Abstract This paper analyzes the three female characters in "Heart of Darkness" from a Jungian perspective. The paper explains how Marlow's aunt, Kurtz's African mistress, and his intended are representative of key archetypes found within Carl Jung's structure of personality. The key archetypes described in the paper and compared to the female characters are the earth mother, the animus, or the male part of the female personality, and the anima, the female part of the mind.
From the Paper "As one can see, the three prime female characters of the novel Heart of Darkness are easily recognizable as the three aspects of Carl Jung's structure of personality. Kurtz's Intended, whom readers meet in the end, is the personification of the female anima, in her speech, her naivete, and her innocence. The other woman in Kurtz life, his African mistress, is the Intended's counterpart, the darkly masculine animus, as is demonstrated by her power of commend and fearless outlook. Finally, Marlow's adoring aunt is the prime representation of the mother, who nourishes and encourages. Through these three women one can see the mother, the animus and the anima can be blended into one well balanced unit, contrasting and complimenting itself in it's different aspects."
Abstract This paper conducts a detailed analysis of the film "Dead Calm" (1988), paying particular attention to the scene that is viewed by many sources as a depiction of rape. Using psychoanalytical film theory and feminist film reading techniques, it breaks down and analyses key scenes in order to uncover the balance of power between the primary characters. Castration theory is used to support the gender based reading, as is the ideas of anima and animus, used here to support the balancing of masculinity and femininity as a tool for victory. It also looks at similarities between the film and biblical mythology including a character comparison with Adam, Eve and Satan, and similarities between the film's diegesis and the Garden of Eden and Hell.
Outline
Illustrations list
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter One: Literary Review
Chapter Two: Battle of the Sexes
Chapter Three: Delving Beneath the Waters of Eden
Chapter Four: Hero's Journey and Hidden Agendas
Conclusion
Reference List
Bibliography
From the Paper "After a failed attempt to leap onto the Saracen from a rowing boat, which results in John being injured by the propeller, John is metaphorically left castrated, de-masculinised, bleeding and stranded on a sinking ship. He is no longer the naval captain and master of the feminine sea, but now a possible victim of it. He remains a strong and competent character and is immediately active in attempting to regain power of the Orpheus which has been crippled by water. He remains a symbol of manhood, almost becoming a male action hero, at times appearing bare-chested while fixing the engine, displaying his bronzed and glistening torso."
Abstract In "Narcissus and Goldmund", Hesse imagines women as aspects of the archetypal, universal Mother. The paper shows that this abstraction endows the feminine with a mystical power and stature, while simultaneously creating a stereotype which may serve to eclipse the desires and personhood of the individual woman. The paper shows that while it is possible to argue that Hesse shows a streak of misogyny, it might be more accurate to say merely that he idealizes women and is puzzled by them, and that some of his characters through this puzzlement in their private lives efface women.
From the Paper "Many other women also feel his slights when they try to approach him as complete humans rather than merely symbols of the Mother. For example, poor Maria --who is not beautiful enough to attract his attentions as he becomes more demanding of the Mother's beauty-- is not treated as if she were wholly human and he passes right over her feelings, though she loves him very deeply. Lene, as well, who ends up carrying his child, is hushed and even threatened (with losing her home and him) when she speaks of wanting him to give up his wandering ways and stay with her. She is forced to be falsely carefree and undemanding, even though her actual female nature seeks to keep and to nurture."
