Archetypes In Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

787 Words2 Pages

An archetype in literature is defined as a typical example of a certain type of person. A character in a poem or play can be placed into many different archetype categories. Archetypes help a reader to gain a better understanding of who a character in the work is on the inside. This deeper insight into the character allows the reader to follow the flow of the story easier and more effectively. There are many different archetypes that can help to advance the story. One of the most useful in advancing this story is the typical powerful character. Whether it be supernatural or cunningness this character always comes out on top in the situation and holds the most control over others and their actions. “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, His power does not come from his physical strength it comes form his ability to persuade and control others against their will. She gives very few details on who or what the man is. And she gives no details as to where this power comes from. He wields it with grace and style, and without discrimination. By leaving out details about the man, the reader becomes suspicious of his intentions with the main character Connie. The reader fears for Connie’s safety almost as much as she must fear for hers when she realizes that she can not break his spell. Oates approaches her power archetype with a sense of mystery leaving the reader to subconsciously fill in any blanks with details that are daunting and frightful. This power is mysterious and seemingly unlimited in its effect and Harrison displays no supernatural abilities; his power comes from within himself. He and he alone is responsible for his actions, he refuses to be further controlled by the government that seeks to oppress him and lock him away. Harrison contrast the mysterious man by the reader having knowledge of where Harrison’s power comes from. Harrison uses his power to try to save himself while the mysterious man uses his to take advantage of others. Harrison is also portrayed in different light than Yeats’ swan. The swan is revered by the author while Harrison is not. Harrison is not praised or looked up to by anyone. He is just a person, a regular person who wants to but has failed in trying to change the world. The swan, a god, does not fail at his goal but Harrison, the human, does. The reader is able to empathize with Harrison more than with the other two powerful characters because Harrison could be any person reading the story. To be Harrison is to be different and to be different is to be

Open Document