Fairytale Archetypes

Fairytale Archetypes

Why do storytellers use common fairytale characters, plot devices, and storylines?

Learning Focus

Today, you will be learning about archetypes in fairytales and how this applies to our study of the film Coraline.

By the end of this lesson activity, you should be able to:

1. Define what an archetype is and identify common archetypes in classic fairytales.

2. Explain why archetypes are important in storytelling and how they make stories familiar and engaging for different audiences.

3. Analyze how traditional fairytale archetypes are used or changed in Coraline.

4. Interpret the symbolism of key archetypes in Coraline and explain how they relate to the film’s themes.

An archetype is a typical character, symbol, or storyline that represents universal patterns in human nature. Archetypes are recurring elements found in stories, myths, and fairytales across different cultures and time periods.

For example, many stories feature what is called the Wise Mentor, who guides the hero with wisdom and experience.

Archetypes help us understand characters and their journeys because they reflect common experiences and emotions that people can relate to.

Filmmakers and storytellers often use archetypes to create characters or situations that feel familiar, even in new and creative stories.

What is an Archetype

Open Ended

In your own words, explain what an archetype is.

In many classic fairytales, the wicked stepmother is a common character who symbolizes jealousy and cruelty. Stories like Snow White and Cinderella feature stepmothers who try to harm the main character, often because they are jealous of their beauty, kindness, or good fortune.

Instead of being caring and protective like a mother should be, the stepmother is selfish and mean, treating the protagonist unfairly. This creates conflict in the story, which the hero or heroine must overcome by being brave and resourceful.

The wicked stepmother also shows the challenges that can come when a new person joins a family. In these stories, the stepmother’s actions force the main character to grow and change. By standing up to her cruelty or escaping her control, the protagonist often learns important lessons about courage and fairness. In the end, the defeat or outsmarting of the stepmother shows that good people can overcome evil, and that kindness and justice will win in the end.

The Wicked Stepmother

Open Ended

What does the "wicked stepmother" often symbolize in fairytale stories?

In many fairytales, magical objects play a key role in helping the main character on their journey. These objects, like Cinderella’s glass slipper or Aladdin’s magic lamp, often have special powers that allow the hero or heroine to accomplish something they couldn’t do on their own.

Sometimes, these items help the character discover their true potential, solve a problem, or defeat an evil force. The magical object is usually something rare and valuable, symbolizing the hidden strengths or wisdom the character gains along the way.

These magical objects also represent the idea that, with the right tools or help, people can overcome difficult challenges. In fairytales, they often appear at just the right moment when the hero or heroine is struggling, showing that even in the hardest times, something unexpected can lead to success.

The Magic Object

Open Ended

What do "magic objects" often symbolize in fairytales?

Many fairytales include animal companions who play an important role in helping the protagonist. These animals often possess special abilities, intelligence, or wisdom that guide the hero or heroine through difficult situations.

In stories like Cinderella, where birds and mice assist in her transformation, or Puss in Boots, where the clever cat helps his master rise to greatness, animal companions can symbolize loyalty, friendship, and even magical protection.

These animal companions often have a deeper connection to nature or magic, serving as trusted allies who help the main character on their journey. In many cases, they act as protectors or advisors, offering guidance or stepping in when the protagonist needs help the most. Their presence often adds an element of enchantment to the story, reinforcing the magical atmosphere of fairytales while highlighting the importance of kindness, trust, and teamwork.

Animal Ally

Why do modern filmmakers still use these story elements?

Modern filmmakers often incorporate classic fairytale elements, like magical objects, wicked stepmothers, or animal allies, to tap into the universal themes and archetypes that have resonated with audiences for centuries. These elements bring a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, while also offering opportunities for creative reinterpretation. By using well-known tropes, filmmakers can engage audiences with a foundation of traditional storytelling, then subvert or modernize those elements to reflect contemporary values and issues.

Additionally, fairytale elements often carry deep symbolic meaning. A magical object, for instance, might represent personal growth, inner strength, or the idea that even ordinary people can possess extraordinary potential. Incorporating these symbols into modern stories allows filmmakers to explore timeless themes like good vs. evil, bravery, and transformation, while also connecting them to more complex, modern dilemmas.

Open Ended

In your own words, explain why modern filmmakers still incorporate older fairytale elements in their movies.

Coraline as a Fairytale

How does Coraline follow and/or innovate on common fairytale elements like the ones discussed in this lesson?

Furthermore, in the previous text slide, we learned that writers will often use fairytale elements "to tap into the universal themes."

Therefore, what universal theme might the writers of the film be trying to communicate by incorporating fairytale elements in Coraline?

Provide a short paragraph response on the follow, final slide.

Open Ended

How does Coraline follow and/or innovate on common fairytale elements like the ones discussed in this lesson? What universal theme might the writers of the film be trying to communicate by incorporating fairytale elements in Coraline?

Word Cloud

Write one or two words that stood out to you about what you learned today.