Literary Tools in the Analysis of Characters' Behaviors in Contemporary Fiction: A Psychoanalytic Approach

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Literature has the power to make its readers identify themselves with the fictional characters they read about. It is figuratively putting themselves in the shoes of these people that come alive on the printed page. When short stories whose characters suffer the same pain or anguish that they themselves have experienced are discussed in class, those who can relate to the characters will better understand themselves and feel better because reading about other people's problems will provide a healthy release of tensions and anxiety. This is the catharsis that literature makes possible.

METHODS

The present study was qualitative in nature. A descriptive method using content analysis identified the characters' behavioral patterns. This was followed by a document analysis of the characters' psyches'. Four criteria were followed in the choice of the stories to be analyzed.

RESULTS

This study can be used in the contextualization of the psychoanalytic theory in K-12 curriculum. This can be included in the following: (a) Content: The study included the story written by National Artist Jose Garcia Villa. Bliss and The Rocking Horse Winner are works of Anglo-American writers, Katherine Mansfield and D. H Lawrence. (b) Performance Standard: Freud's psychoanalysis is helpful in the critical interpretation and analysis of a text. (c) Learning Competencies: The following figures of speech are used in the stories: metaphor, irony, imagery, and symbolism as well as the techniques.

DISCUSSIONS

The following protagonists exhibit the function of the Id: Bertha Young, Harry Young and Pearl Fulton of "Bliss”; Paul and Hester (Paul's mother) of "The Rocking Horse Winner”; Reve of "The Dust Monster”; and Juan Kola of "The Son of Rizal”. Some of the characters exhibited the Ego, using Freud's Defense Mechanisms of Identification, Displacement, Repression, Projection, and Reaction Formation. Identification and projection are evident in Bertha Young's behavior. Identification and reaction formation by Harry, Paul showed signs of identification while projection and reaction formation in Hester's character. Reve has used identification and displacement of defense mechanisms. The same is true with Juan Kola of "The Son of Rizal" who used displacement and repression defense mechanisms. Superego is observed in Bertha's character in "Bliss" and Hester's of "The Rocking Horse Winner”. In addition, literary elements and techniques were used as tools for the characters' psyches.