Finding our Roles in the Divine Drama of Life

Carl Gustav Jung, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, delved deeply into the mysteries of the human psyche, spirituality, and the archetypal forces that shape human existence.

A pioneer in exploring the intersection of psychology and the spiritual dimensions of life, Jung introduced ideas that continue to resonate with individuals seeking meaning beyond the material.

Central to his philosophy is the notion that life unfolds like a grand, divine drama, with each person playing a unique role as an actor on the stage of existence.

A parallel spiritual realm that lies beyond our ability to see, yet remains within our capacity to sense.

A few words on Terrence Malick and his connection to Carl Jung

Terrence Malick’s films often explore deep philosophical and existential themes, reflecting the complexity of human consciousness, much like Carl Jung’s work. Malick’s visual storytelling, which blends the natural world with introspective character studies, resonates with Jung’s ideas of the unconscious and archetypes.

The interconnectedness of the inner and outer worlds, a recurring theme in Malick’s films, aligns with Jung’s notion of individuation—the process of integrating the unconscious with the conscious self. Both Malick and Jung focus on the search for meaning, self-realization, and the spiritual dimensions of human existence, suggesting a shared exploration of the human psyche and its connection to the greater universe.

Two superimposed universes : the spiritual and the material

From Carl Jung’s perspective, the material external world and the spiritual inner world are deeply interconnected and superimposed upon one another. He believed that the external world, with its tangible experiences and structures, mirrors the inner world of the psyche, which consists of unconscious forces, archetypes, and symbols.

The material world often acts as a reflection of the inner spiritual landscape, where our thoughts, emotions, and personal growth manifest outwardly. Jung suggested that the psyche and the world are not separate entities but are in a constant dialogue, with the inner world shaping our perceptions of the external world and vice versa.

This relationship is reflected in the way dreams, symbols, and unconscious drives influence our interaction with reality, revealing how the spiritual and material realms are interwoven in the ongoing process of individuation, or the realization of the self.

The decline of spirituality in Western societies

Western societies have gradually lost their connection to the spiritual world due to historical, cultural, and intellectual shifts that emphasized materialism, scientific reasoning, and individualism. The Enlightenment marked a move away from religious and mystical explanations in favor of rationalism and empiricism. As modernity advanced, religion’s influence diminished, while technological progress, economic growth, and secular ideologies gained prominence.

The Industrial Revolution and urbanization further alienated people from nature and the transcendent, focusing them on productivity and consumerism. Meanwhile, psychological theories, like those of Freud, downplayed the spiritual aspects of life. This disconnection has led many to seek meaning in material success, leaving behind a sense of spiritual emptiness and existential crisis.

When external adventures and materialism fail to fulfill the soul

Carl Jung once encountered a woman who had traveled extensively around the world, visiting countless exotic locations and experiencing a variety of cultures. Despite her adventures and achievements, she confessed to feeling a profound emptiness, as though something vital was missing in her life.

For Jung, this was a poignant illustration of the modern condition: the pursuit of external experiences without engaging with the inner self. He believed that no amount of external exploration could substitute for the inner journey toward self-discovery and individuation.

Jung saw her restlessness as a symptom of disconnection from her deeper, unconscious self and the archetypal energies that imbue life with meaning. Her story underscored the importance of balancing external achievements with inner reflection to find a sense of wholeness and purpose.

The universal quest for meaning

According to Carl Jung, the quest for meaning is an intrinsic part of the human experience, deeply rooted in the search for wholeness and self-understanding. Jung believed that each person is on a journey to integrate the conscious and unconscious parts of the psyche, a process he termed individuation. This quest involves discovering one’s true self, beyond societal roles and external expectations, and embracing both light and shadow aspects of the personality.

For Jung, meaning is not something external to be found in material success or social approval, but rather something that emerges from within, through self-reflection, the integration of opposites, and engagement with the archetypes that reside in the collective unconscious. By facing inner conflicts and understanding the deeper layers of the self, individuals can find meaning in life, creating a harmonious balance between their inner world and the outer world, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.

How humans view life through stories, not facts

From Carl Jung’s perspective, humans perceive their lives not through isolated facts, but through the continuity of stories that create a coherent narrative. This narrative structure gives meaning to our experiences, as it allows us to integrate disparate moments into a larger framework, shaped by archetypes and symbols from the collective unconscious.

We see ourselves as protagonists in a story, constantly interpreting our lives through the lens of past, present, and future, and making sense of our struggles, triumphs, and transitions. The continuity of this narrative enables us to form a sense of identity and purpose, linking our individual experiences to universal themes, such as the hero’s journey, the search for meaning, and the integration of opposites.

By framing our lives as stories, we not only navigate our personal growth but also align ourselves with deeper, timeless patterns of human existence.

Jung’s revelations with the Pueblo tribe

Carl Jung’s encounter with the Pueblo tribe in Taos, New Mexico, left a profound impression on his understanding of spirituality and human existence. During his visit in the 1920s, Jung met with the Pueblo chief Ochwiay Biano (Mountain Lake), who shared his people’s worldview.

The chief explained how the Pueblos believed they played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the cosmos through their rituals and prayers, describing their sacred duty to ensure the sun’s daily rise. Jung was struck by the stark contrast between this deeply interconnected spiritual perspective and the detached materialism of Western culture.

“Yes, we are a small tribe, and these Americans, they want to interfere with our religion. They should not do it,  because we are the sons of the Father, the Sun. He who goes there”; (pointing to the sun) – “that is our Father. We must help him daily to rise over the horizon and to walk over Heaven. And we don’t do it for ourselves only: we do it for America, we do it for the whole world.”

(V18) Carl Jung, The Symbolic Life

He noted the Pueblo people’s sense of dignity, serenity, and purpose, rooted in their cosmic relationship with nature. This encounter reinforced Jung’s belief in the vital importance of myth and ritual in anchoring human life within a larger, meaningful framework, a concept that would later influence his theories on the collective unconscious and archetypes

“These people have no problems. They have their daily life, their symbolic life. They get up in the morning with a feeling of their great and divine responsibility: they are the sons of the Sun, the Father, and their daily duty is to help the Father over the horizon – not for themselves alone, but for the whole world. You should see these fellows: they have a natural fulfilled dignity.” 

Carl Jung, The Symbolic Life.

The timeless allure of stories: reflections of the soul

From Carl Jung’s perspective, our fascination with stories and movies stems from their deep connection to the collective unconscious—the universal repository of archetypes and shared human experiences. Stories resonate with us because they embody these archetypes, the timeless characters and motifs like the hero, the mentor, or the shadow, which reflect fundamental aspects of the human psyche. These narratives tap into the symbolic language of the unconscious, allowing us to confront inner conflicts and explore the meaning of life in a way that transcends our individual experiences.

Jung believed that stories are not merely entertainment but a sacred expression of the divine drama of existence. They mirror the journey of individuation, where the protagonist’s struggles, transformations, and triumphs echo our quest for wholeness and self-realization. By engaging with stories, we are not just spectators; we are participants in the eternal unfolding of the human condition, seeking to understand ourselves and our place within the greater cosmic narrative.

Jung’s archetypes: the Divine players

Jung’s concept of archetypes forms the cornerstone of his exploration into the “divine drama” of life. Archetypes are universal, primordial patterns and symbols that reside in the collective unconscious, shaping our perceptions, behaviors, and myths. These archetypes, such as the Hero, the Shadow, the Wise Old Man, the Mother, and the Trickster, are akin to the characters in a cosmic play, appearing across cultures and epochs in myths, literature, and dreams.

For Jung, these archetypal figures are not mere constructs of the mind but representations of deeper spiritual realities. They act as mediators between the conscious self and the transcendent, guiding individuals on their journey toward self-realization, or what Jung called “individuation.” Each archetype serves a specific purpose, helping us navigate life’s challenges, uncover hidden potentials, and confront the darker aspects of our psyche.

The Divine drama and individuation

Jung viewed life as a divine drama in which each individual is tasked with finding their unique role. This process involves confronting the ego’s illusions and integrating the unconscious, often symbolized by engaging with archetypes. The divine drama is not a scripted play with predetermined outcomes but an unfolding story where free will and destiny intertwine.

Individuation, the central theme of Jung’s work, is the process of becoming whole by reconciling the conscious and unconscious mind. In the context of the divine drama, it is akin to an actor discovering their true character, embracing their strengths and weaknesses, and performing their role authentically.

This journey often involves a confrontation with the Shadow, representing repressed fears and desires, and seeking guidance from archetypal figures like the Wise Old Man or the Anima/Animus, which symbolize the integration of opposite qualities.

The theater of life: symbols and myths

Jung believed that myths and symbols are the language of the divine drama. They serve as the script and stage directions, offering insights into the universal themes that underpin human existence. For example, the hero’s journey, a recurring motif in myths worldwide, reflects the psychological process of confronting trials, achieving transformation, and returning with newfound wisdom.

These myths are not relics of the past but living frameworks that continue to influence our modern lives. Jung emphasized that recognizing the symbolic dimensions of life allows us to participate more consciously in the divine drama, transforming mundane experiences into meaningful episodes of self-discovery.

Spirituality and the cosmic stage

Jung’s exploration of religion and spirituality highlights the divine drama’s larger context. He was deeply interested in the ways religious experiences and practices connect individuals to the archetypal dimensions of life. He saw God, not as an external deity, but as an archetypal presence within the collective unconscious, manifesting through symbols and experiences.

In Jung’s view, the divine drama is a theater of cosmic proportions, where humanity’s search for meaning mirrors a deeper spiritual reality. This perspective bridges psychology and mysticism, suggesting that the roles we play are not arbitrary but part of a larger, interconnected design.

Exploring Malick’s Characters Through Jungian Archetypes

Terrence Malick’s characters often align with Carl Jung’s archetypes, reflecting profound psychological and existential themes. Here’s how some of Malick’s key characters might be categorized according to Jungian archetypes:

1. The Hero

Characters like Pocahontas in The New World or Jack in The Tree of Life embody the Hero archetype. They undertake internal and external journeys, facing trials, transformations, and moments of profound self-discovery.

2. The Shadow

In The Tree of Life, the father figure (played by Brad Pitt) represents aspects of the Shadow. His authoritarian demeanor and internal struggles reflect the darker, unintegrated sides of human nature that the characters must confront to grow.

3. The Anima/Animus

Pocahontas in The New World serves as an Anima figure for John Smith and John Rolfe, guiding them toward deeper emotional and spiritual insights. Similarly, female characters often play a role in awakening Malick’s male protagonists to their inner lives.

4. The Wise Old Man/Woman

Malick’s films frequently feature guides or mentors who serve as embodiments of wisdom, such as the spiritual reflections provided through voiceovers or the symbolic presence of nature itself, which conveys timeless truths and guidance.

5. The Child

In The Tree of Life, the younger versions of the characters embody the innocence and potential of the Child archetype, representing untainted wonder and the possibility of transformation.

6. The Wanderer/Seeker

Characters like Kit in Badlands and Rick in Knight of Cups reflect the archetype of the Seeker. They embark on existential quests, grappling with their sense of belonging and the search for meaning, often at the expense of conventional life.

7. The Lover

John Rolfe in The New World exemplifies the Lover archetype in his tender relationship with Pocahontas, representing a balance of emotional depth and devotion.

8. The Eternal Feminine (Great Mother)

The maternal figure in The Tree of Life represents nurturing love, compassion, and grace. She embodies the archetypal Great Mother, providing the emotional and spiritual foundation for her family.

Malick’s characters and narratives often weave multiple archetypes together, reflecting the complexity of human nature and the intertwining of personal and universal themes in the “divine drama” of life.

9. The Trickster

Cook (Michael Fassbender) in Song to Song embodies Jung’s Trickster archetype, a dual figure who disrupts and catalyzes transformation. Through hedonism and manipulation, Cook destabilizes BV and Faye, drawing them into excess and exposing their vulnerabilities.

While his actions challenge and disrupt, they also provoke self-reflection, pushing the protagonists toward greater self-awareness and authenticity.

10. The Innocent

In The Tree of Life, R.L. embodies the Jungian Innocent archetype, representing purity, grace, and a gentle connection to the world. His kindness and artistic spirit contrast with Jack’s inner conflict, serving as a moral compass for the family.

Even after his death, R.L.’s memory symbolizes lost purity and guides Jack’s journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Finding and embracing our roles in the Divine dramaturgy of life

Jung’s vision of life as a divine drama invites us to see ourselves as both actors and co-creators of our destinies. By engaging with the archetypes and symbols that shape our experiences, we can participate more fully in the unfolding story of life. This perspective encourages self-awareness, humility, and a recognition of the sacred in the ordinary.

In the end, the divine drama is less about the plot’s outcome and more about how authentically we inhabit our roles. Whether we face triumph or tragedy, Jung reminds us that every act contributes to a greater narrative—a cosmic story in which each of us plays an indispensable part.