Psychoanalytical Theory and its use in Henrik Ibsen's Plays: A Comparative Study
Keywords:
consciousness, desires, hysteria, literature, Oedipus complex, psychoanalysisAbstract
This paper analyzes Henrik Ibsen's plays in the context of Freudian theory. In the realm of English literature, Freudian theory is frequently employed to examine the motivations of characters, the symbolism embedded within their narratives, and the underlying psychological states portrayed. The primary objective of this paper is to explore the instances where the author has employed psychoanalytic theory within his works. This qualitative analysis delves into the nature of the protagonists and their levels of self-awareness. The research methodology involved the utilization of two data sources: primary and secondary. The primary data source is the textplays themselves, while secondary data sources encompass articles, essays, biographies of Henrik Ibsen and Sigmund Freud, as well as other relevant materials obtained from the internet. The data collection method employed is rooted in extensive library research. Within "A Doll's House," Ibsen tactfully employs a psychological perspective to delve deeper into Nora's subconscious. Similarly, in the case of "Hedda Gabler," Hedda's profound yearning for autonomous control over her own life and her disdain for mediocrity can be deciphered effectively using a psychoanalytic lens.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10514598
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