Harnessing the Dark Side: Suspense, Resonance, and the Archetypal Shadow in Fiction

Carl Jung theorized that the archetypal Shadow is the reservoir for human darkness. It is also the seat of creativity. Fiction writers: are you paying attention? In this literature-based, craft-oriented workshop, we’ll examine the role of the Jungian Shadow in several well-known fantasy novels for young and older readers. In the process of dissecting passages from selected works, we’ll discover how the Shadow is not only a key concept for arriving at a more complete understanding of ourselves (and therefore of our characters), but also an important tool for creating deeply compelling, page-turning stories. Novels discussed may include The Lord of the Rings; The Golden Compass; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Dark is Rising; The Hunger Games; A Game of Thrones; and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. It will be helpful if participants have read at least a few of these books. Note that although the discussion will center on YA and fantasy novels, the craft-oriented lessons are applicable to fiction writers in any genre. We’ll conclude the discussion portion of the workshop with an exercise aimed at inviting the Shadow more fully into our own lives and creative work. Finally, participants will have a chance to incorporate what they’ve learned into a new piece of writing to share.