Summary of "Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day" – Archetype (March 27, 2025)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
• Host: Peter Sokolowski
• Episode: Archetype
• Release Date: March 27, 2025

Introduction to "Archetype"

In the March 27, 2025, episode of "Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day," host Peter Sokolowski introduces and explores the word "archetype." The episode delves into its definition, origins, applications in literature, and its relevance in everyday language.

Definition and Spelling

Peter begins by presenting the word of the day, spelling it out for clarity:

"Archetype is spelled A-R-C-H-E-T-Y-P-E." ([00:38])

He defines archetype as a noun with two primary meanings:

1. A perfect example of a particular person or thing.
2. The original pattern or model from which all others of the same type are derived or copied.

Archetypes in Literature and Storytelling

The discussion transitions to the role of archetypes in literature, highlighting their significance in folktales, fairy tales, myths, and legends. Peter emphasizes how these narratives are compelling due to their incorporation of recognizable archetypes such as the evil stepmother, the dutiful daughter, and the greedy king.

Quote: "These stories, many of them passed down to us across generations, are compelling because of the recognizable archetypes they incorporate—the evil stepmother, the dutiful daughter, the greedy king, etc." ([00:38])

He further explains that archetypes contribute to the straightforward moral arcs of these stories and utilize elements like magic and transformation to drive the plot.

Origins of "Archetype"

Peter delves into the etymology of archetype, tracing its roots back to two Greek words:

• Archein (ἀρχεῖν) meaning "to begin."
• Typos (τύπος) meaning "type."

He notes that archetype entered the English language in the mid-1500s and has since been influenced by philosophical and psychological thinkers such as Plato, John Locke, and Carl Jung.

Quote: "Archetype's origins are in two Greek words, the verb 'archein,' meaning to begin, and the noun 'typos,' meaning type." ([00:38])

Archetypes in Modern Literature

The episode references Naomi Klein's 2024 book, "A Trip into the Mirror World," to illustrate the enduring presence of archetypes in modern storytelling. Peter discusses the doppelganger archetype, explaining how it has been used over time to explore profound themes like life and death, the body versus the soul, and the ego versus the id.

Quote: "Klein doesn't mean that the same double evil twin or changeling keeps popping up throughout history, of course, but that the original concept of doppelganger has served as a pattern, model or template for writers to use in different ways, each supplying it with their own imagined details." ([00:38])

Archetype in Everyday Language

Moving beyond literature, Peter highlights how archetype is commonly used in everyday language to denote a perfect example of something. He cites Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" as an archetype of doppelganger fiction, showcasing how the term transcends literary contexts to describe quintessential examples in various fields.

Quote: "In everyday prose, archetype is most commonly used to mean a perfect example, as in Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is considered an archetype of doppelganger fiction." ([00:38])

Conclusion

Peter Sokolowski wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of understanding archetypes in both literary analysis and everyday discourse. By recognizing archetypes, listeners can gain deeper insights into storytelling mechanisms and appreciate the patterns that shape narratives across different mediums.

Notable Quotes

• "Archetype is a noun. It refers to someone or something that is seen to be a perfect example. It's also a word for the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are representations or copies." ([00:38])

• "These stories, many of them passed down to us across generations, are compelling because of the recognizable archetypes they incorporate—the evil stepmother, the dutiful daughter, the greedy king, etc." ([00:38])

• "Archetype's origins are in two Greek words, the verb 'archein,' meaning to begin, and the noun 'typos,' meaning type." ([00:38])

• "The original concept of doppelganger has served as a pattern, model or template for writers to use in different ways, each supplying it with their own imagined details." ([00:38])

• "In everyday prose, archetype is most commonly used to mean a perfect example, as in Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is considered an archetype of doppelganger fiction." ([00:38])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the "Archetype" episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, providing valuable information for those who did not have the opportunity to listen.