CRITICAL APPROACHES FOR INTERPRETING LITERATURE

1. CRITICAL APPROACHES FOR INTERPRETING LITERATURE PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES

2. Freudian PsychologySigmund Freud (1856-1939) • We repress our true desires, fears or impulses in order to fit into society. These remain in our unconscious or subconscious mind—below the surface. • We then unconsciously act or speak due to those unconscious feelings. • Cognitive psychology today still sees the link between our conscious thoughts and outward behavior or language.

3. What is Psychological Criticism? “Freud’s theories inform much psychological literary criticism, so explorations of characters’ subconscious motivations, defenses, inner conflicts and symbolic acts are commonplace . . . .” “Sometimes critics . . . analyze the author in their search for meaning . . .” (McMahan, Day & Funk 1178).

4. How do you psychoanalyze? • Notice behavior & actions • What did the character do? • Focus on words • What did the character say? • Look for changes in the character • What did he/she used to be like? What is different? • Consider the situation • What did the character react to? • What happened to make him/her change?

5. Follow the Experts! • Dr. Phil - Extreme Hoarding - Part 1 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OePmQQ9pfGY

6. Blindness by Jose Saramago • Re-read the Passage • Highlight Actions, Statements, Changes (in character and situation) • Question the character • What could you ask to uncover unconscious ideas? • Become the character • Why would you do or say these things in a similar circumstance?

7. Fishbowl Therapy • One student will “become” a character • A member of the thieves OR • A member of the victims • One student will be the psychoanalyst • All remaining students will view the “fishbowl therapy” and will take notes on the process using the handout.