The Object-Cause of Desire: A Critique of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye

  • Anjaly A

Abstract

Psychoanalysis as a branch of study was developed by the Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud in the late 1890's. While his theories are scientifically flawed and widely unpopular today, it had made tremendous impacts on various fields of study and one such is the field of literature. Psychoanalytic studies have contributed invaluably to the field of literature for it is closely connected to the writings of human mind. Psychoanalysis theorises that the human personality has two parts: the conscious and the unconscious mind and it probes into mans unconscious mind to study the general human behaviour. As stated by Sigmund Freud, the human psyche comprises of three different parts namely Id, Ego and Super-ego. While each of these components are formed in an individuals life at distinctive times, all three together create some dynamic effect on a persons psyche. The Id is the most primal and elemental aspect of the human psyche as it is the only component that is present from a person's time of birth. It is instinctive and impetuous and seeks to satisfy the individual's immediate needs, wants and desires. The ego is the part of the mind that is closely connected to reality. It predominates Id and helps the individual to take rational decisions by making the person conform to the demands of the society. The last component to develop in the human psyche is the superego which essentially holds the moralistic principles and ideals of an individual. It constantly strives to perfect and civilize the individual's personality. The interaction among each of these three aspects influences the individuals overall behavioural pattern. This tripartite division of the human mind developed by Freud had produced some influential advancements in the field of psychoanalysis

Published
2019-11-15
Section
Articles