Allusions and Archetypes, Seeger

Despite having very different plots and writing styles, the plays and novels that I have read over the summer share many archetypes. According to the University Interscholastic League of Texas, based on the research of Carol S. Pearson, Ph.D. and written by J.J. Jonas, there are twelve distinct character archetypes, many of which are easily found in literature; the lover, the innocent, and the caregiver are just three examples of character archetypes that Pearson identifies. Additionally, according to Hillsborough Community College, based on the work of Carl Jung, there are also universal patterns regarding symbols. Light opposing darkness, fire contrasting ice, and heaven and hell are just three of the many commonly recurring symbols found in literature.

One symbolic archetype that is prominent in both Hamlet and Death of a Salesman is the use of a supernatural intervention. Shakespeare utilizes it in the form of the ghost, who appears throughout the play and is the catalyst for Hamlet’s descent into madness and crusade against his step-father. In Death of a Salesman, Miller employs the use of supernatural intervention in the form of the character Ben. In the play, Ben is the driving force behind Willy’s downward spiral; his “conversations” with Ben makes him realize that he has not been as successful as he could have been in life. These discussions ultimately lead to Willy’s suicide. In both plays, the use of the supernatural element introduces additional information that is necessary for the reader to understand the plot of the play. The ghost in Hamlet exposes Claudius’s murderous act, while Ben in Death of a Salesman provides backstory regarding Willy’s childhood, insecurities, and delusional tendencies.  I believe that the supernatural element is used in order to foreshadow the upcoming madness of the protagonists; both Hamlet and Willy become disillusioned after their encounters with their ghosts. It could even be suggested that their encounters with the dead signify their own upcoming deaths. Both authors differ on how they address the ghost. Miller incorporates Ben into his story seamlessly; there is no confusion for the characters of interacting with a dead man, though I as a reader initially had a difficult time understanding what was happening. However, Shakespeare’s characters question the existence of the ghost. They initially don’t believe what they are seeing, and often ask other characters to confirm its presence.

One character archetype that I recognized in many of the works is “the innocent”. According to Jonas of the University Interscholastic League of Texas, “the innocent, fearing abandonment, seeks safety. Their greatest strength is the trust and optimism that endears them to others and so gain help and support on their quest.” Jonas also states the pitfalls of the innocent as obliviousness, denial, and childish naivete. One character that embodies the archetype of the innocent is the Boy from The Road. The Boy is unwavering in his trust and devotion in the Man. He also exhibits denial and obliviousness in some situations. Throughout the book, the Boy is constantly looking for the good guys, despite that fact that most everyone that he has ever encountered has been corrupted; he blindly believes the Man when he says that the good people are still out there. While the Boy does exhibit many of the traits of the Innocent, he is missing the optimism that often characterizes the archetype. The Boy became disenchanted with life, and at one point tells the Man that he wants to join his dead mother. An additional character that displays many of the characteristics of the innocent is Ophelia from Hamlet. Ophelia is oblivious to the fact that her reputation might be in question if she continues to spend her time with Hamlet. Her simplicity and trust in her father, brother, and Hamlet further classify her as an innocent character. A third character that is an example of an innocent archetype is Linda Loman from Death of a Salesman. Linda is unwaveringly optimistic in her belief that Willy’s career will improve, and that he will be able to provide for the household. Additionally, Linda is in denial of Willy’s suicidal tendencies, and chooses to look the other way rather than get him help. She is oblivious to Willy’s failures as a businessman and his affair with the Woman, traits that further categorize her as an innocent.

Some other archetypes that characters in the different novels and plays represent are Biff Loman as the seeker and explorer in Death of a Salesman. According to Jonas and Pearson of the University  Interscholastic League of Texas, the seeker’s goal is to search for a better life, while their weakness is chronic disappointment. Biff Loman is a very accurate portrayal of these characteristics. In the play, Biff is constantly looking for a better life, moving around from job to job out West looking for self fulfilment. However, he is a disappointment to both himself and his father because of the lack of apparent progress that Biff is making in his life.Other common archetypes that are in the novels and plays are Shadrack as the outsider in Sula and Claudius as the villain in Hamlet.

Outside of situational and characteristic archetypes, many of the authors utilize classical allusions in their works. In The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood incorporates many biblical allusions. The name of the fictional country in which Offred lives, Gilead, is in reference to the verse “is there no balm in Gilead?”(New International Version, Jer.8.22), and the handmaids are read biblical verses to condition them to become god-fearing servants. Additionally, stores with the names of Milk and Honey are in reference to the promised land of Canaan, described in the Bible as the “land flowing with milk and honey”(Exo.33.3) Both Hamlet and Death of a Salesman utilize allusions to classical Greek literature, Hamlet with the retelling of the story of Pyrrhus in Act 2 Scene 2, and Willy’s reference to his sons as Hercules and Adonis in Death of a Salesman.