There are many archetypal symbols throughout the story "Unbecoming". One example is "the outcast". Katie is the outcast figure in this book, she has a lot of trouble fitting in with her friends. Her best friend banished her from the friend group because she found out that Katie was lesbian. "Katie was cold, really shivery cold. She'd actually thought for the briefest moment that today might be different. The world had seemed momentarily pleased with her. She'd been lulled by sunshine (pg. 68)." It is significant because it shows the emotions Katie was going through while she was passing by that friend group. Another archetype I found was the "Mother and daughter conflict". Katie's mom Caroline and her grandmother Mary had a lot of conflicts and misunderstandings between them, and it all started way back when Caroline was a baby. "what might happen if she went back to her own place to live by herself? Mum said. Whats the worst thing?....The doctor blinked at Mum as if he couldn't quite believe she'd asked. (pg.87)". That quote is vital because even the doctor can sense that both parties were uncomfortable and knew that there was tension between them. The next archetypal symbol found in the book is the "platonic ideal". Do you have someone in your life who is your role model, the person who you admire alot and strive to become more like? Well for Katie, its her grandmother Mary. Katie sees Mary as someone who is invisible, fearless and confident in her actions. She is her inspiration to keep going in life. "She didn't want to hide away like Pat. She wanted to risk her heart like Mary (pg. 64)." I absolutely love that quote, it is important because it explains and brings out how Mary is a fearless character and how much Katie thrives to become like her. She is a women who oozes confidence in all aspects.
