Final answer:
Exemplums as 'archetypal narrative elements' refer to universally recognized patterns in storytelling, such as characters or situations that recur across cultures. These can include the trickster, the hero's journey, or significant symbols like the forbidden fruit. Understanding archetypes helps explain the appeal and thematic depth of stories including epics like Harry Potter or Star Wars.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we say that exemplums are "archetypal narrative elements," we mean that they serve as original models or patterns in storytelling that are universally recognized. Archetypes can be characters, situations, or symbols that are common across cultures and time periods. For example, the trickster archetype can be seen in figures like Coyote in Native American myths or Brer Rabbit in African American folklore, while the journey home archetype is exemplified by Odysseus's voyage back to Ithaca.
An archetype is similar to a sculptor's original model from which countless replicas can be made. This concept also applies to objects like the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden and common narrative structures, such as the hero's journey, that resonate with audiences because of their familiarity and symbolic significance.
In contemporary society, epics such as Harry Potter or Star Wars are filled with archetypes like the hero, the mentor, and the quest, which helps to explain their widespread appeal. By identifying and understanding these archetypes, we can gain insights into the underlying themes and values of the narrative. Jung's concept of archetypes plays a crucial role in shaping the way stories are told and received, which is evident even in modern storytelling.