| The concepts of Austrian psychiatrist, C. G. Jung, are applied to the epic poem, Beowulf. By using a Jungian approach of literary criticism, the psychological development of the hero, Beowulf, is delineated. Beowulf progresses from childhood to old age, from an integrated ego, to an undifferentiated ego, and returns to an integrated ego. He progresses through his development as a quest for individuation, completing the cycle that defines Campbell's model of the traditional quest.; Beowulf develops his persona as a child and then encounters archetypes, aspects of his unconscious, that reduce his persona and propel him towards wholeness and individuation. He contends with his shadow, his anima, and the Self, some in the form of monsters and others in the form of humans. The quest that Beowulf undertakes is an archetype. Other archetypes explored include water and the sword. |
