Literary archetypes
Archetypal literary criticism is a type of analytical theory that interprets a text by focusing on recurring myths and archetypes (from the Greek archē, "beginning", and typos, "imprint") in the narrative, symbols, images, and character types in literary works. As an acknowledged form of literary criticism, it dates back to 1934 when Classical scholar Maud Bodkin published Archetypal Patterns in Poetry.
4 episodes
Episodes in this category also belong to the following categories:
Don Quixote
Melvyn Bragg discusses the importance, originality and enduring appeal of Cervantes’ classic 17th century Spanish novel Don Quixote, a cornerstone of Western literature.
16 March 2006
Featuring: Barry Ife, Edwin Williamson, Jane Whetnall
Heroism
Melvyn Bragg discusses what defines a hero, and their place in classical society. Nietzsche, the Romantics, Renaissance idealism and classical tragedy are brought to bear on the age old heroic ideal.
6 May 2004
Featuring: Angie Hobbs, A. C. Grayling, Paul Cartledge
Merlin
Melvyn Bragg discusses Merlin, prophet, magician, king maker and the original mad man of the woods, distraught at the death of his lord in battle.
30 June 2005
Featuring: Juliette Wood, Stephen Knight, Peter Forshaw
Robin Hood
Melvyn Bragg discusses the centuries old myth of the most romantic noble outlaw. Was he a yeoman, an aristocrat, an anarchist or the figment of a collective imagination?
30 October 2003
Featuring: Stephen Knight, Thomas Hahn, Juliette Wood