12.7 Myth and psychoanalytic literary theory
10 min read•august 21, 2024
Psychoanalytic theory revolutionized myth and literature studies by introducing psychological interpretations of narratives and characters. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing new frameworks for understanding human behavior and cultural expressions.
Key concepts like the mind, , and reshaped how we analyze myths and stories. These ideas offer unique insights into the hidden meanings and psychological functions of narratives across cultures.
Origins of psychoanalytic theory
- Psychoanalytic theory revolutionized the study of myth and literature by introducing psychological interpretations of narratives and characters
- Emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing new frameworks for understanding human behavior and cultural expressions
- Influenced literary criticism by emphasizing the role of the unconscious in creative processes and narrative structures
Freud's influence on literature
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- developed psychoanalysis as a method to treat mental disorders and understand human psychology
- Introduced concepts of the unconscious mind, repression, and dream symbolism that profoundly impacted literary analysis
- Applied psychoanalytic principles to interpret literary works (Oedipus Rex, Hamlet)
- Emphasized the role of childhood experiences and sexual desires in shaping human behavior and artistic expression
Jung's archetypal approach
- expanded on Freud's theories, developing analytical psychology
- Introduced the concept of , a shared reservoir of universal human experiences
- Proposed the existence of archetypes, primordial images and patterns that appear across cultures and mythologies
- Applied archetypal analysis to myths, folktales, and literature to uncover universal themes and symbols
- Influenced literary criticism by providing a framework for interpreting recurring character types and narrative structures
Key psychoanalytic concepts
- Psychoanalytic theory introduced fundamental ideas about the human psyche that reshaped the understanding of myth and literature
- These concepts provided new tools for analyzing characters, plot structures, and symbolic elements in narratives
- Understanding these key concepts is essential for applying psychoanalytic approaches to mythological and literary texts
Unconscious vs conscious mind
- Unconscious mind contains repressed thoughts, memories, and desires that influence behavior
- Conscious mind represents the awareness of immediate thoughts, perceptions, and experiences
- Psychoanalysis aims to bring unconscious content into conscious awareness
- Literary works often explore the tension between characters' conscious actions and unconscious motivations
- Myths frequently symbolize the struggle between conscious and unconscious forces (light vs darkness, order vs chaos)
Id, ego, and superego
- represents primitive instincts and desires, operates on the pleasure principle
- mediates between id and reality, follows the reality principle
- embodies moral and societal standards, strives for perfection
- These three components of the psyche often manifest as conflicting characters or forces in myths and literature
- Literary analysis can interpret characters as representations of id (impulsive characters), ego (protagonists), or superego (authority figures)
Oedipus complex in mythology
- Freud's theory of unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent
- Named after the Greek myth of Oedipus, who unknowingly killed his father and married his mother
- Appears in various mythological narratives across cultures (Electra complex for females)
- Influences character relationships and plot dynamics in literature and myth
- Psychoanalytic interpretation sees this complex as a universal stage of psychological development reflected in cultural narratives
Psychoanalysis and myth interpretation
- Psychoanalytic approaches offer unique insights into the hidden meanings and psychological functions of myths
- These interpretations view myths as expressions of collective human experiences and unconscious desires
- Applying psychoanalytic techniques to myth analysis reveals deeper layers of meaning and cultural significance
Symbolism in mythic narratives
- Myths employ symbols to represent complex psychological concepts and experiences
- Psychoanalysis interprets mythic symbols as representations of unconscious desires, fears, and conflicts
- Common mythic symbols include:
- Water: rebirth, the unconscious mind
- Trees: growth, connection between conscious and unconscious
- Serpents: transformation, hidden knowledge
- Symbolic interpretation reveals universal themes and psychological processes embedded in diverse mythologies
- Psychoanalytic approach sees mythic symbols as a "language" of the unconscious shared across cultures
Dream analysis techniques
- Freud viewed dreams as the "royal road to the unconscious"
- techniques applied to myths reveal hidden meanings and psychological content
- Key elements of dream analysis in myth interpretation:
- Condensation: multiple meanings compressed into single images
- Displacement: emotions transferred from one object to another
- Symbolization: abstract ideas represented by concrete images
- Myths often structured like dreams, with non-linear narratives and symbolic imagery
- Analyzing myths using dream interpretation techniques uncovers deeper psychological significance
Archetypes in world mythology
- Jung's concept of archetypes as universal patterns in the collective unconscious
- Common archetypes in world mythology include:
- The Hero: represents the ego's quest for identity and wholeness
- The Great Mother: nurturing and destructive aspects of the feminine
- The Wise Old Man: guidance and wisdom
- The Trickster: chaos, transformation, and the breaking of conventions
- Archetypal analysis reveals shared psychological structures across diverse mythological traditions
- Helps explain similarities in myths from unconnected cultures
Mythic heroes and psychoanalysis
- Psychoanalytic theory provides a framework for understanding the psychological significance of mythic heroes
- Heroes in myths often represent the human psyche's journey towards wholeness and self-realization
- Analyzing mythic heroes through a psychoanalytic lens reveals universal patterns of psychological development
Hero's journey as individuation
- Joseph Campbell's monomyth concept aligns with Jung's idea of individuation
- Individuation represents the process of integrating unconscious aspects of the psyche into consciousness
- Stages of the correspond to psychological development:
- Departure: separation from the familiar (ego development)
- Initiation: confronting challenges (integrating unconscious content)
- Return: bringing newfound wisdom back to society (achieving psychic wholeness)
- Mythic heroes embody the human struggle for self-realization and psychological growth
- Analysis of hero myths reveals universal patterns of psychological transformation across cultures
Mother goddess archetype
- Represents the nurturing and destructive aspects of the feminine principle
- Manifests in various mythological figures (Gaia, Kali, Isis)
- Psychoanalytic interpretation sees the mother goddess as symbolizing:
- The unconscious mind
- The source of life and death
- The ambivalent nature of the maternal relationship
- Plays a crucial role in hero myths, often as both helper and obstacle
- Reflects complex psychological attitudes towards femininity and motherhood in different cultures
Shadow self in mythic villains
- Jung's concept of the shadow represents repressed aspects of the psyche
- Mythic villains often embody the hero's shadow, representing unacknowledged or rejected parts of the self
- Characteristics of shadow figures in myths:
- Often share traits with the hero
- Represent temptations or fears the hero must overcome
- May transform or be integrated as the hero develops
- Psychoanalytic interpretation sees the hero-villain conflict as an internal psychological struggle
- Analyzing mythic villains reveals cultural and individual attitudes towards socially unacceptable traits or desires
Psychosexual stages in myths
- Freud's theory of psychosexual development provides a framework for interpreting mythic motifs and symbols
- Myths often contain elements that correspond to different stages of psychosexual development
- Analyzing myths through this lens reveals cultural attitudes towards sexuality and psychological maturation
Oral stage mythic motifs
- Represents the earliest stage of psychosexual development, focused on oral gratification
- Mythic motifs associated with the oral stage:
- Devouring monsters (Cronos eating his children)
- Magical foods or drinks (ambrosia, soma)
- Heroes with extraordinary vocal abilities (Orpheus)
- Psychoanalytic interpretation sees these motifs as reflecting early childhood experiences and anxieties
- Reveals cultural attitudes towards dependency, nurturance, and consumption
Anal stage in folklore
- Corresponds to the stage of development focused on toilet training and control
- Folkloric elements associated with the anal stage:
- Stories involving cleanliness or dirtiness
- Tales of hoarding or excessive generosity
- Characters with magical control over bodily functions
- Psychoanalytic analysis interprets these elements as reflecting issues of control, order, and possession
- Reveals cultural attitudes towards discipline, authority, and personal boundaries
Phallic symbolism in legends
- Relates to the stage of development focused on genital awareness and Oedipal conflicts
- Phallic symbols in legends and myths:
- Weapons (swords, spears)
- Tall structures (towers, mountains)
- Serpents and dragons
- Psychoanalytic interpretation sees these symbols as representing sexual power, potency, and competition
- Analysis reveals cultural attitudes towards masculinity, femininity, and sexual identity
Myth and collective unconscious
- Jung's concept of the collective unconscious provides a framework for understanding shared mythic patterns across cultures
- Psychoanalytic theory sees myths as expressions of universal psychological structures and experiences
- Analyzing myths through this lens reveals deep connections between diverse cultural narratives
Cultural myths as shared psyche
- Myths reflect and shape the collective psyche of a culture
- Represent shared values, fears, and aspirations of a society
- Function as psychological tools for:
- Socialization
- Explaining natural phenomena
- Coping with existential questions
- Psychoanalytic interpretation sees cultural myths as expressions of collective unconscious content
- Analyzing cultural myths reveals underlying psychological structures of different societies
Universal symbols across cultures
- Certain symbols appear consistently in myths from diverse cultures
- Common universal symbols include:
- The World Tree: connection between realms
- The Great Flood: destruction and renewal
- The Divine Child: potential and new beginnings
- Psychoanalytic theory interprets these symbols as expressions of shared human experiences and psychological structures
- Analysis of universal symbols reveals common psychological concerns and archetypes across humanity
Mythic patterns in dreams
- Jung observed similarities between mythic narratives and dream content
- Dreams often incorporate mythic themes and symbols
- Common mythic patterns in dreams:
- Quests or journeys
- Encounters with monsters or divine beings
- Transformations or magical events
- Psychoanalytic interpretation sees these patterns as expressions of universal psychological processes
- Analyzing mythic patterns in dreams reveals connections between individual and collective unconscious content
Psychoanalytic literary criticism
- Applies psychoanalytic concepts and techniques to the analysis of literary texts
- Views literature as an expression of the author's and readers' unconscious desires and conflicts
- Provides tools for deeper understanding of character motivations, plot structures, and symbolic elements in literature
Character analysis techniques
- Examines characters as representations of psychological states or processes
- Techniques for psychoanalytic character analysis:
- Identifying defense mechanisms (repression, projection, sublimation)
- Analyzing character relationships through Oedipal or family dynamics
- Interpreting character actions as expressions of unconscious desires
- Reveals deeper layers of meaning in character interactions and development
- Helps understand characters as complex psychological entities rather than simple archetypes
Plot as psychological journey
- Interprets narrative structures as representations of psychological processes
- Views plot development as a metaphor for:
- Individual maturation
- Resolution of internal conflicts
- Integration of unconscious content
- Analyzes key plot points as symbolic representations of psychological milestones
- Reveals underlying psychological themes and patterns in narrative structures
- Helps understand how stories reflect and shape human psychological experiences
Setting as mental landscape
- Interprets literary settings as representations of psychological states or the unconscious mind
- Techniques for analyzing setting psychoanalytically:
- Identifying symbolic representations of mental states (forests as the unconscious)
- Examining transitions between settings as psychological shifts
- Analyzing the interaction between characters and their environment
- Reveals how authors use setting to externalize internal psychological processes
- Helps understand the psychological significance of spatial and environmental elements in literature
Contemporary applications
- Modern psychoanalytic approaches to myth and literature incorporate diverse perspectives and methodologies
- These contemporary applications expand the scope of psychoanalytic interpretation to address issues of gender, culture, and identity
- Integrating psychoanalytic theory with other critical approaches provides new insights into mythic and literary texts
Feminist psychoanalytic approaches
- Critiques and revises traditional Freudian and Jungian theories from a feminist perspective
- Focuses on:
- Reinterpreting female characters and symbols in myths and literature
- Examining the impact of patriarchal structures on psychic development
- Exploring alternative models of feminine psychology (Horney, Chodorow)
- Analyzes myths and literature for representations of female experience and desire
- Reveals how gender dynamics shape narrative structures and symbolic systems in texts
Postcolonial psychoanalytic readings
- Applies psychoanalytic concepts to understand the psychological effects of colonialism
- Examines:
- The impact of cultural displacement on individual and collective psyche
- Psychological dynamics between colonizer and colonized
- Reinterpretation of myths and literature from non-Western perspectives
- Analyzes how colonial experiences shape narrative structures and character psychology
- Reveals the psychological dimensions of cultural conflict and identity formation in postcolonial contexts
Queer theory and myth analysis
- Integrates psychoanalytic concepts with queer theory to examine representations of sexuality and gender in myths and literature
- Focuses on:
- Reinterpreting mythic figures and narratives through a queer lens
- Examining the psychological dynamics of non-normative sexualities and gender identities
- Analyzing the role of desire and identification in myth and literature
- Reveals hidden or suppressed queer elements in traditional mythic narratives
- Provides new perspectives on the psychological functions of myths in relation to sexuality and gender identity
Critiques of psychoanalytic theory
- While influential, psychoanalytic approaches to myth and literature have faced significant criticisms
- Understanding these critiques is essential for a balanced application of psychoanalytic theory in literary and mythological studies
- Considering alternative approaches alongside psychoanalysis can provide a more comprehensive understanding of texts
Limitations in myth interpretation
- Overemphasis on sexual symbolism can lead to reductive interpretations
- Tendency to impose Western psychological models on non-Western myths
- Difficulty in verifying interpretations due to the subjective nature of analysis
- Risk of overlooking historical and cultural contexts in favor of psychological explanations
- Potential for circular reasoning when interpreting myths to support psychoanalytic theories
Cultural bias in psychoanalysis
- Traditional psychoanalytic theory rooted in Western, patriarchal worldviews
- May not adequately account for diverse cultural experiences and psychological structures
- Risk of pathologizing cultural differences or non-Western psychological models
- Tendency to universalize Western concepts of self, family, and sexuality
- Need for greater cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in psychoanalytic approaches to myth and literature
Alternative psychological approaches
- Cognitive approaches focus on mental processes and schema in myth comprehension
- Evolutionary psychology examines the adaptive functions of myths and storytelling
- Social psychology explores how myths reflect and shape group dynamics
- Narrative psychology analyzes how individuals use mythic structures to construct personal identities
- Transpersonal psychology investigates spiritual and transcendent aspects of mythic experiences
- Integrating multiple psychological perspectives can provide a more comprehensive understanding of myths and literature
Key Terms to Review (26)
Anal stage in folklore: The anal stage in folklore refers to a phase in psychosexual development characterized by the focus on control and organization, often represented through narratives that emphasize themes of order versus chaos. This stage reflects the conflict between authority and personal autonomy, which can be seen in myths and stories where characters struggle with societal expectations and personal desires. It highlights how various cultures narrate the negotiation between discipline and freedom.
Archetypes: Archetypes are universal symbols, themes, or characters that recur across cultures and time periods, representing fundamental human experiences and emotions. They serve as foundational elements in myths and literature, helping to convey deeper meanings and connect stories to shared human experiences. Archetypes can be found in various forms such as characters, plots, and motifs, making them essential for understanding narratives and their psychological and sociological implications.
Carl Jung: Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology, emphasizing the importance of the collective unconscious and archetypes in understanding human behavior and mythology. His theories intersect with various aspects of storytelling, exploring how myths reveal deeper psychological truths and cultural similarities across societies.
Character analysis techniques: Character analysis techniques refer to the methods used to examine and interpret the traits, motivations, and development of characters in literary works. These techniques often involve looking at a character's actions, dialogue, relationships, and inner thoughts to gain deeper insight into their complexities and the roles they play within narratives. These analyses can reveal how characters embody themes and reflect the human experience, especially when viewed through various theoretical lenses like psychoanalytic approaches.
Collective unconscious: The collective unconscious is a concept developed by Carl Jung that refers to the part of the unconscious mind that is shared among all human beings, containing universal experiences, memories, and symbols. This collective layer of unconsciousness shapes human experiences and behaviors, influencing the way myths, symbols, and archetypes appear across cultures.
Cultural archetypes: Cultural archetypes are universal symbols, themes, or characters that appear across different cultures and literature, representing fundamental human experiences and emotions. These archetypes often embody collective beliefs and values, shaping narratives and resonating with audiences on a deep psychological level.
Dream analysis: Dream analysis is a psychoanalytic technique used to interpret the content and symbolism of dreams, revealing unconscious desires and conflicts. This practice connects closely with the study of myths, as both dreams and myths can express shared human experiences and psychological truths, often unveiling deeper meanings through symbolic representation.
Ego: The ego is a key component of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory, acting as the mediator between the individual's instinctual drives (id), moral standards (superego), and reality. It helps individuals navigate their desires and the demands of the outside world while maintaining a sense of self. The ego is crucial in understanding how myths reflect human psychology and behavior, influencing both personal and collective narratives.
Hero's Journey: The hero's journey is a narrative framework that outlines the stages a protagonist undergoes in a mythic quest, often involving a departure from the ordinary world, encounters with challenges, transformation, and eventual return. This concept illustrates the universal patterns in storytelling across cultures and time, highlighting themes of growth, trials, and redemption.
Id: The id is a key concept in Freudian psychoanalysis representing the primal, instinctual part of the mind that contains basic drives and desires, including those for food, sex, and pleasure. It operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification and avoiding pain without regard for reality or societal norms. Understanding the id helps explain how these unconscious desires influence myths and literature, revealing deeper layers of human motivation and conflict.
Mother goddess archetype: The mother goddess archetype represents a universal symbol of femininity, fertility, nurturing, and creation across various cultures and mythologies. This archetype embodies the qualities of motherhood, including care, compassion, and protection, while also often being associated with the earth, nature, and the cycle of life. The presence of this archetype in myths serves to explore psychological themes related to identity, development, and the human experience.
Mythic criticism: Mythic criticism is a literary approach that analyzes texts through the lens of mythology, focusing on the shared symbols, themes, and archetypes found in cultural myths. This method emphasizes how these mythological elements shape narratives and influence characters, reflecting universal human experiences and societal values. It connects deeply with sociological functions by highlighting how myths reinforce or challenge social norms, and it also aligns with psychoanalytic theory by exploring the subconscious meanings behind mythic symbols in literature.
Mythic structure: Mythic structure refers to the underlying framework and patterns found in myths that shape their narratives and themes. These structures often include common elements such as archetypes, motifs, and cyclical patterns that recur across different cultures and stories, allowing myths to convey universal truths and values.
Oedipus Complex: The Oedipus Complex is a psychoanalytic concept developed by Sigmund Freud, describing a child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent. This complex is seen as a crucial stage in a child's psychosexual development, influencing personality and relationships in adulthood. Its exploration in myths highlights how these themes are mirrored in human behavior and emotional conflicts, making it significant in various psychological interpretations.
Oral stage mythic motifs: Oral stage mythic motifs are recurring themes and symbols found in myths that originate from oral traditions, reflecting the collective unconscious and human experience. These motifs often serve as vehicles for storytelling, conveying moral lessons, cultural values, and universal truths through narratives passed down through generations, emphasizing shared human experiences.
Phallic symbolism in legends: Phallic symbolism in legends refers to the representation of male sexual power and virility through various symbols, objects, or characters that embody masculinity. This concept often reflects cultural attitudes towards masculinity, fertility, and dominance, allowing for deeper exploration of gender dynamics and psychological implications in narratives. Such symbols can be interpreted through psychoanalytic lenses, revealing underlying themes of desire, conflict, and identity within myths and stories.
Psychological realism: Psychological realism is a literary technique that focuses on the inner thoughts, emotions, and motivations of characters, aiming to depict their mental states with authenticity. This approach emphasizes the complexity of human psychology and often explores how characters' backgrounds, desires, and conflicts shape their actions. In literature, psychological realism allows for a deeper understanding of characters by portraying their experiences in a way that resonates with readers on an emotional level.
Psychosexual stages: Psychosexual stages refer to the series of developmental phases proposed by Sigmund Freud, where an individual's personality develops through a sequence of fixed stages centered around erogenous zones. Each stage, including oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital, corresponds to specific conflicts and experiences that shape personality traits and behaviors. The way an individual navigates these stages influences their adult personality and can reveal deeper unconscious desires and anxieties.
Setting as mental landscape: Setting as mental landscape refers to the psychological and emotional context in which a story takes place, highlighting how the environment can reflect or influence a character's inner thoughts and feelings. This concept emphasizes the interplay between the physical world and the characters' mental states, illustrating how external settings can serve as metaphors for internal conflicts and desires.
Shadow Self: The shadow self refers to the unconscious aspect of one’s personality that contains repressed weaknesses, desires, and instincts. This concept is essential in understanding the duality of human nature, where the shadow often manifests through chaotic and transformative behaviors, leading to personal growth and self-awareness.
Sigmund Freud: Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. His theories on the unconscious mind, repression, and the significance of dreams have profoundly influenced the field of psychology and extended into interpretations of myths, exploring how they reflect the inner workings of the human psyche.
Superego: The superego is one of the three components of Sigmund Freud's model of the psyche, representing the moral conscience and internalized societal norms. It develops during childhood through interactions with caregivers and authority figures, guiding behavior by imposing feelings of guilt or shame for actions that deviate from accepted standards. The superego plays a crucial role in shaping characters and narratives within literature, as it often conflicts with the desires of the id and the rationality of the ego.
Symbolic interpretation: Symbolic interpretation refers to the practice of analyzing texts, myths, or narratives by uncovering the deeper meanings and significance behind symbols and imagery. This method allows readers to explore how these symbols relate to human psychology, cultural contexts, and universal themes, making connections between the text and the subconscious desires or fears of individuals.
The hero with a thousand faces: The hero with a thousand faces is a concept introduced by Joseph Campbell, which suggests that many myths from different cultures share a common structure and themes revolving around the hero's journey. This journey typically includes stages such as departure, initiation, and return, reflecting universal human experiences and struggles. It highlights how diverse cultural narratives can express similar psychological truths and collective experiences, making it relevant in both psychoanalytic literary theory and contemporary interpretations of myth.
The interpretation of dreams: The interpretation of dreams is the process of analyzing and deriving meaning from dreams, often used as a tool to explore the unconscious mind. This concept highlights how dreams can reveal hidden desires, fears, and conflicts that influence a person's thoughts and behaviors. In literature, this interpretation connects deeply with mythological narratives and psychoanalytic theory, providing insights into the human psyche.
Unconscious: The unconscious refers to the part of the mind that contains thoughts, memories, and desires that are not currently in conscious awareness but still influence behavior and emotions. It plays a crucial role in psychoanalytic literary theory, where it is viewed as a reservoir of repressed feelings and conflicts that can manifest in myths and narratives.