Ambivalence in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Ambivalence

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The term “ambivalence” originates from the Latin word “ambivalens,” which is a combination of “ambi” (meaning “both”) and “valens” (meaning “strong” or “powerful”).

The concept of ambivalence was first introduced in psychology and psychoanalysis by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in the early 20th century to describe the coexistence of conflicting emotions or attitudes within an individual.

It has since been widely adopted in academic and clinical discourse to characterize the simultaneous presence of contradictory feelings or evaluations, reflecting the tension between opposing forces or tendencies in human cognition and emotion.

Meanings of Ambivalence

Aspect	Meaning
Conflict of Emotions	Coexistence of conflicting feelings towards a subject or situation.
Mixed Feelings	Having dual, indecisive emotions that hinder clear decisions.
Psychological Duality	Manifestation of inner turmoil due to opposing attitudes.
Complex Attitudes	Acknowledging contradictory beliefs or opinions within a person.
Inconsistency	Resulting in behavior and decision inconsistencies due to wavering choices.
Analysis in Psychology	A critical concept in psychology for understanding human behavior and emotions.
Social and Cultural Impact	Influencing how individuals and groups respond to societal issues and relationships.
Literary and Artistic Use	Common theme in literature and the arts, adding depth and complexity to characters and narratives.
Therapeutic Considerations	Addressed in therapy, particularly in motivational interviewing, to resolve conflicting feelings for constructive decisions.

Definition of Ambivalence as a Theoretical Term

Ambivalence, as a theoretical term, refers to the coexistence of conflicting emotions or attitudes within an individual, often involving a simultaneous experience of both positive and negative sentiments toward a particular subject, person, or situation.

It represents the complex interplay of contradictory feelings and the psychological duality that arises when opposing desires or inclinations compete, potentially leading to inner turmoil.

Ambivalence is a crucial concept in various fields, including psychology, sociology, and literature, as it underscores the intricate nature of human emotions and decision-making.

Ambivalence: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

Sigmund Freud: Pioneered the concept of ambivalence in psychoanalysis, highlighting its role in the development of complex emotions.
Eugen Bleuler: Introduced the term “ambivalence” in the context of schizophrenia and its impact on emotional conflicts.

Works:

_Sigmund Freud’s “Mourning and Melancholia” (1917): Discusses ambivalence in the grieving process, emphasizing the coexistence of love and aggression toward the lost object, providing a nuanced understanding of how ambivalence shapes emotions.

_Eugen Bleuler’s “Dementia Praecox or the Group of Schizophrenias” (1911): Introduces ambivalence as a central feature of schizophrenia, where patients may simultaneously hold contradictory feelings, thereby offering a diagnostic lens for understanding the complexities of this disorder.

Arguments:

Freud’s argument: Centers on the idea that ambivalence is a fundamental aspect of human emotions, impacting various psychological processes, including mourning, attachment, and self-identity, thereby enriching our comprehension of the intricate web of human emotions.
Bleuler’s argument: In the context of schizophrenia, he emphasizes how it contributes to the disordered thought and emotional experiences in this psychiatric condition, highlighting its diagnostic significance and its critical role in understanding the psychological underpinnings of the disorder.

Ambivalence and Literary Theories

Psychoanalytic Theory: Ambivalence is a central theme in psychoanalytic literary criticism, heavily influenced by Sigmund Freud’s work. This theory explores how characters’ inner conflicts, contradictory emotions, and complex desires contribute to the depth and complexity of literary works. For example, the concept of ambivalence can be used to analyze characters torn between their conscious desires and unconscious drives.
Reader-Response Theory: It could be crucial in reader-response theory, where the reader’s own experiences and emotions are considered integral to the interpretation of a text. Ambivalence can mirror the reader’s own emotional responses to the text and influence their interpretation of characters and plot.
Feminist Literary Theory: In feminist literary criticism, it is often examined in the context of gender and power dynamics. It can be used to analyze the complex relationships between male and female characters and the conflicting emotions and desires that may arise within these relationships. For example, exploring ambivalence can shed light on how female characters may be torn between societal expectations and personal desires.

Postcolonial Theory: Ambivalence is also pertinent in postcolonial literary theory, where it is employed to investigate the complex relationships between colonizers and the colonized, the simultaneous attraction and repulsion toward Western ideals, and the conflicting loyalties and identities of characters in postcolonial settings.
Narrative Theory: Ambivalence can be integral to narrative theory, where it can be used to examine the complexity of characters and their development throughout a story. It can highlight how characters’ emotions and attitudes evolve and create tension and suspense in the narrative.
Modernism and Ambiguity: In the realm of modernist literature, ambivalence and ambiguity often go hand in hand. Modernist works frequently leave room for multiple interpretations and evoke contradictory emotions, leading readers to grapple with uncertainty and ambivalence in their responses to the text.

Ambivalence in Literary Criticism

Novel	Literary Theory	Critique
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger	Psychoanalytic Criticism	In The Catcher in the Rye, the character Holden Caulfield exhibits profound ambivalence towards the adult world and his transition into it. Drawing from psychoanalytic theory, one can analyze how Holden’s ambivalence is rooted in his fear of losing his innocence (the id) while dealing with societal expectations (the superego). This ambivalence reflects Freudian concepts of the conscious ego grappling with unconscious desires, enhancing the novel’s exploration of adolescent angst.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë	Feminist Criticism	In Wuthering Heights, the ambivalence of characters like Heathcliff and Catherine can be viewed through a feminist lens. The novel underscores the constraints and expectations placed on women during the 19th century. Feminist criticism can highlight the ambivalence Catherine experiences as she struggles to reconcile her love for Heathcliff with her societal duty to marry Edgar. Ambivalence, in this context, serves as a commentary on gender roles and restrictions.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez	Magical Realism	In this novel, ambivalence takes on a surreal and magical quality, often blurring the line between reality and fantasy. From a magical realism perspective, ambivalence becomes a narrative tool to depict the multifaceted nature of human experience and history. The characters’ ambivalence towards time and reality is woven into the fabric of the story, enhancing the novel’s exploration of the magical and the mundane.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky	Existentialism	In Crime and Punishment, the protagonist Raskolnikov grapples with a profound ambivalence towards morality, ethics, and societal norms. Analyzed through an existentialist lens, the novel explores the existential dilemma of choice and responsibility. Raskolnikov’s inner conflict exemplifies the existentialist notion of the individual’s anguish and ambivalence in the face of moral choices and the consequences of their actions.

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