Anima/Animus in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Anima/Animus

The terms “anima/animus” have their etymological roots in Latin. “Anima” is a derivative of the Latin word used for “soul” or “life.” It is used in various languages, including English, to refer to the inner essence or spirit of an individual.

In psychology, particularly in Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, “anima” is associated with the feminine aspect of the male psyche.

On the other hand, “animus” is also of Latin origin, signifying “mind” or “rational soul.” In psychology, it is linked to the masculine component within the female psyche, representing qualities traditionally associated with masculinity.

These terms, central to Jungian psychology, emphasize the duality of human psychological experience and have profound implications for understanding the complexities of human identity and the interplay of gender and the unconscious mind.

(Animus is explained in a separate article)

Meanings of Anima

In Literature	In Other Disciplines
Symbol of Femininity: Represents qualities like emotion and intuition, often used to explore gender dynamics.	Psychology (Jungian): Part of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, representing the feminine aspect of the male psyche.
Inner Psyche: Symbolizes deeper, unconscious aspects of characters, adding depth to character development.	Philosophy: Used in philosophical discussions to refer to the “soul” or “inner self,” particularly in existentialism and phenomenology.
Narrative Transformation: Often signifies character growth and self-awareness, especially in coming-of-age stories.	Anthropology: Can refer to the “life force” or “spirit” in various cultural and indigenous belief systems.
Psychological Conflict: Depicts inner struggles with emotional and intuitive aspects of characters, driving character arcs.	Religion and Spirituality: Appears in religious or spiritual contexts, representing the “soul” or inner essence.
Myth and Archetype: Taps into universal themes like the hero’s journey and the quest for integration and wholeness.	Literary Theory: Applied in literary theory to analyze character development, symbolism, and gender dynamics in literary works.

Definition of Anima/Animus as a Theoretical Term

In literary theory, “anima” is a theoretical term that draws from Carl Jung’s analytical psychology and symbolizes the inner, often unconscious, feminine aspects in a character’s psyche. It represents qualities such as emotion, intuition, and receptivity, enriching the complexity of character development. Anima is employed to explore gender dynamics, character motivations, and the interplay of feminine attributes in narrative analysis.

Anima/Animus: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

• Carl Jung: The Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who introduced and extensively developed the concept of anima within his analytical psychology, emphasizing its significance in personal development and understanding the human psyche.
• Jacques Lacan: The French psychoanalyst who contributed to the study of the unconscious mind and symbolic order, indirectly influencing discussions on anima about language and desire.
• Sigmund Freud: Although not primarily associated with anima, Freud’s work on the unconscious mind, dream analysis, and sexuality has had an indirect influence on discussions of anima within psychoanalytic literary theory.

Works:

• Carl Jung’s The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious (1950): This seminal work by Jung extensively discusses the concept of anima and its role as one of the key archetypes residing in the collective unconscious. Jung delves into its symbolism, manifestations in dreams and myths, and its impact on individual and cultural development.
• Jacques Lacan’s The Language of the Self: The Function of Language in Psychoanalysis (date): While not specifically addressing anima, Lacan’s work on language and the unconscious contributes to the theoretical framework that informs discussions about how language and the symbolic order interact with psychological and emotional aspects, indirectly touching on anima-related themes in literary theory.

Key Arguments about Anima/Animus

• Carl Jung: Jung’s primary argument is that anima represents the inner, often unconscious, feminine aspect of the male psyche. It encompasses qualities like emotion, intuition, and receptivity, which have significant influences on behavior, motivations, and interactions with others. Understanding and integrating the anima is integral to the process of individuation, where individuals strive to achieve a more balanced and whole sense of self.
• Jacques Lacan: While Lacan’s work does not directly address anima, his emphasis on the role of language and the symbolic order in shaping the unconscious mind has implications for discussions about how language constructs and influences concepts related to anima in literary analysis.
• Sigmund Freud: Freud’s work on the unconscious mind, dream analysis, and sexuality indirectly influences discussions of anima within psychoanalytic literary theory, as it provides a foundation for understanding the complexities of the unconscious and the human psyche.

Anima/Animus and Literary Theories

Anima plays a significant role in several literary theories and approaches, specifically which focus on psychoanalysis, symbolism, and character development. It is relevant in the following literary theories:

1. Psychoanalytic Literary Theory: Anima is central in psychoanalytic literary theories, particularly in the works of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. It is used to analyze characters’ inner conflicts, motivations, and psychological depths. This approach explores how the anima influences character development, relationships, and the narrative as a whole.
2. Feminist Literary Theory: Anima is relevant in feminist literary theory, which examines the representation of women and femininity in literature. The concept is employed to deconstruct gender roles and to analyze how female characters’ anima is depicted and whether it reinforces or challenges traditional gender norms.
3. Archetypal Criticism: Anima is a key archetype and a recurring symbol in literature. Archetypal criticism identifies these universal symbols, such as anima, and explores how they contribute to the narrative’s depth and resonance. It analyzes how the anima archetype is manifested in various characters and story elements.
4. Character Analysis: In character-driven literary theories, the anima is relevant for understanding and dissecting characters’ psychological complexities. It provides insights into characters’ emotional and intuitive aspects, their development, and the motivations behind their actions.
5. Symbolism and Mythology: Anima is often associated with symbolic and mythological elements in literature. The analysis of these symbols and myths, as they relate to anima, can shed light on the deeper meanings and themes of a literary work.
6. Postcolonial Literary Theory: In postcolonial literary theory, the concept of anima may be explored in relation to cultural identity, colonial and post-colonial experiences, and the interplay of cultures. It can be used to analyze how characters’ anima or animus relates to their identity in a postcolonial context.
7. Queer Theory: Anima can be relevant in queer theory when examining characters who challenge or transcend traditional gender and sexual norms. This theory explores how the anima concept intersects with non-binary and LGBTQ+ identities.

The relevance of anima/animus in literary theories highlights its versatility in providing deeper insights into characters, themes, and the psychological underpinnings of literary works. However, its application depends on the specific focus and approach of each literary theory.

Anima/Animus in Literary Criticism

1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë In Jane Eyre, the character of Mr. Rochester embodies a complex anima. He grapples with his inner feminine qualities through his interactions with the strong and independent protagonist, Jane Eyre. Critics often praise the novel for its nuanced portrayal of the anima, which allows Rochester’s character to evolve and reflect on his masculinity. However, some may argue that the novel still reinforces traditional gender roles in its resolution.
2. Orlando by Virginia Woolf In Orlando, the protagonist experiences a gender transformation, presenting an intriguing and fluid representation of the anima. Critics laud the novel’s exploration of the anima’s flexibility and its transcendence of traditional gender roles. However, they might also point out that the story’s whimsical nature can make the analysis of the anima more complex.
3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger While The Catcher in the Rye primarily focuses on the male protagonist, Holden Caulfield, his interactions with female characters, particularly his sister Phoebe and the memory of his deceased brother Allie, can be seen as manifestations of the anima. Critics might argue that these interactions reveal Holden’s inner vulnerability and emotional depth, adding complexity to his character. However, they may also critique the novel for its limited exploration of the anima in a traditional sense.
4. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys In Wide Sargasso Sea, the character of Mr. Rochester from Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is reimagined, offering a fresh perspective on the anima. The novel delves into the anima’s complexities within the context of race and colonialism. Critics often praise the book for its portrayal of the anima’s interaction with racial identity and power dynamics. However, some might argue that the novel’s brevity leaves room for further exploration.

In these novels, the concept of anima is intricately woven into character development and the exploration of identity. Critics can appreciate how authors use the anima to delve into themes of gender, power, and self-discovery. Yet, they may also evaluate how effectively the anima is portrayed, whether it adds depth to the narrative, and if it challenges or reinforces traditional gender roles and societal norms. These critiques contribute to a deeper understanding of the novels and the way they engage with the concept of anima in literature.

Suggested Readings

1. Hillman, James. Anima: An Anatomy of a Personified Notion. Spring Publications, 1985.
2. Jung, Carl G. The Archetypal Female in Mythology and Religion: The Anima and the Mother. Princeton University Press, 2002.
3. Neumann, Erich. The Great Mother: An Analysis of the Archetypal Feminine. Princeton University Press, 1955.
4. Paris, Ginette. Pagan Meditations: The Worlds of Aphrodite, Artemis, and Hestia. Spring Journal, Inc., 1986.
5. Segal, Robert A. The Gnostic Jung and the Seven Sermons to the Dead. Routledge, 1992.
6. Singer, June. Androgyny: Toward a New Theory of Sexuality. Anchor Books, 1977.
7. Stevens, Anthony. The Archetypal Female in Mythology and Religion: The Anima and the Mother. Inner City Books, 1982.