The Seven Basic Plots

The Seven Basic Plots
Author: Christopher Booker
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 737
Release: 2005-11-11
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 1441116516

This remarkable and monumental book at last provides a comprehensive answer to the age-old riddle of whether there are only a small number of 'basic stories' in the world. Using a wealth of examples, from ancient myths and folk tales via the plays and novels of great literature to the popular movies and TV soap operas of today, it shows that there are seven archetypal themes which recur throughout every kind of storytelling. But this is only the prelude to an investigation into how and why we are 'programmed' to imagine stories in these ways, and how they relate to the inmost patterns of human psychology. Drawing on a vast array of examples, from Proust to detective stories, from the Marquis de Sade to E.T., Christopher Booker then leads us through the extraordinary changes in the nature of storytelling over the past 200 years, and why so many stories have 'lost the plot' by losing touch with their underlying archetypal purpose. Booker analyses why evolution has given us the need to tell stories and illustrates how storytelling has provided a uniquely revealing mirror to mankind's psychological development over the past 5000 years. This seminal book opens up in an entirely new way our understanding of the real purpose storytelling plays in our lives, and will be a talking point for years to come.

Archetypal Explorations

Archetypal Explorations
Author: Richard M. Gray
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 334
Release: 2003-09-02
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1134809026

Archetypal Expressions is a fresh approach to one of Jung's best-know and most exciting concepts. Richard M. Gray uses archetypes as the basis for a new means of interpreting the world and lays the foundations of what he terms an "archetypal sociology". Jung's ideas are combined with elements of modern biology and systems theory to explore the basic human experiences of life, which recur through the ages. Revealing the implicitly cross-cultural and interdisciplinary nature of Jungian Psychology, Archetypal Explorations represents a significant contribution to the literature of archetypes and integrative approaches to human behaviour.

DIY MFA

DIY MFA
Author: Gabriela Pereira
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 306
Release: 2016-07-08
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1599639343

Get the Knowledge Without the College! You are a writer. You dream of sharing your words with the world, and you're willing to put in the hard work to achieve success. You may have even considered earning your MFA, but for whatever reason--tuition costs, the time commitment, or other responsibilities--you've never been able to do it. Or maybe you've been looking for a self-guided approach so you don't have to go back to school. This book is for you. DIY MFA is the do-it-yourself alternative to a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. By combining the three main components of a traditional MFA--writing, reading, and community--it teaches you how to craft compelling stories, engage your readers, and publish your work. Inside you'll learn how to: • Set customized goals for writing and learning. • Generate ideas on demand. • Outline your book from beginning to end. • Breathe life into your characters. • Master point of view, voice, dialogue, and more. • Read with a "writer's eye" to emulate the techniques of others. • Network like a pro, get the most out of writing workshops, and submit your work successfully. Writing belongs to everyone--not only those who earn a degree. With DIY MFA, you can take charge of your writing, produce high-quality work, get published, and build a writing career.

Archetypes and Motifs in Folklore and Literature: A Handbook

Archetypes and Motifs in Folklore and Literature: A Handbook
Author: Jane Garry
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 552
Release: 2017-07-05
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 135157616X

This is an authoritative presentation and discussion of the most basic thematic elements universally found in folklore and literature. The reference provides a detailed analysis of the most common archetypes or motifs found in the folklore of selected communities around the world. Each entry is written by a noted authority in the field, and includes accompanying reference citations. Entries are keyed to the Motif-Index of Folk Literature by Stith Thompson and grouped according to that Index's scheme. The reference also includes an introductory essay on the concepts of archetypes and motifs and the scholarship associated with them. This is the only book in English on motifs and themes that is completely folklore oriented, deals with motif numbers, and is tied to the Thompson Motif-Index. It includes in-depth examination of such motifs as: Bewitching; Chance and Fate; Choice of Roads; Death or Departure of the Gods; the Double; Ghosts and Other Revenants; the Hero Cycle; Journey to the Otherworld; Magic Invulnerability; Soothsayer; Transformation; Tricksters.

A Theory of Musical Narrative

A Theory of Musical Narrative
Author: Byron Almén
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Total Pages: 263
Release: 2017-09-04
Genre: Music
ISBN: 0253030285

Byron Almén proposes an original synthesis of approaches to musical narrative from literary criticism, semiotics, historiography, musicology, and music theory, resulting in a significant critical reorientation of the field. This volume includes an extensive survey of traditional approaches to musical narrative illustrated by a wide variety of musical examples that highlight the range and applicability of the theoretical apparatus. Almén provides a careful delineation of the essential elements and preconditions of musical narrative organization, an eclectic analytical model applicable to a wide range of musical styles and repertoires, a classification scheme of narrative types and subtypes reflecting conceptually distinct narrative strategies, a wide array of interpretive categories, and a sensitivity to the dependence of narrative interpretation on the cultural milieu of the work, its various audiences, and the analyst. A Theory of Musical Narrative provides both an excellent introduction to an increasingly important conceptual domain and a complex reassessment of its possibilities and characteristics.

Awakening the Heroes Within

Awakening the Heroes Within
Author: Carol S. Pearson
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 419
Release: 2012-07-31
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0062238000

"The heroic quest is about saying 'yes' to yourself and in so doing, becoming more fully alive and more effective in the world. . . . The quest is replete with dangers and pitfalls, but it offers great rewards: the capacity to be successful in the world, knowledge of the mysteries of the human soul, and the opportunity to find and express your unique gifts in the world." In this bold and original work, Carol S. Pearson shows that the heroic quest isn't just for certain people under special circumstances. Exploring the many heroic paths available to each of us, at every point in our lives, her innovative program enables us to live heroically by activating and applying twelve archetypes in our lives. This companion to the bestselling The Hero Within outlines twelve archetypal patterns that can aid inner development and the quest for wholeness. These archetypes are inner guides that can help us prepare for the journey, by learning how to become successful members of society; embark upon the quest, by becoming initiated into the mysteries of the human soul; and return to transform our lives as a result of claiming our uniqueness and personal power. Writing for individuals seeking to realize their full potential and professionals engaged in empowering others, Pearson shows how journeys differ by the age, gender, and cultural background of the seeker, and how archetypes help awaken the capacities of our psyches. A unique diagnostic test, the Heroic Myth Index, and exercise are included to help us understand and awaken our inner guides.

Handbook of Research on Narrative Interactions

Handbook of Research on Narrative Interactions
Author: Yilmaz, Recep
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 401
Release: 2021-01-29
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 179984904X

Our understanding of the concept of narrative has undergone a significant transformation over time, particularly today as new communication technologies are developed and popularized. As new narrative genres are born and old ones undergo great change by the minute, a thorough understanding can shed light on which storytelling elements work best in what format. That deep understanding can then help build strong, satisfying stories. The Handbook of Research on Narrative Interactions is an essential publication that examines the relationships between types of narratives in a shifting and widening scope of storytelling forms. While highlighting a wide range of topics including contemporary culture, advertising, and transmedia storytelling, this book is ideally designed for media professionals, content creators, advertisers, entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians, and students.

Companion to Literary Myths, Heroes and Archetypes

Companion to Literary Myths, Heroes and Archetypes
Author: Pierre Brunel
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 1242
Release: 2015-07-30
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 1317387147

First published in French in 1988, and in English in 1992, this companion explores the nature of the literary myth in a collection of over 100 essays, from Abraham to Zoroaster. Its coverage is international and draws on legends from prehistory to the modern age throughout literature, whether fiction, poetry or drama. Essays on classical figures, as well as later myths, explore the origin, development and various incarnations of their subjects. Alongside entries on western archetypes, are analyses of non-European myths from across the world, including Africa, China, Japan, Latin America and India. This book will be indispensable for students and teachers of literature, history and cultural studies, as well as anyone interested in the fascinating world of mythology. A detailed bibliography and index are included. ‘The Companion provides a fine interpretive road map to Western culture’s use of archetypal stories.’ Wilson Library Review ‘It certainly is a comprehensive volume... extremely useful.’ Times Higher Education Supplement

Summary of K.M. Weiland's Writing Archetypal Character Arcs

Summary of K.M. Weiland's Writing Archetypal Character Arcs
Author: Milkyway Media
Publisher: Milkyway Media
Total Pages: 52
Release: 2024-07-22
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

Get the Summary of K.M. Weiland's Writing Archetypal Character Arcs in 20 minutes. Please note: This is a summary & not the original book. "Writing Archetypal Character Arcs" by K.M. Weiland delves into the profound impact of archetypes in storytelling, emphasizing their role in reflecting human experiences and growth. The book outlines six primary Positive Change character arcs—Maiden, Hero, Queen, King, Crone, and Mage—each representing stages in the human life cycle. These arcs are divided into three acts: Individuation (Maiden, Hero), Integration (Queen, King), and Transformation (Crone, Mage). Each arc involves overcoming specific antagonists and internal struggles, leading to personal and communal transformation...