Harry Potter Archetype Essay

It is natural for people to think that it is improbable for all humans to agree on one idea. However, every individual derives the same meaning when introduced to an archetype. Archetypes are repeated universal themes which everyone comprehends regardless their gender, age, religion, race, and etc. These reiterated concepts are shown in stories as human characteristics, symbols, experiences, or situations. The purpose of the literary use of archetypes is so writers can grab the reader's attention by giving readers the ability to personally connect with the story. Archetypes add realism to stories which result in better comprehension of the characters and plot. They also make the message the author is trying to get across more apparent. There

are many examples of these universal truths in the texts, "Beowulf" and "Grendel" and the films, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
In the great epic poem of "Beowulf", written during the Anglo-Saxon period, many examples of archetypes are used. Beowulf, a heroic figure in the story, battles many monstrous creatures which appear as a threat to his kingdom. This situation is represented by the archetype known as good vs evil. The way the story is written depicts Beowulf as the good character and Grendel as the evil character. Beowulf is considered "good" because he is brave enough to fight deadly creatures to protect his people. Even though Beowulf's true intention is to receive praise and honor, he does sacrifice his own life. On the other hand, Grendel, his mother, and a dragon are represented as "evil" because of their lust for hunger. Grendel vigorously murders many of Hrothgar's men for his pure satisfaction. Just like how a murder in real life is treated as an evil action, Grendel's killing is also seen in the same way. An example of a good vs evil archetype in a real life situation is the act of terrorism. Although few may disagree, terrorists are considered to play the evil role because of their brutal unreasonable attacks on innocent beings. The victims would be seen as the good people even if they are not heroic like Beowulf because they are not causing any harm. Both situations help human realize that people who cause harm to others are going to be labeled as "evil". This is evident because both Grendel and the terrorists are ending lives for their own selfish reasons. The knowledge of good vs evil is necessary because it helps humans understand the clear distinction between good and evil. With that information, humans are stimulated to make a good decision versus a bad one.
Grendel is portrayed as a villain in "Beowulf". However, in "Grendel", written by John Gardner, another side of Grendel is revealed which makes a reader reconsider their opinions on the so-called dangerous being. In this story, told from Grendel's perspective, he is shown as an outcast. An outcast is an archetype in which a character is not accepted by others and is often very lonely. That definition perfectly aligns with Grendel's personality because he is always looked down upon, feared, and never welcomed. Where he is staying there is no one else like him except his mom who does not acquire the ability to speak. His loneliness leads him to wonder what the purpose of his life is. Similar to Grendel's situation, in the real world people from the LGBTQ community used to be considered outcasts of the society. Before present time, there was only a few people part of the LGBTQ community because many decided to keep quite. Those who spoke out are treated with no respect because there was only a few them. Now in the present time, the community is accepted by many people due to the increase of people in the community. Just like Grendel, the LGBTQ community is treated unfairly for being different. This shows everyone that humans are too used to society norms and it takes them time to adjust or accept uncommon ideas. This can help people change their negative opinions they have on new things by giving themselves some time to try to accept it. Situations like this which are seen in literature and in the real world will remind people to reassess their first judgments on outcasts.
In the fourth episode of the movie Star Wars, there are many archetypes associated with the relationship between, the protagonist, Luke Skywalker and his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. As an archetype, the characteristic mentor represents an experienced person who is willing to guide a young one and teach them special ways to survive. Mentors in the real world can be role models such as your parents, older siblings, or teachers. Students look up to their mentors because they always have a great impact on their students' lives. This is shown in the situation where Luke's mentor dies. During this scene, the viewer comes across another archetype known as death and rebirth. The death of Obi-Wan Kenobi results in the rebirth of Luke. In this scenario, rebirth is meant to act as a sudden change or realization. So in other words, Luke was mentally rebirthed. Throughout the story, Obi- Wan Kenobi assists Luke with the goal of becoming a Jedi like Luke's father. As Luke trains with his father's lightsaber, he struggles to trust the force. Obi- Wan Kenobi suggests that Luke practices again but blindfolded. When Luke does that, he is finally able to succeed. The relationship between Luke and his mentor represents the relationship between a student and their teacher in the real world. In the real world, there are many cases where the student is discouraged by a bad grade and the teacher has to work separately on improving that student. So just like Luke's mentor, a student's teacher would push their kid to their fullest potential without giving up on them. This shows everyone how support and belief from another person, specifically a master, can be very encouraging. When Obi- Wan Kenobi dies, Luke is very upset at first. However, he picks himself back up and is much stronger than ever. In fact, while on the journey of destroying the Death Star, Luke thinks of his mentor's words and uses the force to guide him. Like mentioned earlier, Luke is reborn because he is motivated to become an even better Jedi when Obi- Wan Kenobi is defeated. A death and rebirth situation in the real world could be explained with the transformation of a caterpillar and the change of trees based on seasons. The action of a caterpillar spinning itself into a cocoon would represent death because it is the last stage before it's transformed. The rebirth would be described as a Butterfly that has gone through the complete change. Another example is how trees die at the end of fall. The death of the trees results into the rebirth of a new season which is winter. Death and rebirth help humans realize that theirs always hope and an outcome to something. So in other words, death is not always a bad thing. Many of the archetypes found in Star Wars will always be found in the real world.
Archetypes explained in the film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets can be used to better present day society.

The young training wizard, Harry Potter, is sent on a journey to figure out the reason behind the unusual acts happening at his Hogwarts School. The journey is one archetype seen in many kinds of literature which represent the struggles a Hero faces as he/she try to reach their goal of finding a solution to his/her problem. Harry Potter's journey can be compared to a medical student's journey because both require a lot of time, strength, persistence, and patience. In the real world, a lot of journeys are under looked at because people don't often realize the amount or work people puts into them. This information can cause people to appreciate others' efforts more often. Another archetype in Harry Potter is the initiates which are young people who are in the process of becoming future heroes with training. Harry's two best friends who can also be considered sidekicks are all innocent to start with. As young as they are, they are still training to become better wizards every day. It amazes readers how Harry and his friends are able to undergo such a life-threatening quest. Just like Harry and his friends, there are many kids in the real world who have surprised the human society with their excellent skills at such a young age. This helps people understand that younger people are capable of doing many of the same things older people do. It is important that

everyone know this so they don't underestimate the ability of a child. In fact, the adults should be the ones encouraging the young ones to work harder towards their goals.
After viewing and reading books and films, people discover the many things shared among each story.

All the stories discussed in this essay have one thing in common which are archetypes. All these archetypes are used so readers can easily connect the characters and situations in the text to people and experiences in the real world. The protagonists in almost all the stories are considered heroes in their own ways. They all go on quests to fulfill their own tasks. Beowulf is a hero because his brave actions in battle are able to restore peace in his kingdom. On Beowulf's quest, he is in search of pride and respect and he receives this by defeating Grendel. However, Grendel wouldn't be considered a hero because he didn't perform any risky task in order to help others. But Grendel did go on a quest to look for the purpose of his life. Luke from Star Wars would be considered a hero because he was able to help the rebel station by completing the hard task of destroying the death star. He accomplishes his goal when he goes on a quest searching for Princess Leia. And lastly, Harry Potter is considered a hero because he successfully fulfills his tasks on his quest to discover the mystery behind the Chamber of Secrets. With this information, it can be concluded that all stories have universal appeal to

it.
People don't realize this but archetypes exist everywhere. Archetypes are one thing which all of us share and it is not looked at or thought of that often. In comparison, a stereotype is directed at one specific group of people and is something that we are always concerned and thinking about. However, archetypes are able to change as the human brain evolves. As time goes by, the human brain will be exposed to many new different archetypes. Just like characters in novels and movies, humans are a complex combination of archetypes. After discussing the archetypes in the four stories of Beowulf, Grendel, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets it is clear to confirm that archetypes are apparent in all literature and the real world.