An Archetypal Analysis of Paulo Coelho’s Select Novels as a Heroic Journey

Abstract

The present research paper has two objectives. The first is to analyze the archetypes of the hero’s journey in the select novels; The Zahir and The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho. “The second is to show the transformation of the protagonists of the respected novels through their heroic journeys. The archetypal analysis is based on Joseph Campbell’s heroic journey monomyth as described in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Numerous people have been inspired by Joseph Campbell's influential study of the hero's journey throughout cultures, which has also uncovered new fields for investigation. The entire narrative of The Zahir and By the River Piedra I sat Down and Wept helps readers comprehend the hero's journey archetypes and vice versa. What quest the heroes are completing is revealed through the stages of the archetypes of the hero's journey.” This paper also examines how the archetypes of the hero’s journey have relevance to the life of any person seeking a fully realized existence today as the leading characters in the select novels go through the magnificent reshuffling, and that is from ignorance to wisdom and from dispiriting to spiritual awakening.