What is Psychological Criticism?

Summary

The transcript delves into psychological criticism in literature, exploring how psychological theories can reveal character motivations and behaviors. It emphasizes the significance of understanding characters' minds rather than focusing solely on the author's intent. Key theories discussed include Freud's psychoanalysis, Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and Kohlberg's moral development. These frameworks offer valuable insights into character actions and growth within narratives. The speaker encourages viewers to engage with these theories to enrich their literary analysis, making psychological criticism a rewarding approach to understanding literature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Psychological criticism applies psychological theories to literature, focusing on human motivation and behavior.
• 📖 This form of criticism can analyze either the author's psychology or the psychology of characters, though the latter is more common.
• 🤔 Key questions for analysis include why characters act the way they do and how their backgrounds influence their actions.
• 🔍 Even without extensive knowledge of psychology, readers can still engage by asking general psychological questions.
• 🧠 Notable psychological theories to consider include Freud's psychoanalysis, Erikson's psychosocial development, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and Kohlberg's moral development.
• 📈 Freud’s theories are still frequently referenced in literary criticism despite being less trusted in modern psychology.
• 🕰️ Erikson's model outlines struggles faced at different life stages, emphasizing the importance of overcoming these challenges for growth.
• ❤️ Maslow's hierarchy suggests that unmet basic needs hinder the ability to fulfill higher-level emotional needs.
• ⚖️ Kohlberg’s theory examines the reasoning behind moral choices, focusing on whether they stem from punishment or intrinsic values.
• 🎉 Psychological criticism can enhance the reading experience by providing deeper insights into character motivations and behaviors.

Q & A

What is psychological criticism?

Psychological criticism involves applying the principles of psychology to literature, focusing on understanding the motivations, thoughts, and emotions of characters or the author.

How do different types of criticism affect the interpretation of meaning in a text?

Different types of criticism, such as authorial intent, textual analysis, or reader response, suggest that meaning can be found in various places: within the author, the text itself, or the reader's interpretation.

What are two main focuses of psychological criticism?

Psychological criticism can focus on either the psychology of the author or the psychology of the characters, though focusing on characters is more common.

What are some psychological theories that can be applied to literary analysis?

Key psychological theories that can be applied include Freud's psychoanalysis, Erikson's psychosocial development, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and Kohlberg's theory of moral development.

Why is understanding a character's background important in psychological criticism?

A character's background can significantly influence their actions and motivations, helping readers understand their psychological state and development throughout the narrative.

What are some examples of psychological questions to ask when analyzing a text?

Questions might include: Why do the characters react the way they do? What fears or anxieties do they exhibit? How do their personalities influence their decisions?

Why might Freud's theories still be used despite being less trusted in modern psychology?

Freud's theories continue to be influential in literary criticism because they provide a framework for understanding complex human motivations and conflicts within characters.

What is Erikson's theory of psychosocial development?

Erikson's theory consists of eight stages of development, each characterized by a conflict between two opposing forces, such as trust vs. mistrust, which individuals must resolve to develop healthily.

How does Maslow's hierarchy of needs relate to character motivation?

Maslow's hierarchy suggests that individuals must satisfy basic physical and safety needs before they can pursue higher-level psychological needs like love and self-actualization, influencing character behaviors.

What is the significance of moral development in understanding characters?

Kohlberg's theory of moral development explores how characters make ethical decisions, considering whether their actions are motivated by fear of punishment or a genuine sense of moral obligation.