Archetypes and Coming of Age Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering literary archetypes, elements of coming of age, and the concept of a Bildungsroman based on lecture notes.

Archetype

The original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a first form.

Cookie Cutter

The visual metaphor used to remember what an archetype is.

Hero Archetype

A character on a quest, such as Spiderman.

Sidekick Archetype

A loyal companion to the hero.

Villain Archetype

A character who goes against the hero, such as the Joker.

Mentor Archetype

A character who guides the hero, such as Mr. Miyagi.

Bildungsroman

A novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of its main character from youth to adulthood.

Bildung

A root word forming bildungsroman, meaning education.

Roman

A root word forming bildungsroman, meaning novel.

Loss of Innocence

An event that happens when a child is exposed to the harsh realities of the world.

Innocence (Denotative Meaning)

Purity; lack of corruption.

Rite of Passage

A ritual that marks a change in a person's social status, with life examples such as graduation or getting a driver's license.

Adolescence to Adulthood Transition

An element of coming of age involving developing morality (determining right and wrong), taking responsibility for one's actions, and growing in maturity.

Key Features of a Bildungsroman

A young protagonist who experiences a desire to change, a journey, clashes with authority figures or society, realizations about self and the world, and reconciliation with society or self.