Psychoanalytic Criticism

Introduction to Literature by : Nur khairunnisa binti Abdul ghani

Siti fatimah binti Husaini (pismp tesl jan 2014)

• Laurie G. Kirszner and Stephen R. Mandell (2007) explains psychoanalytical as an expression in fictional form of the inner workings of the human mind in the work of literature

Sigmund Freud - History

• May 6, 1856-Sept 23, 1939

• “Father of Psychoanalytics”

• University of Vienna

 • was an Austrian neurologist and

psychiatrist who co-founded the psychoanalytic school of psychology.

• known for his theories of unconscious mind and redefinition of sexual desire as mobile and directed towards a wide variety of objects.

Sigmund Freud - History• Developed the theory of human mind and human behavior as

well as clinical techniques for attempting to cure psychopathology.

• The goal of Freudian therapy, or psychoanalysis : to bring consciousness, repressed thoughts, and feelings.

• Theory of Unconscious Mind: suggested that such declarations of free will are in fact delusions; that we are not entirely aware of what we think and often act for reasons that have little to do with our conscious thoughts. He proposed that awareness existed in layers and that some thoughts occurred "below the surface."

What is the theory applied here?

Sigmund Freud - Theory

Carl Jung - History

• Began studying under Freud in 1904.

• Separated from Freud in 1913 & began to really develop his own theories, based on personal experience from his patients and himself.

• After his separation, many scientists and scholars discounted his ideas and believed he was too much involved in mythology.

• Continued to treat patients and work on his final writings up until his death.

• died on June 6, 1961

Carl Jung - Archetypes

• Archetypes are patterns which exist at the subconscious level

PSYCHOANALYTICAL

ANALYSIS

Movie : The Yellow WallpaperPoem : Because I could not

stop for death

MOVIE : THE YELLOW WALLPAPER

BY : CHARLOTTE PERKI GILLMANS

What has happened to the woman

Postpartum depression or Delusional conditions

She always feels that she is in a

dangerous place.

Based on Carl Jung Theory

• The animus

• Her shadow woman is a personification of her unconscious desire to be free. She sees the woman “shake” the paper, as her unconscious is fighting to escape her predicament.

• The shadow woman is also able to leave the room, something the narrator is unable to do. The narrator projects her inner yearnings to the shadow woman for her to carry out.

Based on Freud’s Theory

• Id and superego

• She struggles with the battle between her id and superego throughout. The superego in that she wants to do what is morally acceptable for a woman with her condition at that time, and to please her husband.

• The repressive nature of her husband’s action led her to experience a downward spiral into madness

Feminism criticism under psychoanalysis criticism

• In comparison to this written piece of history there lies a collective unconscious of women ravaged by patriarchal society, women victim to societal obligations and chance of fortune.

• She embodies a struggle for freedom, like Joan of Arc driven by thoughts and visions

• Even if the outcome is bad, the outcome might still be good

Poem :

Because I could not stop for

death By Emily Dikinsons-

Because I could not stop for Death He kindly stopped for me – The Carriage held but just Ourselves – And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no hasteAnd I had put awayMy labor and my leisure too,For His Civility –

We passed the School, where Children stroveAt Recess – in the Ring – We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain – We passed the Setting Sun –

Or rather – He passed us – The Dews drew quivering and chill – For only Gossamer, my Gown – My Tippet – only Tulle –

We paused before a House that seemedA Swelling of the Ground – The Roof was scarcely visible – The Cornice – in the Ground –

Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yetFeels shorter than the DayI first surmised the Horses' Heads Were toward Eternity –

Contextual: Based on poet’s background

• She lived her life separated from outside world as she matures

• She did not appear to seek social acceptance.• The deaths of friends & family including her

cousin Sophia, left Emily pondering about the afterlife

• Emily sent flowers to friends and family accompanied by a poem. But the poem was often ignored

Based on Sigmund Freud theory

Death Instinct‖• mostly responsible for the aggressive drive

where at times some persons manifest through their behaviour, an unconscious wish to die, or to hurt themselves or to hurt others.

• It is shown in the poem: “ Because I could not stop for death”

Based on Sigmund Freud theory

Unconscious mind : Reality • The persona feel the danger of external

world Ex: “ The Carriage held but just Ourselves” “ We slowly drove – He knew no haste”

• It shows that the persona does not accept other people in her life.