| The purpose of this study was to perform archetypal analysis of the entire population of female characters in the Newbery Medal and Honor books from 1967--2003. Archetypes are instantly recognizable concepts (ideas, characters, situations) in literature, legends, or dreams. Providing the basis for the archetypal analysis were Joseph Campbell's guidelines for the hero's Journey and the twelve archetypes set forth by Carol Pearson in her book Awakening the Heroes Within. The shadow sides of each archetype were also considered. The shadow side of the archetype is the powerful, negative aspect of the archetype, and when engaged, the characteristics of the archetype are exhibited to the extreme, thus creating a repugnant force that turns others away.; The study attempts to blend literary analysis with archetypal images, and it presents a longitudinal study (36 years) of the body of Newbery literature. It also encourages connections between critical and media literacy practices and popular culture and makes the point that an archetypal research framework can be replicated with almost any textual body.; The results of the study indicate that female protagonists tend to be Innocents, Orphans, and Seekers and that regardless of the genre, young girls take similar Journeys, while secondary characters enjoy more variety in archetypal assignments. The relationship between age and archetype emerge in certain archetypes. Older female characters tend to be Rulers, Destroyers, Magicians, and Sages. The Shadow sides of the archetypes are also primarily assigned to older women, an unfortunate finding that perpetuates a trend that older women who are in charge are considered tyrannical, evil, and not to be trusted. Younger female characters are Friends, Caregivers, Innocents, Orphans, and Seekers. Both young and mature characters can be found in the archetypes of Warrior and Fool.; In general, the genre of the book has little effect on the archetypal portrayal of the characters. With the exception of the Magician, which only appears in fantasy novels, the other eleven archetypes operate within the characters across all genres and validate the infinite idea that archetypes are universal and are experienced by everyone regardless of time period, race, religion, or sex. |
