Psychoanalysis in "Wieland"

Paper Summary:

Freudian psychology was already evident in the literary work of Charles Brown, author of the novel, "Wieland," written in 1798 In this novel, Brown wants his readers to contemplate the degree of understanding that society has about morality, ethics (what is right or wrong), and justice. This paper discusses how deviation from the moral standards of the society is characterized through the characters of both Clara and Theodore Wieland; only, Clara has a firmer tolerance for and hold over the standards of morality imposed on the society than Theodore, which explains why, towards the end of the novel, he succumbs to his own desire to let go of his suppressed feelings, eventually resulting in the murder of his family. In effect, "Wieland" addresses how the moral fiber of society is weakened if the individual is not able to conform or tolerate the norms established for people; it is only by expressing intolerance that morality regains its strength, and stability in society is restored.

From the Paper:

"In the author's introduction of the novel, he shares his own thoughts about the inspiration that made him create the novel. Sub-titled as "the transformation," "Wieland" already gives the reader an idea of the main thrust of the novel that is, it deviates from stereotyped depictions of a stable and moral society. Instead, what the readers will witness is the life of the Wielands, whose "transformation" is meant to "awaken" readers about people who subsisted instead to their individual choices. In this section, Brown states, "It is hoped that intelligent readers will not disapprove of the manner in which appearances are solved, but that the solution will be found to correspond with the known principles of human nature.""

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