spongebob squarepants: a jungian perspective

I've uncovered timeless archetypal truths in watching SpongeBob SquarePants. I feel the reason behind the show's immense success lies in its careful navigation of a character undergoing individuation. There are themes, characteristics, and emotions that resonate with all, precisely because they tap into the unconscious imagery embedded in our DNA.

SpongeBob SquarePants is set entirely under the sea. The ocean, in all its mystery, is often used as metaphor for the unconscious. Jung commonly refers to his path towards individuation as a "nekyia," "catabasis," or, maybe most interestingly, "a night sea journey." SpongeBob, by virtue of his endowments, navigates unconscious material in his immediate surroundings on a day to day basis. He does so with a nimbleness and levity that speaks to the archetype that he embodies.

SpongeBob is a Puer, possibly Aeternus, but we'll never know as his individuation is never truly complete by the series' end. His youthful exuberance and life-affirming behavior speaks to us by means of longing. We enjoy SpongeBob's antics precisely because they breathe vitality into the drudgery of unconscious living. Despite his immaturity, there is a creative manner in which SpongeBob chooses to operate. If you find yourself dismissive of the show's slapstick humor, you may want to delve into why that is. Maybe there is an imbalance. Maybe SpongeBob serves as a signpost to nurture your inner child. You may be too much of a Squidward.

Squidward's archetype is that of the Senex. Too much rationality robs you of the awe, beauty, and splendor of life as a creative act. It's no mystery as to why Squidward offsets SpongeBob, he is as relatable as SpongeBob, only in the opposite direction. SpongeBob and Squidward represent the Puer and Senex dichotomy, the Apollonian and Dionysian, and their interactions create the same kinds of tension that integrating one or the other would in your persons.

Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob's father figure, represents the archetype of The Tyrant. The ways and manner in which The Tyrant interacts with either SpongeBob or Squidward speaks to how little integration either of those characters have achieved. SpongeBob would do well to be more like Squidward and vice versa. Their orientations to The Tyrant would be less reactive, but it wouldn't be a stretch to suppose The Tyrant archetype is precisely what keeps the two locked in their respective archetypes.

Patrick Star, SpongeBob's closest companion, can be most accurately described as embodying the archetype of The Fool. Patrick's main attribute is one of low intelligence, but he often provides insight by simplifying otherwise complex interactions between characters of the show. Patrick has the capacity to come up with naive yet genius plans or solutions. This same cartoon archetype harkens back to Pinky from Pinky and the Brain. Willingly or no, Patrick taps into what is referred to as "The Wisdom of the Fool," or what the Buddhists refer to as "The Beginner's Mind." The Fool and the Puer together evoke a powerful, faceted character, and it's easy to see why the two are paired. Especially in the context of an Underwater Hero's Journey.

If Patrick resembles Pinky, then Plankton most certainly resembles Brain. Plankton is the embodiment of The Trickster archetype, and possesses qualities that Jung referred to as our Collective Shadow. He is manipulative, egotistical, power-hungry and, at times, violently aggressive. Plankton is the show's primary antagonist, and has the uncanny ability to activate the Shadows of the rest of the cast. Plankton resembles the concentrated, repressed aspects of the self that we won't readily accept in ourselves.

Sandy Cheeks is SpongeBob's Anima. He has yet to integrate Sandy Cheeks. This is made readily apparent by his Anima's need for a scuba suit. His anima operates outside the realm of his immediate consciousness. For Spongebob to adequately meet, interact, and dialogue with his Anima, either he or she must traverse treacherous, foreign territory. I haven't seen enough episodes to see how this could resolve, but I'll be sure to report back once I've assembled more of my observations. I'm hoping Spongebob gets closer towards integrating his Anima, and meets her on her terms, so as to balance the poles of his existence.