A Psychoanalytic Interpretation of Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy: Theory and Practice

Abstract

This research paper embarks on a profound exploration of psychoanalytic theory, delving into its elements and their application within the narrative framework of a specific text. Psychoanalytic theory, developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, posits that human behavior and emotions are largely influenced by unconscious mental processes. This research paper seeks to unravel the core elements of psychoanalytic theory and apply them to the novel Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy, examining how these elements shape the novel’s characters and themes. Grounded in Freudian psychoanalysis, this study investigates the psychological dimensions of the novel’s characters, highlighting themes such as unconscious desires, repression, and the Oedipal complex. Beyond character analysis, this study extends the psychoanalytic lens to the novel’s overarching narrative and themes, exploring the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. By merging psychoanalytic theory with literary critique, this research paper contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the psychological forces that shape both the characters and the narrative, offering valuable insights for literary scholars and psychoanalytic critics alike.