The Unconscious Conflicts, Desires, and Traumas in Selected Contemporary Short Stories in the Philippines

Abstract

This analysis investigated the application of psychoanalytic theory to unveil the unconscious motivations and inner struggles within characters of contemporary Philippine short stories. Inspired by Freud's concept of the unconscious mind, the study examined how seemingly trivial actions, dreams, and dialogue exposed hidden desires and conflicts. It further explored how characters grapple with past traumas, a core concept in psychoanalysis. This analysis employed a direct content analysis approach to explore how contemporary Philippine short stories depict unconscious conflicts, desires, and traumas. The concise format of short stories was advantageous, allowing for a focused examination of characters' inner lives and the subtle clues revealing hidden desires, conflicts, and fears. Purposive sampling identified works that demonstrably engaged with these themes. A close reading of the chosen stories followed, meticulously examining the text for key elements and recurring patterns. Thematic analysis techniques were then used to identify and analyze these recurring themes. Literary devices like dreams, symbols, and free indirect discourse were pinpointed within the stories, as they offer insights into unconscious motivations. Researchers then analyzed how these devices connect to relevant psychoanalytic concepts, including Freudian theory of the unconscious, unresolved traumas, and defense mechanisms. Recognizing the study's focus on the Philippines, the analysis likely considered the influence of societal expectations and traditions on the characters' unconscious conflicts. This involved examining how the specific cultural context shapes the stories' portrayals of the unconscious mind. By examining language, dreams, fantasies, and behaviors, psychoanalytic therapy sheds light on underlying conflicts, desires, and defense mechanisms influencing an individual's psychology. This study focused specifically on three elements of the unconscious: conflicts, desires, and traumas. Analyzing literary works demonstrated how these unconscious forces significantly impact thoughts, feelings, and actions. However, the analysis acknowledged limitations such as subjective interpretations and confirmation bias. Further research exploring other aspects of the unconscious offered a more comprehensive understanding of these complex dynamics.