“Paragon Of Obstacle”: An Archetypal Analysis of the second one-third of “Scarborough” by Catherine Hernandez

Archetypes/ Harm/ Destruction/ Literary Theory/ Archetypal Analysis/ Representation/ Scarborough/ Catherine Hernandez

When examining “Scarborough” from an Archetypal perspective, it becomes evident that one’s journey can consist of obstacles such as facing harm or destruction which can be catastrophic. In spite of all the problems and hardships the characters of the story endure, misery and trauma do not leave the people of Scarborough. From the very beginning of the second one-third of the novel, the text features several significant archetypes. Firstly, when Hina(facilitator) tries her best in governing the center and writes some notes about Halloween, Jane Fulton(supervisor) sends her an email and says “Judging by your attendance, you had only seventeen children and their caregivers/parents. Not to alarm you, but usually Halloween (or any holiday for that matter) is a big attendance day for most centres in the province”. Also, she criticizes her and says ”Lastly, I am concerned about your grocery bill. I notice lots of requests for cereals and milk”(Hernandez). In this event (and throughout the novel), Hina Hassani represents the character archetype of The Hero while fulfilling her tasks in the center as well as getting along with Fulton's interference. On the contrary, Fulton is most likely indicating the character archetype of The Tyrant. She usually creates mental annoyance for Hina by sending her critical emails which tend to question the efficiency of The Hero’s performance. The combination of Hina's adversities and Fulton's criticisms represents the situation archetype of The Hero's Journey which is filled with trials. This situation emphasizes the obstacles in one’s journey which can be harmful.  In the continuation of the story, Laura(one of the three protagonists who may indicate the character archetype of Child/innocent) confronts an adversity. After being left behind by her father, she becomes obliged to live on her own in darkness. The author illustrates this situation several times when she says “...what little twilight was left in the sky transformed from lavender to darkness…It is dark outside. I am alone, again…still pantless, Laura went to the window of the now dark room to watch the snow fall”(Hernandez). In these statements, Catherine Hernandez tries to describe the trauma and destruction that Laura is going through as much as possible. At first, by using imagery to help the reader visualize the sunset, she puts more emphasis on the abstract concept of darkness which naturally comes after the completion of the sunset itself. Then, by repeating the word “dark”, she indirectly points out the symbolic archetype of the Darkness which symbolizes harm or destruction since “it is the opposite of what light represents: life and growth”(Innocent). Here, in Laura’s journey, the symbolic archetype of the Darkness represents the obstacles(harms) in her journey which are disastrous. All in all, when it comes to the archetypal perspective, it is so apropos to think critically about texts, especially because the archetypal elements inside them can show us the significance of one’s journey and its ramifications such as difficulties and obstacles.

In the continuation of the story, Laura(one of the three protagonists who may indicate the character archetype of Child/innocent) confronts an adversity. After being left behind by her father, she becomes obliged to live on her own in darkness. The author illustrates this situation several times when she says “...what little twilight was left in the sky transformed from lavender to darkness…It is dark outside. I am alone, again…still pantless, Laura went to the window of the now dark room to watch the snow fall”(Hernandez). In these statements, Catherine Hernandez tries to describe the trauma and destruction that Laura is going through as much as possible. At first, by using imagery to help the reader visualize the sunset, she puts more emphasis on the abstract concept of darkness which naturally comes after the completion of the sunset itself. Then, by repeating the word “dark”, she indirectly points out the symbolic archetype of the Darkness which symbolizes harm or destruction since “it is the opposite of what light represents: life and growth”(Innocent). Here, in Laura’s journey, the symbolic archetype of the Darkness represents the obstacles(harms) in her journey which are disastrous. All in all, when it comes to the archetypal perspective, it is so apropos to think critically about texts, especially because the archetypal elements inside them can show us the significance of one’s journey and its ramifications such as difficulties and obstacles.

Imagelink: https://backiee.com/static/wpdb/wallpapers/7680x4320/191596.jpg 

Works cited

Innocent, Author Resi. “The Spiritual Meaning of Darkness: Symbolism and Signs.”  Sodalite Minds, 5 Apr. 2022, https://sodaliteminds.com/spiritual-meaning-of-darkness/#:~:text=What%20Does%20Darkness%20Symbolize%3F%201%20Fear.%20Encountering%20darkness,light%20represents%3A%20life%20and%20growth.%204%20Evil.%20