Freud's Theory of Human Nature and Instincts in Chuck Palahniuk's Novel Fight Club

Abstract

The 1996 novel Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk demonstrates a strong basis in psychoanalytical theory. The analysis of this novel shows that Freudian concepts of human nature and the basic instincts of Ero and Thanatos explain the reason behind the struggle of nature and nurture. This representation is evident in the setting, in the plot, and in the major characters of the novel. Within this framework for the discussion, I argue that the narrator's initial attempt to rebel against consumer culture force his natural instincts to resist nurture. The narrator escapes from the social orders and chooses violence as the best practice to break the chains of the nurture of civilized society. He starts living a life in the freedom offered by the real nature led by his instincts and desires. The attempt of nature to dominate nurture and vice versa ends up further escalating the struggle rather than eliminating it