The theory of archetypes began with the work of psychologist Carl Jung as an attempt to explain the relationship between myth and the subconscious mind by positing a "collective unconscious" in which we all participate and which is expressed in enduring myths, legends, and archetypes. Two major figures who have applied Jungian psychology to myth and literature are Joseph Campbell and Northrop Frye. In none of these is there an "intelligent female archetype". In fact,...
The theory of archetypes began with the work of psychologist Carl Jung as an attempt to explain the relationship between myth and the subconscious mind by positing a "collective unconscious" in which we all participate and which is expressed in enduring myths, legends, and archetypes. Two major figures who have applied Jungian psychology to myth and literature are Joseph Campbell and Northrop Frye. In none of these is there an "intelligent female archetype". In fact, one feminist critique of these theorists is that they were so focused on the male hero that their female archetypes are quite limited and mainly engage the theme of motherhood.
Penelope is one of the earliest exempla of a positive, intelligent female character in literature, and as such has been very influential in the literary tradition. Her main characteristic is unswerving loyalty to her husband. Despite women lacking power to act directly within a patriarchal society, she uses her intellect to outwit the suitors, weaving a shroud during the day that she unweaves at night. Her intelligence is also shown in the recognition scene, in which she shows herself to be smart and skeptical, her raising of Telemachus, and the way she helps ensure Odysseus' victory over the soldiers.
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