Download Psychoanalytic Approaches to Literature

Psychoanalytic Approaches to
Literature
(1)
(2)
(3)
Structure of the Mind, Child
Development & Oedipus
Complex
Dream and Sexual Symbols
Psychological Diseases
Psychological problems
Undue repression of our desires
Conflict in our psyche between ego and id
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Defense Mechanisms
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Neurosis-- symptoms which
at once protect against
the unconscious desire
and covertly express it.
e.g. compulsive smoking
Breakup:
Psychosis
Neuroses
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1. as a Disorder: Neuroses are characterized by
such symptoms as anxiety, insecurity,
depression, and unreasonable fears. Neurotic
disorders seldom disable a person totally.
Individuals who have a neurotic disorder
recognize the symptoms as unacceptable and
strange.
2.as a psychological mechanism: the process
begins with an unconscious conflict between
opposing desires or between a desire and a
prohibition.
Psychosis

The link between the ego and the external
world is ruptured, and the unconscious
begins to build up an alternative,
delusional reality
Problems caused in different stages:
Fixation & regression
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A. Orals - have problems with dependency
needs
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B. Anals - have problems with aggression
- either overcontrol or undercontrol.

C. Phallics - have problems with sex &
sexual identity
Possible applications of
Psychoanalysis
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journey to the unconscious: studying the
unconscious motives of the author, or the
characters.
Oedipus complex, Oedipus drama in a
family
Dream analysis or analysis of sexual
symbols
Defense mechanisms, or psychological
diseases