Psychoanalytic Criticism

Question 1

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

Answer 1

Pioneered theory and revultoized udnerstanding of human brain and improtant of expirences and hwo they shape the brain

Question 2

Unconscious Mind

Answer 2

Beneath our conscious awareness lies a vast reservoir of unconscious thoughts, desires, memories, and impulses.

influence our behavior, often without our awareness.

driven by unconscious motivations, including desires, fears, and conflicts

provide insights into irrational behaviors, emotional responses, and psychological ailments.

Question 3

Examples of Desires, Fears and Conflict everyday

Answer 3

Slips of tongue, Dreams, Behavior pattern and emotional responses

Question 4

Components of Psych According to Freud

Answer 4

Id; primitive and instinctual part of the psyche. (Operates on the Pleasure Principle, implusive and demainding to aviod pain)

Ego; develops from the id and operates on the reality principle. (Mediates Between Id and Superego, uses rational thinking and problem solving)

Superego; develops from the ego and represents internalized societal and parental standards. (Produces Feelings of Guilt or Pride, strives for perfection and imposes moral/ethical judgments)

Question 5

Interaction and Conflicts

Answer 5

Freud proposed that the id, ego, and superego are in constant dynamic interaction.

lead to psychological tension and shape an individual’s personality and behavior.

Question 6

Defense Mechanisms

Answer 6

Repression; Pushing threatening or conflicting memories, thoughts, or impulses into the unconscious. (forgetting)

Projection: Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to others.

Denial;

Sublimation; Channeling unacceptable impulses or instincts into socially acceptable activities.

Question 7

Exploration of Unconscious Motivations

Answer 7

Role in character development
Influence of Early Experiences
Representation of Unconscious desires
Psychological journey

Question 8

Psychoanalytic Possibilities

Answer 8

Freudian Theory (Startin point to ends itself to even further investigation)

Lacanian Analysis (examine narrative structure and the construction of identity in literature.)

Trauma Theory (how characters’ experiences of trauma shape their behavior, relationships, and worldview in literature.)

Object Relations Theory (Focus on how characters’ relationships with others (objects) reflect their internal dynamics and early life experiences.)