Marley & Me

Marley the Hero

Marley is an excellent example of the anti hero. For John and Jenny it was very hard to like Marley at first. Marley was way too energetic for his own good. He ate Jenny's precious gold bracelet, destroyed a feather pillow, got expelled from obedience school, and much more. After a while however, Jenny and John grew to love Marley.

The hero archetype of quest relates to Marley in chapter thirteen because Marley must defend John while he helps the girl who got stabbed. The stakes are high because if the person came back, he might have attacked her once more or injured them too. It also follows the archetype because Marley gained a sense of maturity and responsibility. He normally was a hyper active dog, but when he knew there was danger he took action and protected them. It also follows the hero archetype because it is thought to be impossible for Marley. John even said "(Marley) would merely grow fanatic, yapping, and panting" (116) when talking about if anyone tried to hurt their baby. However, this doesn't follow the archetype because failure wouldn't bring doom for the whole nation. Also Marley didn't face physical suffering.

Marley also relates to the heroic archetype of reward because he is honoured by John after his death. After Marley dies, John writes an article about him:

"A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things - a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in the shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty. (279)

This relates to the reward archetype because he is rewarded for his efforts and sacrifices by being honoured in some way. Marley is also honoured by Connor and Colleen, who both make cards for him.

Another example of Marley relating to the heroic archetype of the quest is when he is trying to be the best dog possible. At one point Jenny threatened to kick Marley out of the house. The stakes were high for Marley because if he didn't become better behaved, John would have to send him to the pound. This relates to the quest archetype because the stakes are high for the hero. After failing obedience school the first time, Jenny thought it would be impossible for Marley to pass. This relates to the archetype because it is difficult and thought to be impossible. After passing obedience school, Marley gained maturity, wisdom, and responsibility.

Marley and Me also relates to the heroic archetype of birth because Marley was born out of divine entities as his mother is an AKC purebred. It also follows the characteristics of the hero archetype because his birth was shrouded in mystery as John and Jenny didn't know who Marley's father was. They later met his father, who was a yellow lab just like Marley's mother however "this one was soaking wet and covered up to its belly in mud and burrs." (9). It didn't follow the hero archetype of birth because his birth didn't cause a power struggle between two sides nor was Marley a target for violence from the time he was born.

Marley and Me relates to the destiny part of the hero archetype because he has two protectors, John and Jenny. Marley somewhat mingles with the humans through riddles because he can not speak so he has to show John and Jenny how he feels. His Marley Mambo was how he showed his delight. However Marley doesn't fit the archetype because he wasn't destined to do great things and his protectors didn't make sure that his destiny was carried out.

@font-face{font-family:yola_heading_font;src:url("resources/KGTheLastTime.ttf");}MARLEY & ME

MARLEY & ME