Psychoanalytic
Criticism
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A Pathfinder |
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Introduction--Abbreviations--Subject Headings
and Call Number Ranges
Ready Reference Sources--Periodicals and Databases--Internet
Resources--Books--Examples
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Critical literary theory is concerned with interpreting and understanding works of literature and culture. Whether through thorough analysis of the formal structure of a work, extended close readings of economic conflict, or examinations of gender and race relations in the literature, the ultimate goal is to find deeper meaning within the text. Psychoanalytic Criticism is a type of literary theory that uses the works of Sigmund Freud and other Psychologists in their textual examinations. For Psychoanalytic critics, works of literature are simply another manifestation of the mindŐs subconscious desires and processes and are subject to the same rules. Much like in dreams, hidden (repressed) messages hide beneath the surface of these texts. By examining a workŐs symbolism and the words an author uses (after all, they might have multiple meanings) the critic can delve into the mind of an author or a fictional character There are several prominent fields of Psychoanalytic criticism. Many of these theories were created and later modified by Freud himself. Freudian psychoanalysis includes topics such as the Oedipal Complex and structural theory (where we get the terms Ego, Id, and Superego.) FreudŐs work was expanded upon by his students. Two of the more famous of these students were Melanie Klein, a pioneer of the object relations theory which examined relationships in infancy and how these interactions affected the psyche later in life, and Jacques Lacan, a famous French Psychoanalyst who utilized the Structuralist field of semiotics (sign, signifier, signified) and developed the concepts of the Real, the Imaginary, and the Symbolic.
This pathfinder will center on introductory Psychoanalytic criticism and will
point to materials found within the Jane Bancroft Cook Library in
Abbreviations
REF - Reference section
PER – Periodicals
CIRC - standard circulating collection found on second
floor
AV – Audio-Visual materials (DVDs, VHS
cassettes) found behind the circulation desk
Psychoanalytic Theory and the theories it encompasses are primarily available in the BF – Psychology section of the circulating collection. In this section, one will find not only works on individual concepts but also historical essays written by famous Psychoanalytic theorists. In addition, sections of the library dedicated to literature itself can contain useful information.
Psychoanalysis - 20th Century
Psychoanalytic
Interpretation
Literature --
Philosophy
Freud, Sigmund
Lacan, Jacques
1901-1981
Psychoanalysis and
Literature
Literature - History
and criticism - Theory, etc
Literature History
and Criticism
Identity (Psychology)
in literature
Browsing particular sections can also yield useful information.
For works dealing with Psychoanalysis itself, including works by major thinkers good places to start include:
While searching
the catalogue, the following
Library of
Congress Subject Headings
are a good
place to start in locating similar materials.
CIRC:
BF109.F74 – BF109.l28
CIRC: BF173
– BF175
Works on
literary theory in general can be found :
CIRC: PN 84 – PN 444
Works on Psychoanalytic theory (and other critical theories) as they are applied to literature can be located within the sections dedicated to individual literary genres, periods, and nationalities.
Please see the partial listing in the Books section of this Pathfinder.
There are a number of reference sources available in the reference section on the first floor of the library.
These sources can help researchers define concepts and narrow topics.
Reference librarians are available to help in any way possible.
Erwin, E. (Ed.). (2002). The Freud encyclopedia :
theory, therapy, and culture.
Location: REF – BF 173.F6176 2002
This encyclopedia covers the history of Freud and psychoanalysis and also contains entries on prominent theories, terms and concepts, and also passages on some of FreudŐs more famous students and followers. It is also worth noting that this work also contains entries exploring the use psychoanalysis in other countries.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Freud, Sigmund 1856-1939 -- Encyclopedias
Psychoanalysis -- Encyclopedias
Moore, B. E. and Fine, B. D. (Eds.). (1990). Psychoanalytic
terms and concepts.
Location: REF – RC 501.4.P79
This glossary is intended to help define and clarify psychoanalytic terms to help researchers and students understand the theories they encounter.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis – Dictionaries
Wolman, B. B.
(Ed.). (1977). International encyclopedia of psychiatry, psychology,
psychoanalysis & neurology.
Location: REF – RC 334.I6
This 12 volume encyclopedia does not center completely on psychoanalysis. However, it does contain concepts most often associated with the field. Due to its age, the therapy suggestions offered within are, most likely, not to be trusted. However, the description and exploration of concepts and theories is still very much valid.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Neurology -- Dictionaries
Neurology -- Encyclopedias
Psychiatry -- Dictionaries
Psychiatry -- Encyclopedias
Psychoanalysis -- Dictionaries
Psychoanalysis -- Encyclopedias
Psychology -- Dictionaries
Psychology -- Encyclopedias
Groden, M.,
Kreiswirth, M., & Szeman,
Location: REF – PN 81.J554 2005
This book is a guide to various critical literary theories. It is designed as an encyclopedia and can clarify for researchers the prominent fields in any given critical field. The section on Psychoanalytic criticism deals primarily with the history of the field but it does cover some pertinent concepts.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Criticism -- Bio bibliography
Critique -- Dictionnaires anglais
Literature -- History and criticism -- Theory, etc -- Bio bibliography
Literatuurkritiek
Literatuurtheorie
Literatuurwetenschap
Littrature -- Histoire et critique -- Thorie, etc -- Dictionnaires anglais
Hawthorn, J. (2000). A glossary of contemporary
literary theory. (4th
ed.)
Location: REF – PN 44.5.H37 2000
Although this glossary does not contain much information on psychoanalytic criticism as a whole, it does offer a section on Object Relations theory/criticism which is recommended.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Criticism -- Terminology
English language -- Terms and phrases
Literature -- Terminology
Periodicals can be a wonderful place to search for up to date information. Many journals are published on a fixed schedule (such as monthly, quarterly) meaning that the information contained within is as up-to-date as possible. Moreover, libraries maintain collections of periodicals that can stretch back decades offering researchers a wealth of information in the same place.
The Periodicals section of the Jane Bancroft Cook Library is located on the first floor.
These Periodicals offer the latest research in the field of psychoanalysis in addition to articles on literary criticism.
National Psychological Association. Psychoanalytic
review.
Location: PER – BF 1.P5
The Jane Bancroft Cook Library has nearly three decades (1966-1994) of this journal available in print and another fifteen years (1951-1966) in microfilm.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis -- Periodicals
Psychology -- Periodicals
The Psychoanalytic quarterly.
Location: PER – BF 173.A2.P7
The Jane Bancroft Cook Library has three decades of this periodical in print (1964-1994).
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis -- Periodicals
The Society of Analytical Psychology LTD. Journal of
analytical psychology.
Location: PER – BF
173.A2.J5
The Jane Bancroft Cook Library has nearly three decades available in print. (1967-1995).
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis – Periodicals
Online Databases
There are many online databases that are also a good place to begin research involving psychoanalytic criticism. Three such databases are:
EBSCO Industries, Inc. (2008) MLA international
bibliography.
Available through USF Libraries at
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/search?vid=1&hid=117&sid=b19518f7-223c-42ea-8fae-1fbdfcd553f8%40sessionmgr109.
EBSCO Industries, Inc. (2008) PsycINFO. Available from USF Libaries at
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/search?vid=2&hid=112&sid=70eee05b-fe70-403e-bf8d-56447e844508%40SRCSM1
H.W. Wilson Company. (2008) Humanities Full Text. Available from USF Libraries at http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/simplesearch/simple_search.jhtml;hwwilsonid=A0BGUEIZSHN2LQA3DILCFGOADUNGIIV0?prod=HUMFT#formTop
USF/New College subscribes to these databases and they are available through the Jane Bancroft Cook Library website.
Please note that if you are attempting to connect to these databases remotely (from outside of the library) USF students should first connect through MyUSF and New College students should connect through EZProxy.
There are a wealth of resources available online about Psychoanalytic Criticism and Literary Theory in general. It would be impossible to list all sites of note. However, here are several resources that will help beginning researchers.
McManus, B.F.
(1998). Psychoanalytic Approaches.
Available from The
This is a very nice, simple website that introduces the field of Psychoanalytic theory. It is intended for literary theory students.
In addition to a brief explanation of the field, several links are included to help visitors continue their research.
Felluga, D.
(2002) Introduction to psychoanalysis.
Available from the
This is a well-made site that explores the basics of Psychoanalytic criticism. It offers a glossary of important terms and a pair of samples so that students can see the theory being used. It also provides several links so that researchers can continue their work.
Books
Introduction to Psychoanalytic theory
These works are a good place to start off when beginning to explore psychoanalytic theory.
Sherwood, M. (1969). The logic of explanation in
psychoanalysis.
Location: CIRC - BF323.E8 S5
This book is important in that there are flaws in Freud's early theories that need to be examined. Sherwood feels that psychoanalysis must be discussed in philosophical terms and that it must show through logical argument that the beliefs of psychoanalytic thinkers hold water. In addition, through logical argument and discussion, these ideas and beliefs can be modified and made stronger. Sherwood feels that psychoanalytic theory has great insights to offer the world and that the field of philosophy can improve psychoanalysis greatly. Although quite dated, this book presents quality critiques of Freud's early work on psychosexual behavior and its messages are valid even today. Moreover, it can give introductory readers ideas to consider as the continue to study the field.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis -- Case studies
Robinson, D. N. (1997). The great courses on tape: The
great ideas of psychology.
Location: AV - BF 636.R659 1997 pt 1-4
This four volume set of video cassettes offers a look at various ideas and how they shaped the field of psychology. These videos are meant to introduce viewers to psychological theories and subfields in order to help them understand more advanced works. Volumes three and four are of particular interest as they introduce Freud's theories on repression (of vital importance in Psychoanalytic Literary theory) found in volume three and Freud's theories of psychosexual behavior (Oedipal complex, etc.) found in volume four.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychology -- Early works to 1850
Psychology -- Methodology
Psychology -- Philosophy
Psychology -- Study and teaching
Psychology, Applied
Psychology, Comparative
Freud, S. (1977) Introductory lectures on
psychoanalysis. (J. Strachey, Trans.
and Ed.)
Location: CIRC - BF 173.F7 1977
This book contains an compilation of lectures given by Freud on the basics of psychoanalysis. Freud compiled the lectures himself and published the book in 1917. He explains that readers knowledgeable in psychoanalysis would find very little new information. However, the book is an invaluable resource for beginners. Of particular interest to readers interested in Psychoanalytic Literary Theory are the sections in part two detailing Freud's theories on dreams and latent/manifest content and the sections in part three discussing fixation, trauma, resistance, and repression.
Moderate works
It helps if researchers have a basic understanding of some of the concepts mentioned in the introductory materials for some of these works. I have included FreudŐs actual writings in this section due to the fact that an basic understanding of the concepts he described can help students follow his writing. This understanding can be gained from the introductory material.
Healey, W.,
Bronner, A. F., & Bowers, A. M. (Ed.s). (1930). The structure and
meaning of psychoanalysis as related to personality and behavior.
Location: CIRC BF 173.H43
This work is a bridge between introductory work and more advanced readings. It is of interest to researchers of Psychoanalytic Literary Theory due to its examination of fields not covered in most introductory materials. Specifically, this book's coverage of dynamics and dynamisms (displacement, transference, repression, etc) are of great use. In addition, the sections on personality formation and developmental stages (and their corresponding complexes) will prepare readers for more advanced readings of primary sources and allow them to come to their own conclusions during their examination of literary sources.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Personality
Psychoanalysis
Rapaport, D.
(1960). The structure of psychoanalytic theory: A systematizing attempt. Psychological
Issues, 2(2).
Location: CIRC BF 173.R362
This book is actually an issue of a periodical that is available for patrons to borrow. It is not an introductory look at psychoanalysis because it does not concentrate on the theories behind psychoanalysis. Instead, it focuses on the structure of psychoanalysis, its limitations and benefits, methodology and application. For students intending to continue to more advanced readings in an attempt to publish their own work in the field, this book and the previous can be very helpful.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis
Strachey, J.
and Freud, A. (Eds.). (1974). The standard edition of the complete
psychological works of Sigmund Freud.
Location: CIRC – BF 173.F6253 v. 1-24
This twenty-four volume set contains every essay, book, and letter ever published by Sigmund Freud as compiled by James Strachey and FreudŐs daughter, Anna. Little needs to be said about the importance of these works to the psychoanalytic researcher. This is an invaluable resource for readers looking for clarification on a theory or for information on an obscure topic not covered by FreudŐs students.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis
Spurling, L. (Ed.). (1989). Sigmund Freud: Critical
assessments.
Location: CIRC – BF 173.S4987 1989 v. 1-4
Whereas the previous recommendation contains FreudŐs actual writings, this work contains a collection of articles from various authors examining FreudŐs writings and offering their thoughts on them. Some of the sections in this work can be confusing to readers without a sufficient background in psychoanalytic theory. However, the contributing writers have much to say about psychoanalytic literary theory. These thoughts can be found in the fourth section of volume three.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Freud, Sigmund 1856-1939
Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis -- History
Advanced Sources
These sources build upon the primary sources in ways that makes them harder to follow for introductory researchers. However, the quality of the information they contain cannot be overlooked.
Lawrence, D. H. (1969). Psychoanalysis and the
unconscious.
Location: CIRC – BF 173.L28
This is an exploration of
psychoanalysis written by the author D. H.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis
Subconsciousness
Person, E. S.,
Fonagy, P., & Figueira, S. A. (Eds.). (1995). On FreudŐs Ňcreative
writers and day-dreaming.Ó
Location: CIRC – BF 175.5.F36 O47 1995
For Freud, the act of creative writing was simply another form of dreaming. And, like dreams, these creative works contained latent repressed content in the form of symbolism. Freud believed that creative writers were analogous to children at play creating imaginary worlds they can inhabit. The psychoanalytic researcher can learn much by examining these imagined worlds. This work opens with FreudŐs paper ŇCreative Writers and Day-DreamingÓ published in 1907 and then contains articles and explorations by various modern writers.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Creative ability
Fantasy
Freud, Sigmund 1856-1939
Freud, Sigmund 1856-1939 Dichter und das Phantasieren
Psychoanalysis
Ruitenbeek, H. M. (Ed.). (1964). Psychoanalysis and
contemporary American culture.
Location: CIRC – BF 173.R82
Ruitenbeek makes an assertion that psychoanalysis is not confined to the medical profession. ItŐs impact is felt throughout all of the social sciences and the humanities. He particularly concentrates on the way psychoanalysis affects culture. One of FreudŐs major writings, ŇCivilization and its Discontents,Ó discusses how society makes it impossible for individuals to achieve happiness. However, is it possible to alter this destructive relationship between society (culture) and the individual? This work contains articles from a variety of authors on the subject of psychoanalysis, Freud, and culture. This work is important to researchers of Psychoanalytic Literary Theory in that it examines something other than medical cases or abstract psychological concepts. It focuses the field directly on culture and, in doing so, it gleans fascinating information about humanity itself.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis
Literary Theory
These two books concentrate on literary theory as a whole. Each contain sections on psychoanalysis. However, the overall goal of each of these books is to outline the various theories that exist in all of literary theory.
Hall, D. E. (2001). Literary and cultural theory.
Location: CIRC – PN 81.H227 2001
The section on Psychoanalysis in this work gives researcher s brief overview of the theory along with an examination of the key principles. However, one of the greatest benefits of this book is the bibliography at the end of the section which points to more complete information.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Criticism
Literature -- History and criticism -- Theory, etc
Eagleton, T. (1996). Literary theory: An introduction. (2nd ed.)
Location: CIRC – PM 94.E2 1996
The section on psychoanalysis in this work is quite complete. It gives an overview of the main theories but it also delves into some of the theories not examined in introductory texts.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Criticism -- History -- 20th century
Literature -- History and criticism -- Theory, etc
Literature -- Philosophy
Psychoanalytic Literary Theory
These books concentrate on psychoanalytic theory in ways that differ from the materials listed in the section on literary theory.
Burgin, V., Donald, J., & Kaplan C. (Eds.). (1986). Formations
of fantasy.
Location: BF 175.F635 1986
Is fantasy the opposite of reality? This book contains a collection of articles that assert that an examination of fantasy can be used to understand reality. The authors believe that fantasies are a foundational aspect of the human psyche and that by examining this aspect one can change the way one reacts to reality itself. Of particular note is a chapter by Cora Kaplan on ŇThe Thorn BirdsÓ and John FletcherŐs article ŇPoetry, Gender, and Primal Fantasy.Ó
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Fantasy
Psychoanalysis
Hartman, G. H. (Ed.). (1978). Psychoanalysis and the
question of the text.
Location: BF 175.E53 1978
Although a book on literary theory, this work contains no case studies as one would expect. Instead, this book is an attempt to understand the act of psychoanalytic criticism. What does one do with conflicting readings? If both utilize psychoanalytic methodology and theories correctly, are both correct? Can scholarly writing (criticism) itself be analyzed psychoanalytically? These questions can open a researcherŐs eyes to new methods of analysis. One need not be confined within the box of close reading of fiction.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Psychoanalysis and literature
Literature
Psychoanalytic Interpretation
Crews, F. (1975). Out of my system: Psychoanalysis,
ideology, and critical method.
Location: CIRC – PN56.P92.C7
This book discusses the history of psychoanalytic theory, gives examples of how psychoanalytic readings look, and it examines some of the problems psychoanalytic literary critics face. Overall, this is a wonderful examination of what psychoanalytic literary criticism truly is.
This work is filed under these subject headings:
Authorship -- Psychological aspects
Criticism
Literature -- History and criticism -- Theory, etc
Psychoanalysis and literature
Radicalism --
Examples of Psychoanalytic Works
It would be foolish to attempt to list every work explored by Psychoanalytic theorists. Instead, I will point out works from multiple literary genres, periods, and nationalities that the researcher may peruse in order to develop a sense of what Psychoanalytic Criticism may accomplish.
These works may be found in the section of the Circulating Collection dedicated to literature and separated by nation or culture of origin.
CIRC - PA3131 .A59 1992
Alford,
C. F. (1992). The psychoanalytic theory of Greek tragedy.
CIRC - PN56.P92 B76 1994
Brooks, P. (1994). Psychoanalysis
and storytelling.
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CIRC - PN56.P92 J335 2005
Jacobus, M. (2005). The
poetics of psychoanalysis : In the wake of Klein.
CIRC - PQ6358.P7 Q59 1993
El Saffar, R.
A. and de Armas Wilson, D. (Eds.) ( 1993). Quixotic desire : psychoanalytic
perspectives on Cervantes.
CIRC - PR457 .F29 2008
Faflak, J. (2008). Romantic psychoanalysis : The
burden of the mystery.
CIRC - PR878.W6 N48 2004
Newman, B. (2004). Subjects on display:
Psychoanalysis, social expectation, and Victorian femininity.
CIRC - PR990 .R65 1999
Rollin, L. and West, M. (Eds.). (1999). Psychoanalytic
responses to children's literature.
CIRC - PR6019.O9 Z5815 1990
Henke, S. A. (1990).
James Joyce and the politics of desire.
CIRC - PN56.P92 W55 1995
Williams, L. R.
(1995). Critical desire : Psychoanalysis and the literary subject.
CIRC - PS374.N4 T36 1998
Tate, C. (1998). Psychoanalysis
and Black novels : Desire and the protocols of race.
Created by Sean Marlow, Library and Information
Science student at the
Last updated November 25, 2008, Smarlow2@mail.usf.edu