Sumbolic Archetypes

Light vs. Dark

Light usually suggests hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination; darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair

Water vs. Desert

Because water is necessary to life and growth, it commonly appears as a birth or rebirth symbol. Water is used in baptismal services, which solemnize spiritual births. Similarly, the appearance of rain in a work of literature can suggrst a character”s spiritual birth

Heaven and Hell

Man has traditionally associated parts of the universe not accessible to him with the dwelling places of the primordial forces that govern his world. The skies and mountaintops house his gods; the bowels of the earth constrain the diabolical forces that inhabit his universe.

Innate Wisdom versus Educated Stupidity

Some characters exhibit wisdom and understanding of situations instinctively, as opposed to those supposedly in charge. Loyal retainers often exhibit this wisdom as they accompany the hero in the journey.