Archetypes-The Most Insightful Theory

"All the most powerful ideas in history go back to archetypes."

-Carl Jung 

What makes a literary theory effective?

By now, we have all become familiar with the various literary theories; reader response, archetypal, post-colonial, and feminist. Yet each time we have used them it has been because we were instructed to do so. It certainly makes things much easier for us doesn't it? So when faced with this final question, I had to put quite a bit of thought into it. After all, which theory had provided the most insight for me as a reader? My initial thought was that they had all contributed equally to my understanding, which is partly true. They certainly all helped me to take an even closer look into the underlining message of the novel. In order to discover which theory influenced me the most, I had to ask myself this question; What did I take away from the novel?  At the end of the day, what message spoke to me the most. Once I discovered that, it only meant I had to determine the method by which that message was communicated to me.

For me, the illegal wasn't about the various characters trials and tribulations. It was the larger picture, that every person has their own story. That maybe rather than being quick to accuse, we should show empathy and love towards others. This book is special because it draws attention to the plight of refugees and those who live under the rule of communist and totalitarian power. Lawrence Hill effectively draws the readers in so that by the end they feel as though they to have gone experienced the characters journeys with them. This feeling can be achieved through understanding the archetypes of the various characters. After all, it is only through understanding these archetypes can we fully comprehend the meaning of the story. 

Lawrence Hill does not simply create a boring atmosphere to draw attention to major issues, rather he creates characters and situations that readers can ultimately connect to on a personal level. Take the archetype of Keita for example; the hero. He is not a hero that can defy gravity or win whole wars. He is a hero for his simple humbleness of heart and unselfish nature. He constantly puts other before himself, such as his sister who he prioritizes over his own life. In this way, the author has constructed a hero that readers can easily immediate. In a selfish, greedy society there is no doubt that we desperately need people like Keita, who are so willing to seek justice. Or women like Viola Hill, the rebel, who is willing to expose the dishonesty of government officials and the injustices across the world. Or simple kindness such as displayed by Ivernia, the caregiver and mentor. Being able to simply open your heart and home to someone in need is an amazing quality. 

Through analyzing the characters from an archetypal perspective I was able to delve deeper into the real message of the novel, and gain a better understanding of the nature of humanity as a whole. It is the actions and qualities of the characters that bring the book to life, and connect with readers on a personal level. 

If you want to experience what I am talking about...read the Illegal. You won't regret it!