PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE WORKS OF FICTION

Abstract

Psychological criticism in literature is an important critical approach that examines literary works through the lens of psychology. It focuses on understanding the unconscious motivations, emotions, desires, and mental processes of both authors and fictional characters. Influenced mainly by the theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, psychological criticism explores how literature reflects the human psyche. Freud emphasized that literary texts often reveal hidden desires, anxieties, traumas, and conflicts through symbols, dreams, and imagery, while Jung introduced the concept of the collective unconscious and archetypes in literature. This approach also studies the relationship between an author’s life experiences and creative works, as well as the psychological development of fictional characters. Furthermore, psychological criticism investigates the creative process, the influence of literature on readers, and the representation of human emotions and mental conditions in literary texts. Psychological fiction and psychological novellas particularly highlight the inner lives of characters, presenting themes such as obsession, duality of consciousness, trauma, and emotional conflict. Through psychological analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of literary meaning, character behavior, and the connection between literature and human experience. Therefore, psychological criticism remains a valuable method for interpreting literature and exploring the complexities of the human mind.