'Hansel and Gretel' Archetype Analysis

Hansel and Gretel is a fictional fairytale, which perfectly displays one of the many morals parents try to teach their kids, such as ‘Treat others the way you want to be treated’ or ‘never take candy from strangers’. Hansel and Gretel are the children of a poor wood-cutter that lives near the forest, and is unfortunately not able to provide for his family. In hopes of finding an answer to his problems, the father discusses his issues with his wife, who instead negatively replies by planning to abandon her step-children in the heart of the deep forest so they will never be able to come home. That night, the children also overheard their stepmother’s devious plans, as well as their father’s refusal to abandon them in the forest, but eventually their stepmother made their father give in to her plan

In many classic fairytales there is always a King, who is presented as being the wisest and gentler than the other characters. The father in this fairytale is seen as the King because despite his wife’s feelings towards his children, he will always love them, and therefore will not stand that fact of them getting hurt. Hansel can be imagined as the prince, as he is the bravest and possesses the most courage among his sister, which is an example of the role of a prince in most classic fairytales as well. Gretel on the other hand is the total opposite from her brother, so she can be considered as the princess because she is very innocent and lovable, also seen as the typical princess role in other fairytales. Just like all other fairytales every made, there is always an evil character that only wishes for the benefit of themselves over others. The step-mother in this case is portrayed as the evil character because she is greedy and selfish for a better life, even if it means leaving behind two innocent children in the forest. This character in many fairytales will do whatever it takes to have all possible odds always in their favour and no one else’s.

The story’s departure is shown when Hansel and Gretel’s stepmother plans to abandon them deep in the forest, so in return she can have a prosperous life with her husband and not have to worry about the shortage of food. The setting of her mischievous plan takes place in a forest, which is an archetype of evil, lost, and fear, and perfectly relates to the feelings of both the parents and the children as they will soon be in a forest when the sun comes up. The moment the children overheard their parents conversation, Hansel decided to quietly sneak out of the house at night so he could supply himself with white pebbles that he would use to mark the route back home so he and his sister would safely make it home after their parents abandon them in the forest as they slept. Being that the pebbles were white could symbolize the direction east, also known as the direction back to their house, as well as hope to once again be reunited with their father again. The initiation stage takes place the morning the stepmother leads the children into the forest and abandons them while they rest by the fire. The children would always be woken when it was dark which represents chaos, mystery, and the unknown. Fire can be classified as an archetype since it symbolizes control, god and love. Hansel and Gretel are then left alone in the forest and must wait until the moon rises, which can symbolize guidance, because only then will they be able to escape back to their house by following the pebble trail Gretel laid out for them before they left the house. The road of trials begins on their unsuccessful second attempt to return home because their bread trail was consumed by neighboring wildlife. Soon after they are approached by a white bird, that represents safe passage, goodness and purity as it helped the children in spotting out a little house made out of bread, cakes and sugar, which they begin to indulge as they were starving from the lack of available food. Little do the children know that the purpose of this bird is known to be the complete opposite of what it is considered. Shortly after, they encounter with an old crippled lady, also referred to as the devil figure, as she offers Hansel and Gretel delicious food when she invites them into her house, only to wait until they become fat enough for her to kill, cook and eat. The children did not think anything of it and helped themselves to the all the food she had offered them. This is when Hansel and Gretel encounter the innermost cave, being trapped in the wicked witch’s house. The old lady can be seen as the typical witch in most fairytales because “Witches have red eyes, and cannot see far,” where red symbolizes violent passion, and death. Describing perfectly the personality of this character in this fairytale as her passion is that of killing chubby children and then indulging their fat. Fortunately, Gretel tricks the wicked witch into an oven, trapping her in there to her own death, just in time to save her brother from being dinner. This allows the children to safely escape, but only after fearlessly re-entering the witch’s house and robbing her of all the pearls and jewels. Leaving the forest, they encounter a stretch of water which is an archetype, because it symbolizes life force. Just as the white bird lead the children towards the witch’s house; a white duck helps the children cross the stream which indicates purity and peace. The return and reintegration with society occurs when Hansel and Gretel return home to their father and discover their step mother has died. In return Hansel and Gretel share the pearls and jewels with their father and live a happy life, together.

Hansel and Gretel had to battle between the evil forces of both their step mother and the witch, and that determines the good vs. evil plot of this fairytale. It presents how the evil characters in this fairytale have a bad fortune and die, while the characters that symbolized good, live happily ever after. This fairytale also has a light vs. dark archetype, because all the evil came upon Hansel and Gretel during the darkness of the night, such as being abandoned by their parents. While all the hopeful things occurred with them during the day, such as the many attempts of returning to their father.

'The Dark Knight Rises' Archetype Analysis

‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ is the sequel to the blockbuster hit of 2008 ‘The Dark Knight’ in which the hero Batman, saved Gotham City from the evil forces of Joker. In his second battle, Batman must encounter a new antagonist--terrorist leader Bane--in order to once again save Gotham City and its people.

Batman is known as the superheroic hero in this film, because he is not like the other individuals in his society, since he possess supernatural origins such as incredible strength. He is also an apocalyptic hero, because Batman must try his best to fight evil and save Gotham’s people from possible destruction, or control of Bane. The antagonist makes his introduction while portraying himself with a mask to conceal his true identity to others and especially Batman, so that he can remain mysterious and undetermined. Batmans butler is considered to be the loyal retainer in this film, as he himself has clearly stated to the hero "You are as precious to me as you were to your own mother and father. I swore to them that I would protect you,". With this statement it is understood that the hero Batman, has been abandoned by his mother and father leaving his responsibility in the hands of their loyal and faithful butler. Throughout his journey, Batman also encounters a woman who is assumed to be considered the devil figure, as she warns the hero of the upcoming challenges he will soon face and also gives him tips for what he should prepare for. The ‘devil figure’ is constantly seen wearing a black dress, and since the color black symbolizes mystery, uncertainty and evil, it can be assumed that her personality can be that of a mysterious and evil person as well.

Throughout the trailer, a football stadium is displayed and from previous knowledge it is known that a football stadium is where two different teams compete each other for the glory of victory. Thus, it can be predicted that the football stadium could also be the very setting the antagonist Bane, and the protagonist Batman, first encounter each other as they are also two very different people competing for their own personal victories. Batman also encounters another woman in this film, but instead of black she appears to be wearing a red dress, that could make her seem as the sacrifice because the color red is the symbol for danger and sometimes life. To prevent this sacrifice from taking place, Batman will do everything in his power to save the woman in red, because he could've also eventually developed emotional feelings towards her as he did so in the first movie, making her the damsel in distress. Each individual in the movie is displayed as having their face concealed by a mask, making them all seem as if they each had a deep secret to hide that could not be discovered, or else everything could be ruined. For instance, if Batman did not wear a mask, then everyone would know the real individual that pretended to be Batman, and that could also make his real life very dangerous for him.

Batmans departure takes place the moment Bane approaches Gotham City with his evil mission. At this time Batman is more aware of the risks the antagonist will soon bring upon his city and therefore he must be stopped. The initiation stage of the hero begins when Batman begins to plan and determine his actions towards preventing terrorist leader Bane from taking over Gotham City and its people. Without planning his actions, Batman will have no guarantee that the antagonist will be prevented from creating destruction in the city. At first off, the hero will attempt to attack the antagonist many times but end up unsuccessful, also known as the road of trials. Batman will learn from these mistakes so in the future when he faces his ultimate battle with Bane, he can make sure no mistakes will happen. The final battle between Bane and Batman, which is predicted to be held in a football stadium, will be portrayed as the innermost cave, because at that time it will be determined if either the antagonist or the protagonist will conquer the other and win the ultimate battle. From previous knowledge of considering the hero always wins everything in the end, can also change the hero physically, emotionally and/or spiritually, which gradually leads into the return and reintegration with society. The return and reintegration with society takes place when Batman believes everything is back to normal and he can go on living his normal life again. The protagonist then begins to go back to his daily routines and waits upon the arrival of a new evil source, for which he will once again fight for the prosperity of his city and himself.

In conclusion it is clearly stated that this film is a tale of the warriors journey to save his people; Batman saving Gotham City and its people from the evil Bane, as well as the quest to rid the land of danger; Batman battles against Bane for the protection of his home, and fights the battle in a way so that he would not have to face this conflict again in the future, because as it stated "THE LEGEND...ENDS."

Samurai Jack: The Hero's Journey

Films such as Sleeping Beauty, Harry Potter and Star Wars are all examples of fictional short stories that include a protagonist; the hero of the plot, and an antagonist; the obstacle the protagonist must overcome. The hero must overcome all obstacles and challenges in order for them to be successful in their quest.

In the fictional tale of Samurai Jack, the emperor's son Jack must abandon his home via boat so he can be protected from the evil Aku. The boat in which Jack makes his journey symbolizes a safe passage. For Jack, that safety relies in the hands of his future mentors and guardians who will strengthen his skills and prepare him for his revenge against the antagonist; Aku, who's goal is to take over Jack's village and its people and make them his slaves. Jack then goes through the initiation stage of his journey, which takes place when he meets his mentors. As he interacts with his new teachers, Jack takes part in various tasks such as horse riding, sword fighting and practice aiming with a bow and arrow, which all contribute to strengthening his skills for his ultimate battle. Jack is always seen wearing a white rob as he trains, and white symbolizes purity, cleanliness and strength. Therefore Jack can be characterized as being a strong and purifying individual who is open to new opportunities and beginnings. As Jack matures, he learns to become a better protector of his village and family by overcoming many conflicts that help him to become a better hero. After countless hours of training, Jack is encountered with the feminine--his mother, who he has not seen since he was a child--and begins to undergo the innermost cave of his quest. Jack's mother presents him with the sacred sword, which is supposed to assist him in his quest. With this token, Jack set's off on his journey. Since we only watched the first episode, we have yet to witness Jack's ultimate battle with Aku and his rebirth into society. From the first episode, it is clear that this fictional plot is based on a haven vs. wilderness archetype, which perfectly describes Jack's journey as he is resided within a safe place to regain health and resources by his training, also referred to as the haven. Not like the dark cave Aku resides in, also referred to as the wilderness.

Other fictional tales such as Harry Potter also carry out a similar plot as 'Samurai Jack'. From when he was a baby, Harry has had the misfortune of witnessing both his mother and fathers deaths', which left him feeling abandoned and alone. In the same way, Jack was also abandoned from his home and family when he was forced to leave them behind so he could be protected from evil. Soon enough though, Harry is assisted by a chubby man whom he refers to as Hagrid, from a magical school called Hogwarts. Eventually, Hagrid becomes one of Harry's well trusted and reliable mentors and role models. Similarly, Jack is also assisted with individuals whom he has never met before, that he eventually considers as his role models and mentors as well. Hogwarts is known as the home of wizards in this films fictional world, who attend and become students so they can be successful in the necessary skills needed to succeed in the tasks associated with their own wizarding world. Harry has lived all his life at Hogwarts school as a student and made great friends such as Ron and Hermione that help him overcome the many magical, social, and emotional problems he faces in life. Throughout his stay at Hogwarts, Harry has also learned spells and magic that strengthen his skills for his ultimate confrontation with the antagonist; Lord Voldemort, who is considered to be Harry's greatest test and quest. Similarly, Jack must confront his antagonist Aku as well, after a length of time that he must use to prepare himself for his greatest battle. Both heros must undergo a lengthy road of trials that will result in the prosperity and achievement of conquering their own personal quests.

In modern day society, everyone is mostly attracted to the same kind of plot, and writers also re-write the same story of heros in mythology as well, because to them and others, it is worth writing about and spending time on, because they know that a majority of people in society go after these particular films and stories. Even in many popular novels such as Star Wars or Batman, the main character is always the hero or heroine who has found or done something beyond the normal range of achievement and experience, which is why modern society is attracted to such films because they like to witness a new approach of the protagonist actions. Clearly aware that in everyday life that scenario is not possible, they can still use their imaginations to make it possible. To them a hero is viewed as a role model, not only to the youth but to older individuals as well, because they believe that a hero is someone who gives up their own life, to something bigger than oneself. In return, it sets a good example of what people can do to make their lives better, rather than accepting defeat and making situations worse, it gives others various different ideas to approach such situations in real life.