Abstract
Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theories can be used with reference to the analysis of literary works. Reading novels, poems and other compositions through the lens of psychoanalysis gives the opportunity to analyse and evaluate these works in their genesis and functioning. In this article, the main character of Madame Bovary, Emma, is analysed with reference to Freud theories concerning the tripartite structure of the mind (Id, Ego and Superego) along with the Oedipus complex, sexual drives and the analysis of her hysterical personality. The method used for this purpose is the textoanalysis created by a French professor, Jean Bellemin-Noël: several passages from Flaubert’s work are highlighted and discussed according to psychoanalytical theories and with a focus on the social role of women in the 19th century.
Highlights
Sigmund Freud is generally regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, a branch of psychology that deals with the treatment of mental disorders by exploring aspects of the mind of which an individual is usually unaware
The analysis concerns the psychology of the character, the different aspects of feminism as well as the problems concerning the social role of women in the 19th century
It is interesting to assess to what extent this could have influenced the dissatisfaction of the heroine or that of the female sex since the role of women at that time was to be subjected to men, to have a secondary position and a passive dependence as well as resignation, all aspects that contributed to the manifestation of hysteria (Luz et al, 2019)
Summary
Sigmund Freud is generally regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, a branch of psychology that deals with the treatment of mental disorders by exploring aspects of the mind of which an individual is usually unaware. The following terms: unconscious, Id, Ego, Superego, Oedipus complex, sexual urges, death wishes, repression of emotions, transference, defense mechanisms and interpretation of dreams (Fodo r, 1950) are very common and widely accepted by many mental health experts, there is some skepticism about their scientific basis. The repression of emotions and the revelation of unconscious elements can be linked either to the characters of a composition or to the author himself. Theories of sexuality can be associated with representations of emotional distress and of mental dysfunctions in the form of psychological complaints or even manifestations of madness. The conviction that the analysis of psychological elements is more important for the critical reading of literary works than any other social or historical approach
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