Free English Literature Dissertations - Applying Psychoanalysis To The Research, The Paper Provides In-depth
Applying psychoanalysis to the research, the paper provides in-depth explanation of the emergence of modern day horror from nineteenth-century gothic. With the help of psychoanalysis it is possible to construct a psychoanalytic framework for the chosen gothic texts and films and to evaluate what elements of gothic are preserved in modern horror and what elements are changed from original gothic. However, any psychoanalytic theory appears limited in nature, because it mainly deals with people’s unconscious that is really difficult to explain through a theoretical approach. On the other hand, the integrity of theories provides an opportunity to receive more valid data on the discussed issue. In particular, Freud’s psychoanalytic theory mainly deals with such theoretical concepts as ego, id, superego and suppression, but they should be carefully applied to the discussion of horror in gothic fiction and films, because of the fact that the utilisation of horror elements does not conform to a particular theory. Despite the fact that Lacan borrows many elements of psychoanalysis from Freud, he slightly changes Freud’s theory, proposing some new concepts. Contrary to Freud who explains many psychological disorders as the consequences of sexual desires and natural instincts, Lacan claims that the unconscious is formed similar to a language, by society. Kristeva considerably adheres to Lacan’s psychoanalytic ideas, but she moves away in her interpretation of sex and gender, reinforcing the importance of women and female sexuality. However, Kristeva also pays much attention to the discussion of horror that appears, according to her, as a result of people’s hidden fears.
5 Discussion
5.1. Nineteenth-century gothic and modern day horror
Nineteenth-century gothic is mainly concerned with the development of a new literary genre the gothic novel that is characterised by the elements of horror, gloomy mood and supernatural powers. The settings of gothic romances are established either in old monasteries or ancient castles that reflect medieval superstition towards ancient architecture. However, gothic novels possess more profound subtexts, revealing the essence of the era and various social changes that shape people’s identities. As Miles puts it, Gothic arises as a result of some historical, seismic shift in the deep structure of the self, or in the culture that may or may not have produced it8. Introducing some stereotyped horror features, such as ghosts, mad people, vampires and terrifying graveyards, the gothic novel developed by Horace Walpole, Robert Louis Stevenson, Ann Radcliffe, Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley contributes to the formation and spread of the images of gothic villains, like Dracula, Frankenstein’s Creature and femme fatale.
The Castle of Otranto written by Horace Walpole is the earliest example of gothic romances that is based on psychological intricacy and the existence of supernatural powers.
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