Jungian Criticism as Literary Theory

Etymology and Nomenclature of Jungian Criticism

Jungian criticism, also referred to as Jungian literary criticism, derives its name and theoretical foundation from the pioneering work of Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Gustav Jung. This critical approach, which emerged in the mid-20th century, extends Jung’s psychological theories into the domain of literary analysis.

Jungian critics apply Jung’s concepts, such as archetypes, the collective unconscious, and individuation, to the interpretation of literature. This method involves a deep exploration of the psychological and symbolic elements within literary works, aiming to unearth the universal symbols and motifs that connect literature to the collective human experience. Consequently, Jungian criticism offers a distinctive lens for examining literature, delving into the profound connections between the human psyche and artistic expression.

Definition of Jungian Criticism

Jungian Criticism in literature is a theoretical and analytical approach that draws its foundation from the work of Swiss psychiatrist, Carl Gustav Jung. This critical method applies Jung’s psychological concepts, such as archetypes, the collective unconscious, and individuation, to the interpretation of literary texts. It emphasizes the exploration of the human psyche within literature, seeking to identify universal symbols, themes, and motifs that connect with the collective human experience.

Jungian Criticism provides a lens through which to analyze the psychological depth, symbolism, and archetypal elements in literature, offering insights into the inner workings of characters and the broader thematic aspects of literary works.

Jungian Criticism: Major Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorist	Notable Work(s)	Key Points and Arguments
Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961)	Man and His Symbols (1964, posthumously)	– Key Concepts: Archetypes, collective unconscious, individuation, symbolism. – Jungian theories are foundational in Jungian Criticism, exploring universal symbols and the psychological dimensions of literature.
Northrop Frye (1912-1991)	Anatomy of Criticism (1957)	– Emphasized Jungian concepts in literary criticism, highlighting archetypal patterns and myths as reflective of universal human experiences in literature.
Marie-Louise von Franz (1915-1998)	The Interpretation of Fairy Tales (1970), Shadow and Evil in Fairy Tales (1974)	– Applied Jungian psychology to analyze fairy tales and myths, investigating the psychological aspects of characters and symbols in literature.
James Hillman (1926-2011)	Re-Visioning Psychology (1975)	– Expanded Jungian ideas by focusing on the soul’s journey in literature, emphasizing the imaginative richness and psychological depth in literary works.
Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)	The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949)	– Explored the hero’s journey as a universal archetype in myths and literature, highlighting its significance in understanding the human experience in literature.
Clarissa Pinkola Estés (b. 1945)	Women Who Run with the Wolves (1992)	– Applied Jungian psychology to analyze women’s stories and myths, examining their reflection of psychological and emotional experiences, and advocating for their reclamation and understanding.

Principals of Jungian Criticism

1. Archetypes as Universal Symbols: Jungian Criticism emphasizes the presence of archetypes, which are universal symbols or themes found in human culture and the collective unconscious, in literature.
2. The Collective Unconscious: It explores the concept of the collective unconscious, suggesting that certain shared experiences and symbols are inherent in human culture and are reflected in literature.
3. Individuation and Character Development: Jungian Criticism often examines how characters in literature undergo individuation, a process of personal development and self-discovery that mirrors Jung’s concept of personal growth and self-realization.
4. Symbolism and Imagery Analysis: This approach places significant emphasis on the analysis of symbols and imagery in literary texts, revealing hidden meanings and deeper psychological dimensions within the narrative.
5. Universal Themes and Motifs: Jungian Criticism seeks to identify and interpret universal themes and motifs in literature, highlighting their relevance to the broader human experience.
6. Psychological Depth of Characters: It delves into the psychological depth of characters and their motivations, providing insights into their actions and decisions within the story.
7. Integration of the Unconscious: This approach explores how literature can serve as a medium for integrating unconscious elements of the psyche, leading to a better understanding of human behavior and emotions.
8. Mythological and Folkloric Elements: Jungian Criticism often draws on mythological and folkloric elements in literature, as these are seen as repositories of archetypal symbols and themes that resonate in literature.
9. Spiritual and Transcendental Aspects: It considers the spiritual and transcendental dimensions of literature, examining how it reflects these aspects and their impact on characters and themes.
10. Depth and Complexity: Jungian Criticism encourages readers to engage with literature on a deeper level, exploring the psychological richness and complexity of the human experience as portrayed in literary works.

Suggested Readings

1. Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press, 1949.
2. Estés, Clarissa Pinkola. Women Who Run with the Wolves. Ballantine Books, 1992.
3. Frye, Northrop. Anatomy of Criticism. Princeton University Press, 1957.
4. Hillman, James. Re-Visioning Psychology. Harper & Row, 1975.
5. Jung, Carl Gustav. Man and His Symbols. Doubleday, 1964.
6. von Franz, Marie-Louise. The Interpretation of Fairy Tales. Shambhala, 1996.
7. von Franz, Marie-Louise. Shadow and Evil in Fairy Tales. Shambhala, 1995.