The Mental World Of Kensaku Tokito, The Hero Of Naoya S Higais’ S Novel "a Dark Night’s Passing"

With the aid of psychoanalysis of Freud, this paper is intended to explore the mental world of Kensaku Tokito, the hero of the novel "A Dark Night’s Passing", which is written by Naoya Shiga.This paper begins with the introduction of psychoanalysis of Freud. It introduces some of the key theories of psychoanalysis which are originated by Freud from the late 19 th century to early 20 th century. On the basis of it, this paper further investigates the connection between psychoanalysis and literature. Then I analyze an example of the application of psychoanalysis in literature field. Although psychoanalysis is originally applied in treatment, it becomes clear that there is a possibility to apply it in literature.Then, I analyze the dream of Kensaku Tokito in the novel with the aid of the dream theory of Freud. By using free association and symbolic decision, I not only investigate the dream that Kensaku has actually seen, but also further touch in his daydreams. Through the analysis of his dream, it reveals the desire in Kensaku’ heart. It also reveals his psychoanalytic concept of Oedipus complex. I get this conclusion from two directions, that is, his aversion to his father and his love to his mother. Therefore, the mental world of Kensaku reveals his psychology of Oedipus complex.Finally, with the aid of the instinct theory of Freud, I explore the "death instinct" and "life instinct" of Kensaku Tokito through analyzing the text of this novel. And I further explore the conflict between these two instincts.