and what is supposed to be good and what is supposed to be evil. Religions, laws written and unwritten, philosophies, psychologists, and other concepts and institutions presented numerous answers to this question. It has also been addressed directly and indirectly in folklore and countless literary works. This paper will discuss these representations and discuss the differences and similarities.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The question of good and evil and Jung's archetypes.
- Jung's archetypes, particularly the shadow archetype, in fairy tales, using the examples of "The two travelers", "Vasilisa the Beautiful", "Peter Schlemihl's Miraculous Story" and "The Shadow".
- Analysis of the shadow archetype in "A Wizard of Earthsea”.
- Analysis of the shadow archetype in the Harry Potter series.
- Comparison of Ged's and Harry Potter's shadow archetypes
- Conclusion.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the question of good and evil within the framework of Jungian archetypes, specifically the shadow archetype. It examines the shadow archetype in selected fairy tales, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, and Ursula K. Le Guin's "A Wizard of Earthsea," and analyzes its potential impact on readers, particularly children.
- Jung's concept of archetypes and the shadow archetype
- The portrayal of good and evil in fairy tales and fictional literature
- Analysis of the shadow archetype in specific literary works
- The potential impact of the shadow archetype on readers
- Comparison of the shadow archetype in "A Wizard of Earthsea" and the Harry Potter series
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the paper's topic, the question of good and evil, and its exploration through the lens of Jungian archetypes. It presents the chosen literary works and the focus on the shadow archetype.
- The question of good and evil and Jung's archetypes: This chapter delves into the concept of good and evil, drawing upon various perspectives, including those of Staub, Kellerman, and Fromm. It then introduces Jung's theory of archetypes, particularly the shadow archetype, and explains its significance within the context of good and evil.
- Jung's archetypes, particularly the shadow archetype, in fairy tales, using the examples of "The two travelers", "Vasilisa the Beautiful", "Peter Schlemihl's Miraculous Story" and "The Shadow": This chapter analyzes the shadow archetype in selected fairy tales, examining its manifestation and role in these narratives.
- Analysis of the shadow archetype in "A Wizard of Earthsea": This chapter examines the shadow archetype as it is presented in Ursula K. Le Guin's novel, exploring its significance within the narrative and its impact on the protagonist.
- Analysis of the shadow archetype in the Harry Potter series: This chapter analyzes the shadow archetype as it is presented in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, examining its manifestation in the characters and its role in the narrative.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary focus of this paper lies on the concepts of good and evil, Jungian archetypes, the shadow archetype, its manifestation in fairy tales, "A Wizard of Earthsea," and the Harry Potter series, and its potential impact on readers, particularly children. This includes exploring the role of the shadow archetype in shaping characters and narratives and its potential influence on readers' perceptions and understandings.
- Quote paper
- Alexandra Birisheva (Author), 2022, The Shadow Archetype in Fictional Literature. Jung’s shadow archetype in selected fairy tales, the Harry Potter series and U. K. Le Guin's "A Wizard of Earthsea", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1325033
