The Pursuit Of Self Discovery - 2522 Words

mez Dr. McCollister ENGL 3314 April 4, 2015 The Pursuit of Self-Discovery: A Psychoanalytic look at The Picture of Dorian Gray When one hears the title The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde a flash of Faustian images such as villains, tragedy, and worldly pleasures might come to mind. The reader might recall Lord Henry Wotton as the Mephistophelian presence of the novel, and his epigram that â€Å"All influence is immoral†¦because to influence a person is to give him one s own soul† (Wilde 19-20). But, to say this is the only theme, or even the central them â€Å"is to ignore the complexity of the novel, for the central message of the work is no mere repetition of Goethe’s moral code, nor can the influences at work be limited to a single drama of damnation and salvation† (Baker 350). When readers attempt to understand the novel rather than analyze it, they may feel that it is a story about right and wrong or good versus evil; but on the contrary, The Picture of Dorian Gray could in fact be viewed as a representation of Sigmund Freud’s theory of the human psyche, when vi ewed through a psychological lens. Through the use of varied literary devices Oscar Wilde reveals how Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian Gray, and Basil Hallward embody the Id, Ego, and Superego in The Picture of Dorian Gray. As their behaviors are fully understood and their motivations revealed the reader will be able to fully grasp a clear psychoanalytic interpretation of the novel. This analysis is based on theShow MoreRelatedThe Pursuit Of Self Discovery1012 Words   |  5 Pageslimitations of my own ordinary situations to be seized momentarily whilst I let mind be free and my own imagination wander. The pursuit of self-discovery is present within many forms of literature and can be told through plots and central characters. I often discover new societal universal longings that arise from the novels pages which encourages me to reflect on my own sense of self. The unique interpretations and individual thoughts made by readers allows for a diverse range of reactions to literatureRead MoreSelf-Discovery and the Pursuit of Truth in Sophocles Oedipus1138 Words   |  5 PagesSelf-Discovery and the Pursuit of Truth in Sophocles Oedipus It is said that the truth will set you free, but in the case of Sophocles’ Oedipus, the truth drives a man to imprison himself in a world of darkness by gouging out his eyes. As he scours the city for truth, Oedipus’ ruin is ironically mentioned and foreshadowed in the narrative. With these and other devices Sophocles illuminates the king’s tragic realization and creates a firm emotional bond with the audienceRead MoreDiscovery Essay758 Words   |  4 PagesDiscovery is uncovering what is not known. The core text ‘Away’ written by Michael Gow and related text The Pursuit of Happyness directed by Gabrielle Muccino simply implies that every significant discovery brings change, growth, and strong relationships. The characters that are present in these two texts face conflict, and learn how to overcome their problems through their support of family and friends. Therefore, they are able to evolve as a person and although the texts differ in their conte xtsRead MoreVictor Frankenstein Destruction Through Discovery1746 Words   |  7 PagesLanguage 11 28 Oct. 2017 Destruction through Discovery Summarizing the theme of the novel, Victor Frankenstein stated, â€Å"If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken your affections, and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say, not befitting the human mind† (34). When initially considered, the concept of â€Å"gaining knowledge† or â€Å"discovery† is generally viewed with a sense of positivityRead More Frankenstein, Community, and the Individual Essay1697 Words   |  7 Pagesinterest in scientific discovery during the Industrial Revolution transform[ing] British culture and changing the world(Lipking 2065), many concepts of society were also changed, which Shelley looked to explore through Victors actions. Rooted in the scientifically curious spirit of Industrial England, Victors attempt to create life can show many examples of how an importance of the individual acquisition of knowledge and accomplishment can disrupt society. Victors pursuit of knowledge is firmlyRead MoreWarning Of The Dangers Of Science Or Suggestion That The Human1309 Words   |  6 PagesTripp Susan Sibbach English IV 11 December, 2015 Frankenstein: warning of the dangers of science or suggestion that the human quest for knowledge is a noble undertaking? Human societies have come a long way from the time of hunting and gathering. Self-sufficient and possessing high capacity for questioning what systems are currently in place, and the astonishingly unique ability to discover solutions for problems; humankind is truly one of a kind. This distinctive quality grants humanity the abilityRead MoreCreativeity and How the Skill Builders Assist This Process: Montessori959 Words   |  4 PagesThe work is to acquire the initial building blocks to create and offers the child the opportunity to be competent and therefore experience independence and increased self esteem. Young children are in the process of creating themselves and the environment in which children find themselves in plays a part in constructing a creative self. The teacher is compelled to provide a place that supports creativity and is conducive to the visual arts. This is two fold and consists of exposing the childs sensesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Journey By Mary Oliver751 Wo rds   |  4 Pagessolution. This is applicable to the process of self-discovery. The value is determined by what we have endured to shape who we ultimately become. This is exemplified by in Mary Oliver’s poem â€Å"The Journey† and Michael Gow’s play â€Å"Away†. Self-discoveries play a fundamental role in the development of becoming an individual as it can lead us to transformative experiences through the exposure of new perspectives. In â€Å"The Journey†, the symbolism of her discoveries outside begin with nature where, â€Å"the starsRead MoreGiorgio Agamben Magic And Happiness Analysis1180 Words   |  5 Pagesrational actor’s emotional investment, humility, and the per-unit-chance of Agamben’s model of magic actualizing in one’s various pursuits of happiness. Contrary to Agamben’s core argument in â€Å"Magic and Happiness,† effort devoted to a pursuit is critical in the formation of happiness as it increases one’s sentimental involvement. Especially in lifelong, long-run pursuits of happiness such as love and career-based satisfaction, the amount of effort one puts into such a channel yields a correspondinglyRead MoreThe Invisible Man by H.G. Wells Essays892 Words   |  4 Pagesfrom prison whomever he chooses, and generally to act like a god among men† (Plato). The shift into a maniacal anarchist is caused by the dangerous allure of scientific knowledge along with the power it provides and the lack of an identity. The pursuit of scientific knowledge is a perilous quest as each feat and advancement draw nearer to ambiguous boundaries that are usually best left uncrossed. Griffin is not the first to fall to victim to knowledge’s allure as â€Å"Victor Frankenstein’s life was