Archetypes In 'Oh Brother: The Odyssey'

466 Words1 Page

Brandon Sweet
Walker Blk 5
English Pre-ap 1
10/12/15
Odyssey/Oh Brother! Archetypes
Every story uses archetypes, including the Odyssey. Since the movie Oh Brother! was based on the Odyssey, they both share and have differences in archetypes. They use the same archetypes in the form of the hero, the temptress, and the fall. These archetypes are used the same and differently in these stories as seen in these examples.
One archetype the two stories have in common is the hero. The heroes, Odysseus and Everett, try to reach their family, no matter the risks. Both have the same goal and will do anything to keep their loved ones again. Also, both of the heroes are extremely loyal to their companions. Like whenever Odysseus tried to save his crew, or when Everett went to rescue Pete from jail. However, they can also differ in ways like character. In the face of an obstacle, Odysseus faces the problem head on and uses strategy at the same time, while Everett uses excuses to try to avoid the problem. On the other hand, Everett has his friends throughout his quest, while Odysseus’ companions all die except him. These examples show how the heroes of the Odyssey and O Brother! are different.
Also, the archetype, the temptress, was used in both the Odyssey and O Brother! In the form of the temptress, the Odyssey and O Brother! gave the …show more content…

A similarity found in the stories is that both protagonists were captured and trapped when they had their fall. In addition, the falls of both protagonists were not caused by personal weakness, but by a force more superior than their own. A difference found in these situations is that Everett was praying to God as a last resort, while Odysseus resorted to praying to on one. Also, during his fall, Odysseus had no companions by his side, while Everett had Pete and Delmar. These are the similarities and differences between the falls of both

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