Abstract
“Archetypes” are important psychological elements and “archetypal criticism” has always been considered as one of the important types of literary criticism. The theory of archetypes is based on the thought of Carl Gustav Jung, a theorist in the field of psychological sciences. In this theory, the structural elements of myth, which are present in the collective subconscious mind, are analyzed. According to Jung, there is a kind of universal experience in these elements that is repeated in different forms and in all generations. Contemporary psychologist and theorist Shinoda Bolen also contributed to a more accurate understanding of archetypes by supplementing Jung’s theories and elaborating on their manifestations in daily lives of individuals. In this study, using mythological and psychological criteria in Shinoda Bolen’s theories, two famous theatrical “woman” characters have been the subject of comparative studies. These characters are “Julia” from the play “Miss Julia” by August Strindberg and “Ensie” from the play “Sing in May” by Akbar Radi. Although created in two different geographies and cultures, the two characters bear significant similarities from Shinoda Bolen point of view. This study also shows the fact that quoting mythological and psychological elements in the creation of theatrical characters can lead to the production of a similar pattern in the process of this creation. A pattern that transcends temporal and spatial boundaries and relies more on archetypes than any other element.
Presenters
Amin MokhtariVice President Culture in Art, Academic Center of Science, Research, and Culture, Iran
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Archetype, Jung, Bolen, Radi, Strindberg
