12 ANGRY MEN
 This text proves a very important point; 1 man can make a difference. In the story, all jurors need to agree before a verdict is submitted. It is an interesting question- if you were the only one in a room who disagreed, would you speak up, or go with the crowd? Luckily, juror 8 decides to speak his mind. As the story goes on, his opinion spreads, and other jurors begin to agree that the defendant is not guilty, because they know it is the right thing to do. " If you want to vote not guilty, then do it because you are convinced the man is not guilty. If you believe he is guilty, then vote that way. Or don't you have the … the guts—the guts to do what you think is right?" (juror 11) Juror 11 calls out his counterparts, many of them have voted guilty just so they can get out of the courtroom faster. This is not fair, because this kid's life is at stake, and as the jurors think about it more, they realize how this is unfair to the defendant. One theme that is evident in this is the idea that whether it is wrong or right, people will generally go with the crowd. Another theme that is evident is that one man, despite what adversity he may face, can change the life of someone else for the better. "There were eleven votes for guilty. It's not easy to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first." When juror 8 says this, it becomes apparent that he is prepared to do the right thing, even when it is not convenient for him.

Death of a Salesman.

Death of a Salesman is a popular play by Arthur Miller. It follows the hardships of a family living in New York in the 30's. Throughout the story, archetypes are evident in not only the characters, but in the plotline as well.
The idea of the pursuit of the American dream is not a new one, and has been embossed in countless stories. This is Willy Loman's motivation, and is an archetype that appears frequently in American culture. (Quote from Willy) " The man knew what he wanted and went out and got it! Walked into a jungle, and comes out, the age of twenty-one, and he’s rich! The world is an oyster, but you don’t crack it open on a mattress!" This quote expresses Willy's belief in the American Dream, and proves it's role in the story.

Willy's Wife, Linda, can be labeled as a damsel in distress, using the term loosely. She seems to know that Willy is a failure, but at the same time embellishes herself in the fantasy world he creates for himself. Because of this, and the fact that she is a weak, passive character, I consider her to be a perfect candidate for this archetype.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel rife with archetypes, and one of the more verbose stories that I've read in my high school years. The main character, Basil, is static in nature, and exists primarily as a facilitator. He is an artist, and his studio is surrounded by a lush garden (symbol of haven/ refuge). He is the quiet voice of reason, and genuinely cares for his friends. Basil is a perfect blend of the Loyal Retainer, and the outcast. As the story progresses and Dorian's innocence dissipates, so does Basil's connection with the outside world. Prior to his alienation, Basil is extremely loyal and uplifting to Dorian.
The clear candidate for the devil figure archetype in the novel is Lord Henry. He is Basil's friend, but quickly becomes infatuated with Dorian when Basil introduces the two. Dorian's innocence and beauty attracts Lord Henry instantaneously, and before long Dorian becomes his canvas. Throughout the story, Lord Henry uses Dorian as a medium to reflect his own beliefs and tastes, essentially transforming him from an innocent boy to a corrupt man. After recommending a certain book to Dorian, more or less forcing him to read it, the corruption begins. A line he says to Dorian that perfectly summarizes his toxic influence-"I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit.”
Dorian Gray is by far one of the most interesting character developments that I have read about. He is ultimately the Evil figure with a good heart, but displays common archetypes throughout his progression such as the innocent boy, and even the hero in some instances. Dorian is the perfect dynamic character in the worst way; he wishes to never show age and to stay young and beautiful forever, but his core grows rotten, and the portrait that Basil painted for him manifests the changes to his character that he traded for everlasting beauty. (About the picture) "There were opiates for remorse, drugs that could lull the moral sense to sleep. But here was a visible symbol of the degradation of sin. Here was an ever-present sign of the ruin men brought upon their souls."