Depth Psychology Research Articles

Migration and pathology: a comparative reading of fragmented selves in Brian Chikwava’s Harare North

ABSTRACT The paper is a comparative reading of dissociation and spirit possession as worthwhile tropes of analyzing the fragmented selves to lay basis of interpretation of similar works with African and Western cultural heritages. In spite of availability of critical works on pathological consequences of othering on African immigrants, this comparative reading is absent. Some literary scholars interrogate the clinical trope and point out the need to incorporate both the clinical and spirit possession tropes, whereas most literary scholars focus on clinical madness as a consequence of othering, this paper extends it to spirit possession among migrant characters. The article adopts postcolonialism and concepts from diverse fields to enable comparison of the clinical and possession tropes with reference to Brian Chikwava’s Harare North (2009). The study is anchored in ideas of scholars from different disciplines such as depth psychology (dissociation) and anthropology (spirit possession) as theoretical bases of interpretation. To ensure a flawless interaction of these theorists who occupy different academic disciplines, I foment an interdisciplinary exegesis by adopting Ato Quayson’s ‘Calibrations’ theory, which is a fine-tuned tool for textual close reading that ‘oscillates’ rapidly between different domains – the literary-aesthetic, the social, the cultural, and the political.

A REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE TRANSLATION OF EDGAR ALLAN POE’S WORKS INTO THE FRENCH LANGUAGE IN THE XIX CENTURY

The literary legacy of Edgar Allan Poe transcends borders, captivating readers worldwide with his haunting tales of mystery, macabre, and psychological depth. Among the numerous languages into which Poe’s works have been translated, the French language occupies a prominent place, reflecting the enduring fascination of French readers with his oeuvre. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the history of French translations of Poe’s works made in the 19th century and the special passion French artists had for the American writer. Through a meticulous overview of archival materials, literary criticism, and translation studies, this research illuminates the evolution of French translations of Poe’s writings, shedding light on the cultural, linguistic, and editorial factors that have shaped their reception in France. It explores the pivotal role played by translators, such as Charles Baudelaire and Stephan Mallarmé, in introducing Poe to the French literary scene and examines the strategies employed to render his unique style and thematic preoccupations into French. In analyzing the translations, we have drawn on some archival material from the French press, literary criticism, and a body of existing research on the subject. This study considers the ways in which French translators have interpreted and reinterpreted Poe’s works in light of changing literary and cultural sensibilities. By tracing the trajectory of French translations of Poe’s works, this paper not only contributes to our understanding of the reception of one of America’s foremost literary figures in France but also offers insights into the dynamics of literary translation and cultural exchange. It underscores the enduring relevance and adaptability of Poe’s writings across linguistic and cultural boundaries, highlighting the ways in which they continue to resonate with readers in France and beyond.

Psyche and spirit: the encounter between psychological science and theology

The long history of suspicion and opposition between depth psychology and religious institutions is well known. The coryphaei of psychoanalysis - Freud, Adler and Jung - believed that religion, especially in its institutional aspect, had a pathogenic effect on the psyche. The qualification of religion as an ‘obsessive neurosis’ was experienced by believers as a whipping in the face, which hindered the initiation of dialogue with those who so radically disqualified the experience of others.

Emotional Undercurrents: Exploring Water and Psychological Depth in Ullozhukku

Emotional Undercurrents: Exploring Water and Psychological Depth in Ullozhukku

Phillip K. Dick: A Psychotic Prophet?

The clinical potential of creativity research remains largely unexplored. Philip K. Dick’s deeply personal writings, particularly his journal following a psychotic episode, provide a rare insight into the neuropsychological processes that drive creativity. His unique blend of psychological depth and philosophical science fiction has profoundly impacted literature and popular culture, securing his place as one of the leading science fiction authors of the 20th century. Drawing on his own experiences with mental illness, Dick delved into themes like ontological insecurity, psychosis, dissociation, and drug addiction. Considerable research has explored the connection between madness and creativity. Building on this, the essay will apply clinical nosology to diagnose Dick as a case study, aiming to uncover how his psychopathology influenced his life and creative output. The second part will review recent research on creativity, focusing on factors that enhance our understanding of the roots of his genius. Progressing the neuropsychology of creativity holds significant clinical, social, and economic promise

Exploring Psychological Realism in Bijay Malla’s “Sunglasses” and “The Prisoner and the Dove”

This article explores psychological realism in Bijay Malla’s two stories: “The Prisoner and the Dove” and “Sunglasses.” The study addresses how the characters construct certain thoughts, emotions, and feelings in their minds after observing and experiencing real-world events and conditions. It analyzes the psyches, thoughts, and psychological intricacies of individuals in lifelike situations in Malla’s stories from the viewpoint of psychological realism. The methodology involves a detailed analysis of Malla’s narrative techniques and character portrayals, using the theoretical framework of psychological realism to interpret the mental and emotional states of the characters. By examining the intricacies of the characters’ inner lives and their responses to their environments, the study aims to uncover the psychological depth in the stories. It reveals that Malla effectively presents photographic images of characters’ minds and psyches in both stories. In “Sunglasses,” Malla portrays the contradictory mental state of the narrator after observing his wife’s relationship with another man. In “The Prisoner and the Dove,” Malla presents the psyches and mindsets of political prisoners in jail. These two stories depict the protagonists’ contradictions and complex psyches within contemporary socio-cultural and political environments.

Analysis of Emotional Conflicts of Vāsavdatta in Svapnavāsavadattam of Bhāsa with Reference to Modern Theories of Emotions

Abstract This paper delves into the intricate emotional conflicts experienced by Vāsavdatta, the protagonist of Bhāsa’s classical Sanskrit play Svapnavāsavadattam, through the lens of modern theories of emotions. By employing contemporary psychological frameworks, such as the Cognitive Appraisal Theory, James-Lange Theory, and Schachter-Singer Theory, we aim to unravel the complex emotional tapestry that defines Vāsavdatta’s character. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches our understanding of her psychological landscape but also bridges the gap between ancient literary narratives and modern psychological insights. The analysis reveals how Vāsavdatta’s emotional experiences, shaped by love, separation, fear, and longing, align with and diverge from current emotional theories. Through this exploration, we highlight the timeless nature of human emotions and the enduring relevance of classical literature in illuminating contemporary psychological concepts. This study provides a nuanced perspective on Bhāsa’s work, demonstrating the profound psychological depth embedded in ancient texts and their potential to inform and enhance modern emotional theory.

PSYCHOLOGISM IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF FEMALE IMAGES IN THE NOVEL “BLACKBERRY WINTER” BY S. JIO

The article examines Sarah Gio’s novel Blackberry Winter as an example of the use of psychologism in the construction of female characters. Psychologism in literature reflects the complex psychological states of characters and social contexts, helping to understand their emotions and motivations more deeply. The analysis of the psychological depth of characters in the literature of the second half of the twentieth century is one of the key aspects of literary studies: the psychoanalytic method proposed by Freud allows us to consider characters as living people, revealing their internal conflicts and motives. The protagonists, Vera Ray and Claire Aldridge, reflect complex psychological states and conflicts through internal monologues, interaction with other characters, and symbolism. Vera Ray is living during the Great Depression of 1933, struggling to survive and reflecting her deep maternal instincts, fear and anxiety for the future of her son Daniel. Her interactions with other characters, such as Mr Harrison and Lon Edwards, emphasize her determination and inner strength. On the other hand, Claire Aldridge, a contemporary journalist, is grieving the loss of a child and struggling with feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Her inner monologues reflect her depression and search for meaning in life. Her interactions with her husband Ethan, memories of happy times and her desire to find new meaning through work and therapy highlight her emotional pain and desire to overcome her grief. The analysis of Vera and Claire’s inner world shows how detailed internal monologues, interaction with other characters and symbolic gestures help to reveal the characters’ psychological depth. This allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, motivations, and internal conflicts, making their characters realistic and multifaceted.

Field Theory, Intercorporeality, and the Sámi Underworld

Field theory as a concept entered scientific discourse in the mid-nineteenth century. Yet the essential features of a field long predate discoveries about the physical properties and behavior of matter. The paper briefly describes ancient esoteric precursors to scientific field theory, including the Hermetic tradition and archetypal astrology, before turning to twentieth-century sociological field theories and their elemental idea of subjectivity and intersubjectivity. Jungian psychology is a field theory, expanding the limits of sociology in important ways. The paper adopts a somatic archetypal perspective to argue that intersubjectivity, the basis of sociological and psychological field theories, is inadequate. Instead, depth psychologists should embrace intercorporeality, the more embodied, holistic field theory originating in the work of Husserl and Merleau-Ponty. The paper concludes with a discussion of nekyia to illustrate how an intercorporeal field theory can include the underworld in world mythologies. The inverted cosmic geography of one tradition, the Sámi, gives new meaning to numinous encounters with one’s ancestors and spirit guides. Such encounters intertwine the subtle energy bodies of the personal and transpersonal worlds, a meeting one can imagine as soul to sole, not just soul to soul.

Mythopoesis and the Awakening of the Ecological Unconscious in Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

The ecological, spiritual, and psychological challenges threatening the survival of humanity are so formidable that nothing short of a transition in both our psychological lives and public policy will suffice. This article proposes that mythopoesis, the creation of imaginative worlds using the arts and mythology, can help guide us in the imagining of new ecological and psychological worldviews that can inspire us to work through the current-day ecological crisis of the Anthropocene. By examining one of the great works of children’s fantasy television, Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, we will illustrate how the series thoughtfully integrates principles of Depth Psychology such as alchemy, personal and collective shadow, the Great Turning, the ecological unconscious, earth dreaming, and the imaginal realm, with mythopoesis into a remarkably creative vision that provides a metaphorical blueprint for content that can be useful in the current era of crises.

A Psychoanalytical Study of the Gothic Marine Locales in Herman Melville's Moby Dick

This research uncovers the Gothic elements interwoven with the Sublime in the maritime context of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick". Using Freud's psychoanalytical frameworks, the study examines the novel's sublime aspects and the psychological depths they signify. It draws on Lacan's and Burke's theories on the conscious and unconscious mind and the contrast between the beautiful and the sublime. These elements suggest deeper insights into Melville's psyche, with characters like Ishmael reflecting his narrative. The conclusion posits "Moby Dick" as an intricate interlacing of Gothic and sea-faring motifs that penetrate the human psyche, set against the ocean's expanse. The narrative aboard the Pequod encapsulates the collective human psyche, presenting a tableau of collective yearnings, fears, and fixations. The enigmatic Moby Dick stands as a symbol of nature's grandeur and humanity's relentless pursuit of the unfathomable, with otherworldly occurrences enhancing the story's spectral quality. The story's heart lies in the psychological journey, mainly through Ahab's quixotic quest for the whale, a metaphor for the human penchant for chasing the unreachable. The narrative is laden with symbolism, with the whale as the centerpiece of nature's wonder and the human quest for meaning. The plot navigates through moral ambiguities and deceit, providing depth to its characters. Themes of isolation and desolation are woven into the dangerous yet mesmerizing whaling backdrop, rendering a narrative rich in complexity and allure.

The shift from lament to praise in the psalms: A psychodynamic phenomenon

This article returns to the long-standing problem of the so-called ‘sudden shift of mood’ in the lament psalms, revisiting this shift from petition to praise from the perspective of contemporary psychoanalytic depth psychology, especially via insights offered by object relations psychology. In this light, the movement from lament to praise may be seen as a psychodynamic phenomenon related to, and witnessed in, the therapeutic processes of illumination, subtraction, and addition. This understanding of how the lament psalms work underscores how crucial the expression of mourning is to psychological health. To borrow terms from Walter Brueggemann, the psychological interpretation offered here demonstrates once again ‘the costly loss of lament’, but the high price in question extends beyond that identified by Brueggemann insofar as the subtractive therapeutic action at work in the grieving process is precisely what facilitates the restoration of psychological well-being.

Picture and Hieroglyphic Texts in Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt

Hieroglyphic writing arose in Egypt during the proto/early dynastic period of the formation of the early monarchical state and, along with monumental architecture, is a symptom of radical changes in the political, economic and ideological spheres of society. In the context of semiotics, culture as a sign system considers all its contents as texts that store and transmit knowledge from generation to generation. In the space of depth psychology, a set of texts reveals the level of collective consciousness of culture bearers as collective intelligence and memory. Writing in Egypt arose as an instrument of supreme power, reflecting its nature, functions and social status in the context of mythological ideas and ritual practice. The earliest sources of hieroglyphic writing derived from images were royal annual tablets dedicated to the activity of the kings. As annals, they reflected in the Palermo Stone and its associated fragments. However, the annals are inseparable from cult practice and religious and mythological ideas about the ancestors and gods who stood at the foundation of ancient Egyptian culture.

Genre Features of Professional Screenplays in Russia in 1910s: Theory and Practice

The article explores the genre dominants of Silver Age screenplays. Theoretical concepts of film dramaturgy are applied to the texts of A. A. Khanzhonkov’s “From the World of Mystery” (1915) and A. S. Voznesensky’s “God” (1918). The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive analysis of these screenplay texts for the first time. The relevance is justified by contemporary philology’s interest in the intermedial aspect of literature. The screenplays exhibit an orientation towards literary models: a wide range of linguistic devices (metaphors, similes, inversions), complex composition, psychological depth, and more. Cinematic expressiveness is realized through a system of modalities (real time, memories, dreams, imagination, altered consciousness, etc.), description of character movements, and “visual sound.” The study suggests that the genre of screenwriting in silent cinema fundamentally differs from subsequent eras and tends towards the epic rather than the dramatic genre. Discrepancies between directorial and literary scripts occurred early in the genre’s formation. A comprehensive examination of original realized screenplays could be key to understanding the reasons for the unsatisfactory results of writer-filmmaker interactions.

Symbolism and Psychological Depth in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Its Influence on Modern Literature

This paper delves into the intricate layers of symbolism and psychological depth in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s seminal work, Crime and Punishment. By unraveling the complex psyche of the protagonist, Raskolnikov, the study explores the novel’s exploration of existential dilemmas, moral ambiguity, and the quest for redemption. The analysis further extends to the symbolic elements embedded within the narrative, such as the pervasive use of crosses, blood imagery, and the urban landscape of St. Petersburg, which collectively enhance the novel’s exploration of human suffering and alienation. Additionally, the paper examines the profound influence of Dostoevsky’s themes and narrative techniques on modern literature, tracing echoes of Raskolnikov’s psychological turmoil in characters and narratives of subsequent literary movements, including existentialism and modernism. Through a detailed investigation of these elements, the study aims to underscore the enduring relevance of Crime and Punishment in the contemporary literary landscape and its pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of modern literature.

Stanley Cavell, John Rawls and moral perfectionism in liberal democracy

John Rawls was what we might call a “frenemy” to Stanley Cavell. Time and again, Cavell states his admiration for Rawls's political philosophy but criticizes it for two reasons. First, he believes that Rawls too hastily dismisses a perfectionist tradition that is essential for a flourishing liberal democracy. Second, he attacks certain aspects of Rawls's theory of justice as moralistic and legalistic. The first half of this article examines Cavell's critique of Rawls and argues that the two authors are more closely aligned than suspected. It begins by reconstructing Cavell's critique of Rawls, and using archival materials from Harvard University, presents for the first time Rawls's interpretation of this critique. The second half of the article highlights perfectionist themes in Rawls's A Theory of Justice. The contribution of this article is to reevaluate the relationship between two of the most important moral philosophers of the twentieth century and also to provide a more expansive theory of liberalism that incorporates the psychological depth, moral subtlety and political hopefulness of moral perfectionism.

Psychology of dreams: justification and development of a synthetic approach

The object of the study is the mental reality of a personality, and the subject is its dream activity, which is considered in the context of a multilevel and multidimensional structure of personality as a system. Thus, the function of dream activity is considered through the prism of a dialogic (transcendental) function that allows consciousness to perceive mental facts beyond its boundaries, that is, to acquire the ability to metareflexion, combining the ontological and epistemological paradigms. It follows from this that the study touches on the "multi-dimensionality" of the personal structure, both on the surface and in the deep planes, combined in the space of a dream through conscious perception of symbols. It is proposed to combine the idea of the structure of the psyche according to S. Groff and an understanding of the specifics of the material manifested in specific dreams of a particular person. The research methodology is based on the idea of mental reality as a self-regulating system, within which dreams serve the inherent desire for integrity of the personality. The author uses the following methods: case studies, interpretation, analysis and synthesis, introspection and self-report. The article attempts to develop an integrative-synthetic theory of dreams based on the works of V.V. Kozlov, S.A. Parfentiev, V.V. Maikov and other modern authors working in the field of practical depth psychology. Based on the author's vision and generalization of many years of experience, the concept of seven "dimensions" (levels) is proposed for working with dream material for the purposes of psychological psychotherapy and personal development. The results of an experiment are presented, proving both the effectiveness of this algorithm and the scientific validity of understanding dreams as a multidimensional natural psychotherapeutic space, process and mechanism at the same time. In general, the work is very relevant from the point of view of both theory and practice, while being characterized by a certain scientific novelty.

On Smrti

“April is the cruelest month, breeding Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire… ” So, begins T.S. Eliot’s iconic poem, “The Wasteland,” challenging the memory of Chaucer’s April from Canterbury Tales, as being a delightful month to go on pilgrimage. Platonic teachings emphasize that you don’t create, you just remember. Might the inverse might also be true, “You don’t remember, you just create.” As the oneirocritic, Robert Bosnak, contends, you do not actually remember your dreams. You remember your memory you recreate the dream in this time. Since the challenges of post-modernism, this is no longer a far-fetched idea. The eminent historian of immigration, Deborah Dash Moore, defines history in this regard, as “a search for a plausible narrative.” “History” is not a record of what happened, but rather, is a record of what we believe happened, or what we want to believe happened. This brings to the fore Foucault’s documenting the relationship of knowledge to power, as well as Freud’s assertion that material which is unacceptable to the ego, is disguised, in order to make them palatable. This places the notion of memory in a different light. There are incidents that occurred fifty years ago that seem as if they occurred five minutes ago. The depth psychologist and champion of the imagination, James Hillman, referred to this process as “soul-making.” Back to T.S. Eliot: when he studied Sanskrit at Harvard, he was certainly aware that the Sanskrit word for memory, smara (from which smrti “that which is remembered,” is derived) is also an epithet for Kama Deva, the Indian Cupid. Hence, the mixing of memory and desire. Perhaps, in this light, the study of history, which is a form of collective memory, is also a form of mass therapy, an effort to process the collective past. Hegel and Marx both believed classical India to be an inferior civilization because it had “no history,” but collections of mythologies. Maybe classical India, however, held an awareness that all memory is myth, a word which in its early Greek form literally translates as “plot.” Jesus declares (in the Gospel story) “Let the dead bury the dead.” As the Jesus narrative exemplifies, however, burying the dead is no easy task. Perhaps our ongoing, ever-morphing narratives, allow us an oblique opportunity to connect with and process our pain. And in this theatre of memory, the goal may not be to accumulate or catalogue what has been spoken (itihasa), but look a good miller, to process the grain into its essence: from what has passed, and is passing, and is to come, into what always is. Perhaps, the pilgrimage of the mind, on its endless perigination of story, is meant to ultimately take us to love, but that may be unspeakable. Keywords: memory, desire, narrative, history, myth, power

Exploring the Psychological Depths: the Role of Psychology in Writing Detective Fiction and Crime Detection

This research paper delves into the profound role of psychology in both crafting captivating detective fiction and aiding in the detection of crimes, as depicted in the works of Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, featuring their iconic detectives Sherlock Holmes and Miss Jane Marple. Focusing on "Murder at the Vicarage," "Sleeping Murder," "The Sign of Four," "A Study in Scarlet," and "The Hound of the Baskervilles," this paper investigates the intricate interplay between psychology, character development, crime-solving techniques, and the exploration of the conscious and unconscious mind. By incorporating Sigmund Freud's theory of the conscious and unconscious mind, this research highlights the nuanced psychological depths of the characters, the influence of psychological elements on the plot, and the application of psychological insights in detecting crimes. The research paper begins by emphasizing the significance of psychology in writing detective fiction, noting its power in crafting multi-dimensional characters. It explores the role of psychological depth in character development, enabling authors to create complex individuals with intricate motivations and behaviors. Additionally, it discusses the importance of psychological motivations and complexities in plot development, as these elements contribute to building suspense and psychological tension, captivating readers throughout the narrative. In the realm of crime detection, the paper examines Sherlock Holmes' approach, renowned for his deductive reasoning. It analyzes his methodology, focusing on his ability to uncover psychological clues, motivations, and the interplay between the conscious and unconscious mind. Furthermore, the research delves into Miss Jane Marple's investigative style, characterized by her inductive insights. It explores her talent for unveiling psychological patterns, behaviors, and the influence of the conscious and unconscious mind on her problem-solving abilities. The comparative analysis section contrasts the approaches of Holmes and Marple, highlighting their different thinking styles and the significance of Freudian concepts in understanding motivations and behaviour. It emphasizes the interplay between the conscious and unconscious mind in detective work, showcasing how these elements contribute to a holistic understanding of the characters and their investigative processes. Moreover, the research paper discusses the real-world implications of employing psychology in crime detection. It explores the practical application of psychological insights in detecting and understanding criminal behavior. Lessons are drawn from Holmes and Marple's methods, emphasizing the importance of psychological profiling and ethical considerations in utilizing psychological insights in investigative processes. In conclusion, this research paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of psychology in writing detective fiction and its application in crime detection. By incorporating Sigmund Freud's theory of the conscious and unconscious mind, it uncovers the psychological depths of characters, explores the impact of psychological elements on the plot, and highlights the practical application of psychological insights in detecting crimes. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human mind, enhancing the appreciation of psychology's role in both literature and real-life crime detection.

Il fallimento di una vita inabituale: Henry James e la costruzione della «nostra eroina» Isabel Archer


 
 
 This article aims to raise crucial aspects of the philosophy of habit found in late 19th-century literature, particularly through an examination of Henry James’ portrayal of his character Isabel Archer. This goal is pursued through the analysis of two interconnected aspects forming the theoretical core of this contribution. Firstly, the focus is on Isabel Archer’s psychological depiction as a fundamental contribution of the English and American literature on the theme of habit, especially during the latter half of the 19th century. By contextualizing James’ work, exploring links to Peirce’s pragmatist philosophy and habit theory, the centrality of habit reflection in the psychological structuring of characters, interwoven with philosophical and narrative theories of individuality, is revealed. Furthermore, this reflection provides interpretative keys to understanding Henry James’ narrative choices concerning Isabel’s fate in the novel. Then this article directly specifically examines the construction of Isabel’s self which unfolds through the entire narrative events. The interpretative hypothesis guiding the investigation focuses on the connection between Isabel’s attempts to conduct life without habit and the resulting errors in judgment. To support this hypothesis, the importance of comparing key characters such as Gilbert Osmond and Madame Merle is highlighted. Through the narrative, it will emerge a peculiar ontological structure of the concept of habit. Moreover, through the psychological portraits in the novel, a critical exploration of James’ idea of individuality arises — acknowledging social dynamics and the ontological force of habit, rejecting the dichotomy represented by an optimistic individualism and a degenerate conventional life. The conclusion asserts that Isabel’s pursuit of an unhabitual life inevitably leads to failure. The solution does not lie in a rigid, conventional, dichotomous view of habit. Instead, James argues for a dynamic, relational view of habit: a fundamental aspect of being that must be acknowledged to understand the mechanisms that lead us from the variety of possibilities to the limited “actualities” of life. Through these two interrelated perspectives, the article aims to illuminate the psychological depth of Isabel Archer’s character, demonstrating how her story represents a cornerstone in the broader discussion of the nature and evolution of habit in 19th- century literature. From that, it sets the stage for a more comprehensive discussion on habit’s role in shaping characters and narratives during this historical period.