PSYCHOLOGY

Psychoanalysis in Literature

Psychoanalysis in Literature

Introduction

Psychoanalytic literary criticism is a concept in which the influence of psychoanalysis commenced by Sigmund Freud is apparent in literary concepts, and may at its simplest form be the psychoanalysis of the author of some literary work. The psychoanalytic critic may treat the literary work's protagonist as a case study itself, and attempt to understand it in the context of Freudian concepts such as the Oedipus complex, Freudian slips, and penis envy and so on. Intricate methods for such psychoanalysis are also present such as case studies done on the narrative or poetic design of a literary work, as well as other such methods. Although some critics use psychoanalysis as a secure method for analysis on literary works and the symbolism, actions or settings used, there are certain limits under which such analytic work can take place, and not all literary works are illuminative enough for this method. Some criticize this method as being one on which student start to rely too much, thus forgetting that there are other modes of analysis available that may be more appropriate in interpreting certain works(Brooks, 1982).

Discussion

Psychoanalytic history in the context of literary criticism may only be understood if one is to make the assumption that literary criticisms may only apply to books while psychoanalysis are only of the mind. While psychoanalysis is considered a “talking cure”, some believe that literature is an element fundamental to it. As psychoanalysis is meant to deal with verbal communication as well as its appropriate understanding, it establishes a considerable approach towards the hermeneutics of distrust, the idea that there are motivations and connotations which are camouflaged by and work through other meanings. This distrust is not only restricted to psychoanalytic contemplation, but in prearranged contemplation as well, as in, it may be present in whatever idea we may understand, the actions we take, the subtexts, pretexts. As Psychoanalysis deals with motives, it may help in clarifying the context of literature in psychoanalysis, first, one the level of the writing and second, the level of reading. Literary elements such as poetry, metaphor and metonymy are dealt with in psychoanalysis; Freud particularly addresses the interpretation and understanding of dreams, which Lacan considered metaphor and metonymy to be essential in understanding the mind(Brooks, 2000).

Another aspect that is dealt with in psychoanalysis is the nature of the subject itself, what relationships might mean ad what is their recognition towards the psychic and literary forces. Lacan recognizes that the subject is ex-centric to itself, which leads to clearer understanding of literature and its connection to culture. Examination of personal anxieties are also possible with their relation to culture easily discernable, as well as looking to culture as revealing individuals deepest extrasensory levels. As related by Freud, understanding of psychoanalysis in literary terms may only be understood through the application of Oepidal conflict, of how an audience may respond to Oepidus, how an audience may respond to the character of Oedipus and Hamlet, as well as the ...