Puss In Boots: The Role Of Archetype In Literature

An archetype has a common and recurring representation in a particular human culture or entire human race. It can be a character, a theme, a symbol, or a setting. An archetype can shape the structure and function of literary work. An example of an archetype as a character is a mother figure. This character can be represented as a Fairy Godmother, seen in “Cinderella,” who guides and directs a child. The trickster is a recurrent figure or archetype in world mythologies, folklore, and literature. A trickster is seen to be a mysterious or roguish figure that makes up for physical weakness with cunning and subversive humor. Some examples of tricksters are, Ditto from the Pokemon anime, Bugs Bunny found on TV shows, and Puss in Boots who is mainly found in literature.

Ditto is one of the many Pokemon. However, it is unlike

the others because, it has the ability to transform into any Pokemon by copying all of their statistics, except for health points. Ditto is the epitome of a trickster. It is a light purple/magenta free-form blob with vestigial facial features. It also has two vestigial handless “arms” protruding from his body. In addition to transforming into any Pokemon, Ditto can transform into an exact replica of any physical object. However, if it tries to transform to something based on memory, it may get some details wrong and blow its cover. Occasionally, ditto can’t change its face. Additionally, it cannot remain in its transformed state if it starts to laugh. Ditto first appeared in the Pokemon anime in the episode “Ditto’s Mysterious Mansion.” Ditto and its owner performed for people until the audience realized Ditto could not concentrate enough to change its face. Ditto is unlike other tricksters because it is found in Pokemon games, movies, and anime. It is a unique shapeshifting character used to trick other people.
Bugs Bunny is a modern, American trickster. He is a fearless, optimistic, and creative rabbit. Bugs Bunny uses his special skills to overcome his enemies. His primary skill that is used in almost all classic episodes is, his ability to impersonate others. Bugs Bunny has impersonated many movie stars, dressed to be different characters, and switches from prey to predator in an instant. He is quick at everything he does, which is a special talent. Bugs Bunny works mischief and outsmarts other characters found in TV shows such as, the Tasmanian Devil, Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck, or Elmer Fudd. An example of him being mischevious is, an episode when he becomes a conductor at a concert to get revenge on a pretentious opera singer in “Long Haired Hare.” Bugs Bunny is unique in his own way in that, he is a clever rabbit that is popular in modern day American TV shows.
Puss in Boots is an original trickster found in literature.

The original tale is about a miller who passed away and leaves his mill to the eldest son, his donkey to the middle son, ad the family cat to the youngest son. Soon, the youngest son discovers the cat can talk. The cat asks the son for boots and the son makes him boots. Puss in Boots deceives the king into thinking his master, who is a poor landowner, is a wealthy man of royalty. Puss presents gifts to the king saying it is from his master, named Marquis of Carabas. Later on, Puss finds land claimed by an ogre that can transform into anything. Puss tricks the ogre into transforming into a mouse, then eats him. Since the ogre’s castle is now vacant, Puss presents it is the castle of Marquis of Carabas. As time passes, the king becomes very impressed and gives Marquis the hand of his daughter in marriage. This tale shows that not everything is what it seems. Puss in Boots is unique because, he uses his ability to speak to gain the status of royalty for his master, a poor landowner. Puss in Boots is an amazing example of a trickster just because of what extremes he goes to deceiving the

king.
The trickster archetype is very special as it makes stories more interesting. There are various tricksters that can be seen in the modern age. An example is Loki, the Norse trickster god. Although Loki isn’t seen as a big villain, he is the type of character that likes to mess with others, such as Thor the hammer-wielding Norse god. Another example of a trickster that is seen in modern TV shows is Plankton from Spongebob Squarepants. Plankton’s initial aim from the start of the TV series is, to steal the Krabby Patty Formula from a restaurant called the “Krusty Krab.” Plankton runs his own restaurant, but does not get nearly as much customers as the Krusty Krab does. This is why he plans out many tricks in order to steal the Krabby Patty Formula to get his own business running. In almost every episode, Plankton has presented many plans to get the formula, but has always failed. Tricksters are characters that show up in many stories and they make them entertaining. They are known worldwide and will continue to be known for many generations.