THE SEASONAL ARCHETYPES AND SYMBOLIC IMAGERY IN LITERARY TRADITIONS: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article investigates how seasonal archetypes and traditional symbolic imagery function within literary traditions, drawing on Northrop Frye’s theory of cyclical mythological structures and contrasting them with the mystical interpretations found in classical Eastern literature. It further considers Gilbert Durand’s and Joseph Campbell’s contributions to understanding archetypes as dynamic cultural and psychological constructs. By tracing the evolution of seasonal metaphors—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—as well as related archetypes like the Hero, the Wise Old Man, and the White Goddess, the discussion highlights how these images preserve collective memory while continually adapting to new cultural, aesthetic, and philosophical contexts.