Structuralism and Semiotics: Frye "The Archetypes in Literature"

Frye seems particularly interested in what causes particular genres and archetypes to form.  In order to find cause of this formation, he looks for various patterns in imagery throughout time.  He traces back archetypes to ancient rituals and traditions, which I found to be interesting as a lot of it applied to several religious studies classes I have taken. People associated the seasons and certain symbols with other symbols such as life or death. Frye breaks it down essentially like this:

Spring→birth, revival→romance

Summer→success, marriage→comedy, pastoral

Autumn→death→tragedy

Winter→defeat→satire

These traditions and types often have different variations, but the imagery within each general is somewhat similar.  These patterns and associations are seen throughout literature and oral tradition in a great many cultures and communities, explaining their prevalence in literary works.

Another section I found to be interesting was the following quote: “The importance of the god or hero in the myth lies in the fact that such characters, who are conceived in human likeness and yet have more power over nature, gradually build up the vision of an omnipotent personal community beyond an indifferent nature.”  Like our need for rituals to try to influence the earth, we as humans like to try to explain things and try to overcome the indifference and pure randomness of nature.  This leads to our need for figures that are able to exert themselves against nature and prevail.  I found this to be an extremely insightful explanation as to the origin and need for hero figures in literature.