Which Y.A. Literary Archetype are You?

Ever read your favorite Y.A. novel and wondered if you’re more of a hero or mentor? Are you the character with hidden magic/supernatural powers, or perhaps a prince or princess in disguise? Are you more like Katniss or more like Clary (The Mortal Instruments)? Take this quiz to see what Y.A. literary archetype you represent most.

Psychologist James Hillman developed the concept of archetypal psychology after studying and training in analytical psychology. Using Jungian psychology as a base, Hillman moved beyond Jung’s teachings to create an understanding of our psyche as our soul. The theory behind archetypal psychology is that polytheistic mythology and it’s fantasies, myths, and archetypes shape our psychological lives. Because myths are one of the earliest forms of humankind’s the search for truth and understanding and attempt to make sense of the world around us, the idea is that these myths have psychological value (polytheistic myth as psychology). As humans developed and evolved these myths and their archetypes became embedded in our literature and other mediums of popular culture.

“The power of myth, its reality, resides precisely in its power to seize and influence psychic life. The Greeks knew this so well, and so they had no depth psychology and psychopathology such as we have. They had myths. And we have no myths – instead, depth psychology and psychopathology. Therefore… psychology shows myths in modern dress and myths show our depth psychology in ancient dress” (Hillman, 1990).

Hillman, J. (1990) Oedipus Variations: Studies in Literature and Psychoanalysis. Spring

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