Sem -2 Northrop.. que ans..

This blog is written in response to the thinking activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir, Department of English, MKBU on Northrop Frye's Archetypal Criticism. All the answers of the questions are generated from ChatGPT. 

What is Archetypal Criticism?

Introduction: 

Archetypes of literature is precursor essay to Frye's  book anatomy of criticism.

In his work "Archetypes of literature" Fray gave a basic theory about archetypes in general and then develop theory in his "Anatomy of criticism"

First work on Archetypal criticism "Archetypal patterns in poetry by mod bodkin 

The literary theory was popularized by Frye through his essay Archetypes of literature.

The concept archetypal criticism.

Archetype

The word 'archetype' from the Greek words.

'Arche 'meaning beginning and  'typos' meaning 'model'

Archetypes

A beginning model /pattern

Recurrent in narratives designs action character types themes and images

Identify able in wide variety of works of literature myths dreams etc..

Archetype examples

Characters :  Hero, wiseman, star crossed lovers.

Themes :  Quest, Death/Rebirth 

Symbols : water, Light desert.

Colors : Red, green, Black 

Quest myth : 

Hero goes in the quest of a truth or something .

this type of myth occurs in all religions. 

Archetypal Criticism : 

A  critical theory that interprets a text by focusing on recuring myths and archetypes in narrative, symbols, image, character types in literary work to find meaning. 

such critics believe that any given story could be reduced to a specific archetypal core this is the true meaning of a work.

archetypal criticism is a synthesis of structural criticism and historical criticism.

some archetypal critics : 

Robert graves 

Wilson knight

 Joseph Campbell 

 What does the archetypal critic do?

The term "archetypal critic" is not commonly used in the field of literary criticism or other related disciplines. However, I believe you might be referring to the concept of archetypal criticism.

Archetypal criticism is a literary theory that explores the common patterns, symbols, and themes that recur in myths, stories, and literature across different cultures and time periods. Archetypal critics often focus on the universal symbols and motifs that are present in various works of literature. These archetypes, which can include characters, themes, symbols, and situations, are considered to be part of a shared human experience and collective unconscious.

The archetypal critic analyzes literature by identifying and interpreting these archetypes, seeking to understand the deeper, symbolic meanings and connections between different works. This approach is influenced by the psychological theories of Carl Jung, who proposed the existence of a collective unconscious shared by all humans, containing universal symbols and archetypes.

In summary, the archetypal critic examines literature through the lens of archetypal patterns and symbols, aiming to uncover the deeper, universal meanings embedded in the text and connecting them to broader human experiences and cultural patterns.

What is Frye trying to prove by giving an analogy of 'Physics to Nature' and 'Criticism to Literature'?

Share your views of Criticism as an organized body of knowledge. Mention the relation of literature with history and philosophy.

Northrop Frye, a prominent Canadian literary critic, developed the analogy between "Physics to Nature" and "Criticism to Literature" in his influential work "Anatomy of Criticism," first published in 1957. In this analogy, Frye draws parallels between the relationship of physics to nature and the relationship of criticism to literature. Let's break down the analogy and its implications:

Physics to Nature:

In the natural sciences, particularly physics, scholars seek to understand the fundamental principles that govern the physical world.
Physics aims to uncover the laws and patterns that underlie the diverse phenomena observed in nature.
Nature, in this context, represents the vast and complex realm of physical reality.


Criticism to Literature: 

Frye extends the analogy to literary criticism, suggesting that criticism is to literature as physics is to nature.
Just as physicists study the laws of nature, literary critics study the underlying principles and structures that govern literature.
Literature, like nature, is rich and diverse, encompassing a wide array of works and genres.

Implications:

Systematic Study: 

The analogy implies that literary criticism should be a systematic and scholarly discipline, akin to the systematic study of physics.
Identification of Patterns: Just as physicists identify patterns and laws in nature, literary critics should seek to identify recurring patterns, archetypes, and themes in literature.
Universal Principles:

 Frye suggests that there are universal principles or archetypal structures in literature, much like the universal laws of physics. These literary archetypes may transcend specific cultures and time periods.

Structural Analysis: 

Northrop Frye is comparing literary criticism to the way physicists study nature. Just as physicists seek to understand the fundamental laws governing the physical world, literary critics, according to Frye, should engage in a systematic and rigorous analysis of literature. 

This involves looking beyond individual stories and poems and instead focusing on the underlying principles that shape and connect literary works. 

Frye encourages critics to identify universal patterns and structures in literature, emphasizing that criticism should not be merely subjective interpretations but a disciplined exploration of the deeper, organizing principles that give coherence to all of literature. 

In essence, he advocates for a more scientific and comprehensive approach to understanding the complexities of literary art.



Criticism, as an organized body of knowledge, involves a systematic and scholarly examination of literature. It goes beyond subjective interpretations, focusing on structural analysis to uncover universal principles in literary works. This organized approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of literature as a whole.

The relationship between literature, history, and philosophy is integral to criticism. Literature serves as a mirror of culture, reflecting historical contexts, societal values, and changes over time. Additionally, literature engages with philosophical ideas, exploring fundamental questions about human existence, morality, and reality. The interdisciplinary nature of criticism enriches the study of literature by placing it within broader historical and philosophical frameworks. In essence, criticism offers a holistic perspective, connecting literature with the cultural and intellectual currents of its time.

Briefly explain the inductive method with an illustration of Shakespeare's Hamlet's Grave Digger's scene


Inductive Method in the Arts: The inductive method involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations. In the context of the arts, this approach means analyzing specific instances and deriving broader principles or themes from them. It is a bottom-up approach where insights are gathered from the details to form a more comprehensive understanding. 

Illustration from Shakespeare's Hamlet - Grave Digger's Scene:Specific Observation: In Act 5, Scene 1 of Hamlet, Hamlet encounters a gravedigger.
Inductive Analysis:Observations: Hamlet engages in a conversation with the gravedigger, contemplates mortality, and discovers the skull of Yorick.
General Conclusions: From these observations, one might draw broader themes about mortality, the inevitability of death, and Hamlet's complex relationship with mortality and Yorick's skull.

Inductive Method Outcomes:Discovering Themes: The inductive method helps uncover themes and patterns by closely examining specific instances within a work of art.
Building Understanding: Insights gained from individual scenes or elements contribute to a richer and more nuanced understanding of the overall work.

In the case of Hamlet's Grave Digger's scene, using the inductive method allows for a detailed exploration of the specific interactions, dialogues, and symbols, leading to broader thematic understandings about life, death, and Hamlet's internal struggles.






The deductive method involves reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions. In the context of the arts, this approach means starting with overarching concepts and applying them to specific instances. To draw an analogy to music, painting, rhythm, and pattern, one might establish fundamental principles about harmony or composition and then analyze specific musical compositions or artworks based on these principles.

Deductive approach : 

Establish the meaning of a work from the general truth to the particular truth -general to particular.

goal of literary criticism:

Use Inductive method to find the arctypal forms, that the author merely recreated. 

   example :  understanding narrative structure (verbal texture, imagery etc..)and there by understanding archetypal form. (relationship action etc.)

Myths created from Natural patterns : 

  Nature is governed by pattens eg. season, water cycle ...

these patterns were incomprehensible to us then.

hence, there was an attempt to humanize nature phenomena through rituals- to deliberately synchronies human and natural energies.

 thus from natural cycles myths, human rituals harvest songs, sacrifices and folk customs were created. and they reflect rhythm of nature.

later from myths literary genres were formed. 

 

four categories of myth : 

Absolutely, you've captured the essence of the deductive method in the arts very well. Just to add a bit more clarity:

Deductive Method in the Arts:

Establish General Principles:Begin with overarching concepts or principles that are fundamental to the art form, such as harmony, balance, or composition.


Apply Principles to Specific Instances:Take these general principles and use them as a lens to analyze and interpret specific instances within the art form. For example:In Music: Consider how the principles of harmony and rhythm contribute to the overall impact of a specific piece.
In Painting: Assess how the principles of balance and contrast are utilized in a particular artwork.


Systematic Analysis:

Conduct a systematic examination, focusing on how the identified principles manifest and interact within the specific work of art.


Deeper Understanding: 

Through this deductive process, derive a deeper understanding of the specific work by applying broader principles and concepts.

Example in Music: 

General Principle: 

Harmony is crucial for creating a pleasing musical composition.
Deductive Application: Analyze a specific musical piece, considering how the interplay of chords and musical elements contributes to the overall harmonious effect.

Example in Painting:    

General Principle: 

Balance and contrast are essential elements in visual art.
Deductive Application: 

Examine a specific painting, looking at how the artist strategically uses balance and contrast to create visual interest and impact.

In summary, the deductive method in the arts involves moving from general principles to specific instances, providing a structured approach to analyzing and interpreting works of art.