Psychoanalysis, analytical psychology and gender characterization in the modern novel: Reception of Freudian theory in Breton's Nadja and Jungian theory in the works of Hesse

The modern literary work deconstructs cultural frameworks in which individuals define themselves. Since its goal is collective rather than subjective experience, modern literature presupposes an intersubjective concept of self. Sigmund Freud radically transformed traditional views of the individual in society, but he reified the historic subordination of woman and represented her as an enemy of culture. Sexism and anxiety regarding woman pervade psychoanalysis; she has neither subjectivity nor a constructive role in society. "Zur Einfuhrung des Narzissmus" describes female narcissism as a form of subjectivity, but Freud considers it pathological and dangerous to male hegemony. Luce Irigaray descries Freud's devaluation of woman, but she foregoes the possibility of ego-formation in woman during primary narcissism and, like Jacques Lacan, portrays ego-formation as unsatisfactory and illusory. Andre Breton received psychoanalytic theory and its implicit sexism in his surrealist works. Nadja represents Breton's fear and objectification of woman, and recognition of this tendency. Carl Jung views the feminine principle and woman's cultural role as integral parts of self-realization and social transformation. Feminist archetypal critics acknowledge sexism in analytical psychology, but they recognize the value of Jungian archetypes in contemporary gender discourse, as long as they are interpreted culturally rather than ontologically. Demaris S. Wehr describes the liberating potential of archetypes in promoting contrasexual intersubjectivity. She believes that intrapsychic assimilation of contrasexual archetypal images lessens the effects of cultural gender bias in interpersonal relationships. Hermann Hesse portrays the integration of such images by male protagonists in several works. This leads to a dynamic redefinition of self; it becomes intersubjective and evolves beyond identification. Hesse envisions the transformation of culture and society through a concept of the individual that transcends dualities like gender. Whereas Breton's Nadja represents conscious objectification of woman, Hesse's works portray contrasexual intersubjectivity. Characters in literature are instruments through which the work is realized. However, literature and analytical psychology could be arenas in which individuals and society confront cultural gender bias.