Directions for the essay
1. Argue the case for your thesis (as proposed in your proposal) – mark with an *.
2. Analyze one of the complete texts (not an excerpt) from the Norton Anthology of American Literature vol. A or B
3. Utilize one theorist (and text by them) from this pdf of the Schools of Literary Theory found at OWL Purdue
or a theorist’s book I’ve provided for you here: Theoretical Sources.
4. Your paper must have 8 quotes from your sources. You must use quotes from each of the sources you have cited in your work cited. Your final paper must be at least 1750-2000 words and have all sources cited in proper MLA format.
5. Work cited with at least 5 sources, 2 of them being the books above.
My outline for the essay:
Term Paper Outline
I. Introduction
A. Background on Sigmund Freud and “The Scarlet Letter”
B. Thesis Statement: In this essay, I will do an analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The ScarletLetter” which tries to reveal the complex interactions between the narrative’s societal repression,and the unspoken impulses of the main characters through an analytical approach based on
Sigmund Freud’s theories. This analysis uses of the Scarlett Letter with Freudian ideas like restrictions and grief to try and understand the characters’ innermost thoughts or desiresII. Overview of Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theories
A. Introduction to “The Interpretation of Dreams”
1. Key concepts in dream analysis
B. Exploration of Freudian Repression
1. Understanding the creation of the unconscious
2. Michael Billig’s contribution to Freudian repression
III. Application of Freudian Concepts to Literature
A. The relevance of psychoanalysis in literary interpretation
B. Linking Freudian ideas to characters in literature
1. Considerations of unconscious desires in charactersIV. Brief Overview of “The Scarlet Letter”
A. Summary of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel
1. Introduction of main characters
2. Setting and historical context
V. Psychoanalytic Examination of Characters
A. Applying Freudian concepts to Hester Prynne
1. Exploration of Hester’s unconscious motivations
B. Analyzing Arthur Dimmesdale through Freudian lenses
1. Unraveling repressed desires and guilt
VI. Freud’s “Mourning and Melancholia” Applied
A. Overview of Freud’s essay on mourning and melancholia
B. Applying Freudian theories to characters coping with loss in “The Scarlet Letter”
1. The impact of guilt on the characters’ psychological state
VII. Exploration of Unconscious Motivations
A. Investigating hidden desires in characters
1. Uncovering symbolic meanings in character actions
B. The role of the unconscious in character developmen
VIII. Freudian Repression in “The Scarlet Letter”
A. Analyzing instances of repression in the narrative
1. How societal norms contribute to repression
B. Michael Billig’s insights on the conversation creating the unconscious
IX. Symbolism and the Unconscious
A. Examining symbolic elements in “The Scarlet Letter”
1. The scarlet letter as a symbol of repressed desires
2. Symbolic interpretations of the forest and the scaffold
X. Psychoanalytic Exploration of Guilt
A. The manifestation of guilt in characters
1. The impact of societal judgment on guilt
B. Freudian perspectives on the characters’ coping mechanisms
XI. Parallel Themes in Freudian Psychoanalysis and “The Scarlet Letter”
A. Identification of common themes
B. The intersection of psychological and literary analysis
XII. Critique and Limitations of Freudian Analysis
A. Acknowledgment of limitations in applying psychoanalysis to literature
B. Critique of potential oversimplification or reductionism
XIII. Theoretical Insights from the Sigmund Freud Collection
A. Exploring additional Freudian texts and insights
B. The contribution of the Sigmund Freud Collection to literary analysis
XIV. Comparative Analysis of Freud’s Theories and “The Scarlet Letter”
A. Evaluating how well Freudian concepts align with the novel
B. Instances where Freudian analysis enhances literary interpretation
XV. Examination of Freudian Concepts in Key Scenes
A. Analyzing specific scenes through Freudian lenses
1. The scaffold scenes
2. The forest scenes
XVI. The Unconscious and Character Relationships
A. Impact of unconscious desires on character relationships
1. Hester and Dimmesdale’s relationship
B. The role of societal norms in shaping character interactions
XVII. Interplay of Conscious and Unconscious Motivations
A. Examining moments where characters grapple with conscious and unconscious desires
B. The implications of these moments on character development
XVIII. Freudian Analysis of Pearl
A. A dedicated analysis of Pearl’s character through Freudian perspectives
B. Uncovering the symbolic significance of Pearl
XIX. Implications of Freudian Interpretation for Literary Criticism
A. The broader impact of psychoanalytic literary criticism
B. Recommendations for future research in psychoanalytic literary analysis
XX. Conclusion
A. Recapitulation of key findings
B. Final reflections on the synergy between Freudian psychoanalysis and “The Scarlet Letter”
C. Concluding thoughts on the enduring relevance of Freudian perspectives in literary interpretation
