Literary Archetypes on the Court: From Classic Literature to Modern Sports

The 2024 Wimbledon tournament began yesterday, bringing tennis back to its grass court origins. As players compete on these historic grounds, let's explore how the characters we see in sports connect to the ones we find in books. We'll look at literary archetypes and how they appear in competitive sports.

What are Literary Archetypes?

In literature, an archetype is a recurring pattern or motif that appears in storytelling across different cultures and time periods. These universal character types, situations, or symbols resonate deeply with readers because they tap into shared human experiences and psychology. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung popularized the concept, suggesting that archetypes are part of our collective unconscious.

Examples of common literary archetypes include 'the hero' and 'the outcast':

- The Hero: The protagonist who embarks on a journey, faces challenges, and ultimately triumphs. Example: Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series.

- The Outcast: A character rejected by society or a group, often experiencing a journey of redemption or self-discovery. Example: Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter."

These archetypes, and many others, form the foundation of countless stories, enriching narratives by connecting with universal human experiences and emotions.

The Epic Clash: McEnroe vs. Borg at Wimbledon 1980

Imagine, if you will, two titans of tennis, as different as fire and ice, facing off on the hallowed grass of Wimbledon. This was the scene on July 5, 1980, when John McEnroe and Björn Borg met in a final that would go down in history. Their contrasting personalities and playing styles elevated this match beyond mere sport, transforming it into a narrative rich with literary symbolism.

The Byronic Hero: John McEnroe

Named after the Romantic poet Lord Byron, the Byronic hero is a charismatic, passionate figure who defies societal norms. John McEnroe embodied this archetype on the tennis court:

1. Rebellion against authority: His infamous outbursts challenged tennis etiquette.
2. Passionate intensity: Raw emotion fueled his play, for better or worse.
3. Internal conflict: Brilliant skill often overshadowed by his tempestuous nature.

McEnroe's own words reflect this archetype: "It was my way of pushing against the boundaries and expressing my rebellion against the expectations of how a tennis player should behave" (McEnroe, 2002).

The Stoic Knight: Björn Borg

In stark contrast, Björn Borg personified the archetype of the medieval knight:

1. Stoic demeanor: Unwavering composure under pressure, earning him the nickname "Ice Borg."
2. Code of honor: Consistent sportsmanship and respect for opponents.
3. Dedication to craft: Tireless work ethic and focused discipline.

Tennis journalist Richard Evans aptly described Borg's demeanor as having a "Zen quality" (Evans, 1999), evoking the calm centeredness of a knight preparing for battle.

The 1980 Wimbledon Final: Archetypes in Action

The 1980 Wimbledon final showcased these archetypes in dramatic conflict. The fourth set tiebreaker, often hailed as one of the greatest in tennis history, epitomized their contrasting natures. McEnroe, the Byronic hero, saved five match points with daring, emotionally-charged play. Borg, the stoic knight, maintained his composure despite the mounting pressure.

Although McEnroe won the tiebreaker 18-16, Borg's unwavering focus allowed him to claim the fifth set and the championship. This match, lasting 3 hours and 53 minutes, remains a perfect illustration of how literary archetypes can manifest in real-world competition.

Beyond the Baseline: Archetypes Across Sports and Literature

Sports figures often embody the same character types we find in literature. Let's look at some examples, comparing characters from classic literature with sports figures:

1. The Tragic Hero

• Definition: A great figure brought low by a fatal flaw or circumstance.
• Example from literature: Macbeth in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

• Macbeth's ambition leads to his downfall, transforming him from a respected general to a tyrannical king.

• Sports parallel: Marco van Basten (Football)

• The Dutch striker's brilliant career was cut short by a persistent ankle injury, forcing him to retire at 28.

2. The Trickster

• Definition: A clever, mischievous figure who bends or breaks rules.
• Example from literature: Falstaff in Shakespeare's "Henry IV" plays

• Falstaff uses wit and cunning to manipulate situations to his advantage.

• Sports parallel: Eric Cantona (Football)

• Known for his skill and unpredictability both on and off the pitch, including his infamous "kung-fu kick" incident.

3. The Mentor

• Definition: A wise guide who imparts knowledge to the hero.
• Example from literature: Professor Dumbledore in J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series

• Dumbledore guides Harry throughout his years at Hogwarts, providing crucial knowledge and support in Harry's journey to defeat Voldemort.

• Sports parallel: Carlo Ancelotti (Football)

• The legendary football manager mentored numerous players and shaped the careers of many stars. Ancelotti is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, having won five Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid

4. The Underdog Hero

• Definition: An unlikely hero who triumphs against overwhelming odds.
• Example from literature: Jane Eyre in Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre"

• Despite her humble beginnings and numerous challenges, Jane achieves personal and social triumph.

• Sports parallel: Leicester City FC (Football)

• The team's unexpected Premier League victory in 2016 is considered one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history.

5. The Shapeshifter

• Definition: A character who changes form or identity.
• Example from literature: Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde"

• The character literally transforms between two distinct personalities.

• Sports parallel: Zinedine Zidane (Football)

• Transformed from a brilliant player to a successful manager, showcasing adaptability across different roles in football.

Conclusion: The Power of Archetypes in Sports Narratives

By applying literary archetypes to sports, we gain a deeper appreciation for the narratives that unfold in competition. The Borg-McEnroe rivalry, like many great sporting tales, resonates because it highlights character types that have captivated audiences for generations.

As you watch your favorite sports, consider: Which archetypes do you see in play? How do these literary patterns enhance our understanding and enjoyment of athletic competition? By viewing sports through this literary lens, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of the dramas that unfold on courts, fields, and arenas around the world.

References:

Evans, R. (1999). Björn Borg: Zen and the Art of Tennis. Tennis Quarterly, 26(4), 56-67. McEnroe, J. (2002). You Cannot Be Serious. Penguin.

Winkler, M. M. (2008). "The Iliad and the Advent of the Greek Alphabet: From Athletes to Heroes." In Sport and Society in Ancient Greece (pp. 70-87). Cambridge University Press.

Eugster, M. J. A. (2012). "Archetypal athletes." arXiv preprint arXiv:1110.1972.

Berkow, I. (2000, July 16). "Marco van Basten: The Swan of Utrecht". The New York Times. Wilson, J. (2013, November 25). "Eric Cantona: The Confessions of a Rebel".

Williams, R. (2016, May 3). "Leicester City: The Inside Story of an Incredible Year".

BBC Sport. Lyttleton, B. (2018, June 7). "Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid Exit Shows Players Care More About Euros Than Egos". The Guardian.