would of mice and men be an archetype? why?
http://www.answers.com/archetype
Consider the meaning of the word; then if you decide it is an archetype, you'll have to be able to state what it's an archetype of!
=)
archetype: an image or symbol that is used repeatedly in art or literature
So, have you read any books or seen any movies lately whereby fate played a role in the life of a man, despite his other best laid plans?
To determine if "Of Mice and Men" can be considered an archetype, let's first understand what an archetype is. An archetype is an image, symbol, or narrative pattern that is universally recognized and used repeatedly in art or literature. It represents a common idea, theme, or character that transcends cultures and time periods.
In the case of "Of Mice and Men," it can indeed be seen as embodying certain archetypal elements. One such archetype is the theme of the American Dream, which features prominently in the novel. The American Dream archetype represents the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. The two main characters, George and Lennie, aspire to own their own piece of land and live off their own labor, which is a common manifestation of the American Dream archetype.
Additionally, "Of Mice and Men" can be seen as an embodiment of the tragic hero archetype. A tragic hero is a character who possesses noble qualities but is doomed by a tragic flaw or set of circumstances that leads to their downfall. In the novel, both George and Lennie can be viewed as tragic heroes. George's tragic flaw is his loyalty towards Lennie, which ultimately leads to his difficult decision at the end of the story. Lennie, on the other hand, possesses immense physical strength but is mentally impaired, which ultimately leads to tragic consequences.
It is important to note that archetypes can be subjective, and their identification may differ among individuals. Therefore, it is always beneficial to provide evidence from the text and analyze its themes, characters, and symbolism to support the claim that a particular work of literature is an archetype.