Animals as Archetypal Symbols
Many different approaches were used in locating the information for this paper. Like any idea first brainstorming occurred; after organizing the ideas, the words and phrases were put down on paper. The list was assessed, and books were looked up in the library, and research was continued on the internet. After skimming the content of the books, the context was used to analyze the symbols use as an archetype, through personal interpretation and the approach of the author.
The chosen category was the use of animals as an archetype in literature, paintings, stories, etc. Animals from the beginning of time have been used as omens to symbolize different hopes, emotions, and to set the atmosphere or theme for any given work. Through the search the Bible was found to obtain many animals that are used for a deeper meaning than what the surface reveals. For instance the dove and the lamb are related not only in their white color but in the purity that represent.
English: John the Baptist baptizing Christ
bibles
BibleThe dove in Noah's Ark is sent out in hopes of finding new life, set free the dove returns with an olive branch bringing with it the realization of a new life and new beginning which is pure and untainted. "He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf"(Genesis 9:10-11, The New Adventures Bible). Also the dove is ultimately seen in scriptures as symbolizing the Holy Spirit. This is seen in Jesus' Baptism. The "Descent of the Holy Spirit" comes in the form of a dove as Jesus is baptized. Baptism is personified through the dove as a cleansing and symbol of the new life that is...