Archetypes In O Brother, Where Art-Thou

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Throughout history, no matter what story or film, there’s always archetypes which applies to characters. Archetypes are repeated personas used in works of film and literature, they help create and maintain the story so that it is interesting and helps define the characters. The movie O Brother, Where Art-Thou is one work of fiction that depicts archetypes well. There are just a few of the existing archetypes portrayed in the movie, but it shows just how diverse the community of archetypes is. Many other movies and stories have the same archetypes and some may portray it differently, but in the end, it is the same template for the character. For example in this film, there is the hero, Everett, the fool, Delmar, and the trickster, Big Dan, who …show more content…
The hero generally goes on a journey throughout the story, in which they demonstrate leadership well, learn valuable lessons or completes a task of some sort. Everett goes on his journey when he finds out that his wife may be moving on from him. In the beginning there are arguments over the leadership of the group, but Everett demonstrates his leadership skills by talking things out with Pete and making ends meet. Everett might make mistakes once in awhile, but he mainly shows great leadership and helps everyone in the group, such as when he frees Pete and when he rescues Tommy. Another great example of a hero would be Woody from Toy Story. A great example is when Andy is moving and he decides to throw away all the toys, but Woody climbs down the drain and does his best to save his friends as he is the leader. He sets out on a journey to find Buzz despite the dangers of the world and he is always trying to help others such as teaching Buzz that he isn’t actually a toy. Lastly, Hercules is a perfect description of a hero. After all his tasks, when he finally saves a Meg and defeats Hades, he is welcomed home for being so noble, but he declines as he wants to spend his days with Meg showing that he has learned some moral lessons. Hercules goes on his journey to become a true hero, overcomes many enemies, and displays great abilities such as his

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