Union of Myth and Romance: A Study of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ as a Realm of Northrop Frye’s Literary Archetypes

Abstract

This research investigates C.S Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia as a unification of myth and romance in the realm of Northrop Frye’s literary archetypes. The concept of archetypes is deeply entrenched within the genre of children’s fiction. These patterns or archetypes help create a multilayered canvas for the literary piece of work. Abiding by the widely acknowledged patterns of art, Lewis created this masterpiece for his young audience. In Frye’s terms, the novel fits into the category of myth and romance simultaneously, providing the protagonists that qualify both as mythical and romantic heroes. Archetypes from both genres are rigorously implied in all the books of The Chronicles of Narnia. Embedded under the semiotic expression of the tale, these archetypes serve to convey non-apparent meanings to the readers through the process of symbolization. The given research studies three different forms of archetypes in the seven books of The Chronicles of Narnia that include: the hero of myth and romance, pastoral and animal imagery, and the four mythoi of romance associated with the patterns seasonal cycles. The study, to sum up, explores how the use of archetypes conveys intended meanings by the author in more effective ways which enhances readers’ understanding beyond the surface-level expression of the text.