Animus in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Animus

The term “animus” finds its etymological roots in Latin, specifically the word “animus,” which broadly denotes the mind, intellect, spirit, or will.

In an academic context, “animus” has been used historically to convey a sense of inner determination, intention, or purpose. This term has significant resonance in both linguistic and psychological domains.

In psychological literature, particularly within the framework of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, it refers to the inner masculine aspect of the female psyche, representing qualities and characteristics traditionally associated with masculinity.

The etymology underscores its deep connection to the cognitive and emotional aspects of human nature, making it a vital concept in the analysis of individual and collective psychology.

Meanings of Animus

Aspect	Meaning
Psychological Aspect	In literary theory, “animus” often represents the inner masculine aspect of a female character’s psyche. It reflects qualities such as assertiveness, logic, and rationality, traditionally associated with masculinity. This concept is essential for understanding character development, particularly in works that explore gender dynamics and the psychological depth of female protagonists.
Symbol of Inner Conflict	In literature, it serves as a symbol of inner conflict within a character, especially when a female character grapples with societal expectations and her own desires. It can be a driving force for character growth and transformation.
Representative of Gender Roles	It could be a literary device to challenge or reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations. It plays a crucial role in discussions of feminism and the depiction of women’s empowerment in literature.
Interplay with Anima	In some literary works, the animus interacts with the anima (the inner feminine aspect of a male character’s psyche), creating a dynamic that explores the complexities of human identity and relationships. This interplay adds depth to character interactions and thematic exploration.
Archetypal Significance	The animus is often considered an archetype, carrying universal symbolism and meaning across different literary works. This archetypal nature allows for the exploration of broader themes related to the human psyche and society in literature.

Definition of Animus as a Theoretical Term

In literary theory, “animus” is a theoretical term that signifies the inner, often subconscious, representation of masculinity within the psyche of a female character.

It symbolizes qualities traditionally associated with men, such as assertiveness, rationality, and strength, which can serve as a source of internal conflict, character development, and thematic exploration in works of literature. As a theoretical concept, “animus” is essential for analyzing gender dynamics and the complexity of female characters in literary narratives.

Animus: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

• Carl Jung: As previously mentioned, Jung’s work on the animus is foundational, particularly in understanding the inner dynamics of female characters in literature.
• Sigmund Freud: While primarily a psychoanalyst, Freud’s theories of gender and sexuality have influenced literary critics’ examination of animus, particularly in works where sexuality and desire play a significant role.
• Luce Irigaray: A French feminist philosopher, Irigaray’s work on sexual difference and the “mimicry” of women in a phallogocentric society has provided insights into the representation of animus in literature.
• Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar: In their work The Madwoman in the Attic, Gilbert and Gubar explored the concept of the “anxiety of authorship,” shedding light on the portrayal of female characters struggling with the animus in literature.

Works:

• Sigmund Freud’s Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality (1905): Freud’s exploration of sexual development and gender identity in this work has been influential in examining the animus in literary texts with psychoanalytic perspectives.
• Luce Irigaray’s This Sex Which Is Not One (1977): Irigaray’s groundbreaking text challenges traditional Freudian and Jungian interpretations of the female psyche, offering a fresh perspective on animus and sexuality in literature.
• Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar’s The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination (1979): This work examines the animus as a source of female creativity and struggle in literary texts, particularly in the context of 19th-century literature.

Arguments:

• Sigmund Freud: Freud’s arguments often focus on the inherent sexual nature of animus, emphasizing its role in understanding repressed desires and conflicts within female characters in literature.
• Luce Irigaray: Irigaray’s work delves into the mimetic nature of women, suggesting that women often imitate or mirror the male-dominant culture. Her arguments emphasize the need to explore the portrayal of animus in literature as a reflection of this cultural dynamic.
• Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar: Gilbert and Gubar argue that female characters in literature can be seen as engaging in a struggle with the animus, reflecting broader societal expectations and limitations imposed on women. They view the animus as a source of both creativity and constraint for these characters.

Animus and Literary Theories

1. Psychoanalytic Theory: Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which explores the subconscious and the interplay of desires, is highly relevant to the concept of “animus” in literature. The animus can represent repressed desires and internal conflicts within female characters, making it a central element in psychoanalytic literary analysis.
2. Jungian Literary Criticism: Carl Jung’s analytical psychology introduced the concept of “animus” and “anima” to literary analysis. Jungian literary criticism focuses on the archetypal roles of characters and their journey towards individuation, often involving the integration of the animus. This theory is inherently tied to the exploration of psychological and gender aspects in literature.
3. Feminist Literary Theory: Feminist literary theory frequently engages with the concept of “animus” in the examination of female characters’ struggles and empowerment in literature. It analyzes how societal expectations and patriarchal norms impact the portrayal of female characters and their interaction with the animus.
4. Gender Studies: Gender studies, a multidisciplinary field that explores issues of gender and sexuality, delves into the portrayal of animus as a representation of masculinity within female characters. This approach examines how gender identity and roles are constructed and challenged in literary narratives.
5. Queer Theory: Queer theory looks at non-normative gender identities and sexual orientations in literature. The concept of “animus” can be relevant when analyzing characters who defy traditional gender roles and expectations, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of diverse gender experiences in literature.
6. Literary Psychoanalysis: This interdisciplinary approach combines elements of literary theory and psychoanalysis. It is particularly relevant when exploring the psychological depths of characters and their interactions with the animus in various literary works.

In each of these literary theories, the concept plays a vital role in unraveling the intricacies of character development, gender dynamics, and the inner conflicts of literary figures. It offers a lens through which to examine how literature reflects and challenges societal norms, individual identity, and the complexity of human psychology.

Animus in Literary Criticism

1. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys In Wide Sargasso Sea the character of Antoinette represents the animus within a colonial context. Her struggle with identity and her interactions with Mr. Rochester embody the tension between colonialism and individual empowerment. Critics often praise the novel for its exploration of the animus as a symbol of resistance against patriarchal and colonial forces.
2. The Awakening by Kate Chopin In The Awakening, Edna Pontellier’s journey toward self-discovery and emancipation from societal norms embodies the animus. Her rebellion against traditional gender roles and her search for independence are central themes. Critics may argue that the novel provides a compelling portrayal of the animus as a catalyst for female empowerment but may also question the limitations of Edna’s journey.
3. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde In Oscar Wilde’s novel, the character of Dorian Gray can be seen as a manifestation of the animus. Dorian’s internal struggle with his own desires and societal expectations is central to the narrative. Critics may argue that the novel explores the dark and destructive side of the animus, highlighting how repressed desires can lead to moral decay.
4. Orlando by Virginia Woolf In Orlando the eponymous character undergoes a transformation from male to female over several centuries. This unique narrative allows for a complex exploration of animus and gender identity. Critics often praise the novel for its fluid and evolving representation of the animus, which challenges traditional gender norms and highlights the fluidity of identity.

In these novels, the concept of serves as a lens through which to analyze the characters’ inner conflicts, their interactions with societal expectations, and their journeys toward self-discovery. Critics can appreciate how authors use the animus to explore themes of gender, identity, and individual agency, while also considering the potential limitations or complexities in the portrayal of this psychological aspect in the narratives.

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.