Leading up to this climactic moment and to the princess’ unknown decision in the trial, both stories incorporate various literary archetypes used to make the fundamental question of human nature more approachable. The persona, the shadow, the sacrifice, and the symbolism of predators all make significant appearances in these stories. These archetypes serve the purpose of connecting directly to the reader through universally meaningful elements. Wrapping the complex question of human nature in archetype makes the subject matter more accessible.
Both tales incorporate the Jungian archetype of the persona, “a mask which is adopted in response to the demands of social convention and tradition and to [the hero’s] own inner archetypal needs… The …show more content…
Throughout The Devil and Miss Prym, personal angels and devils are used to represent warring good and evil within both Carlos and Chantal. For example, when Carlos arrives in Viscos intent on testing the town with temptation, it is immediately clear to old Berta that he brings the Devil with him. These angels and devils essentially personify the shadow archetype into familiar Christian symbols of good and evil. In “The Lady, or the Tiger?” the princess’ shadow is her intensity of feeling, the barbaric nature making her so similar to her father. This “barbarity,” as Stockton calls it, represents her untamed, raw, human …show more content…
Carlos asks the same crucial question that drives readers to both stories: is humanity, in essence, good or evil? Of the two works of fiction, philosophy and archetype are used most effectively to explore the protagonist’s conflict and pivotal choice in The Devil and Miss Prym, as Chantal’s final decision brings the story to its climax and also concludes the novel with a meaningful resolution. The eventual triumph of good conveys hope as well as depicts a realistic cynicism about human nature. In contrast, “The Lady, or the Tiger?” asks the same question but never resolves the issue, leaving the reader to their unguided thoughts. We can only hope the positive resolution in The Devil and Miss Prym truly does reflect humanity’s tendency to eventually choose good, as this does not always seem to be the case in our everyday
Both tales incorporate the Jungian archetype of the persona, “a mask which is adopted in response to the demands of social convention and tradition and to [the hero’s] own inner archetypal needs… The …show more content…
Throughout The Devil and Miss Prym, personal angels and devils are used to represent warring good and evil within both Carlos and Chantal. For example, when Carlos arrives in Viscos intent on testing the town with temptation, it is immediately clear to old Berta that he brings the Devil with him. These angels and devils essentially personify the shadow archetype into familiar Christian symbols of good and evil. In “The Lady, or the Tiger?” the princess’ shadow is her intensity of feeling, the barbaric nature making her so similar to her father. This “barbarity,” as Stockton calls it, represents her untamed, raw, human …show more content…
Carlos asks the same crucial question that drives readers to both stories: is humanity, in essence, good or evil? Of the two works of fiction, philosophy and archetype are used most effectively to explore the protagonist’s conflict and pivotal choice in The Devil and Miss Prym, as Chantal’s final decision brings the story to its climax and also concludes the novel with a meaningful resolution. The eventual triumph of good conveys hope as well as depicts a realistic cynicism about human nature. In contrast, “The Lady, or the Tiger?” asks the same question but never resolves the issue, leaving the reader to their unguided thoughts. We can only hope the positive resolution in The Devil and Miss Prym truly does reflect humanity’s tendency to eventually choose good, as this does not always seem to be the case in our everyday