Overview
Drawing upon a vast literature in psychoanalytic journals either upon Shakespeare’s characters themselves or alluding to those characters in the course of other topics, this book discusses eight of Shakespeare’s plays and the relationships between the main characters within them. Psychoanalytic and literary approaches sometimes diverge, but they can also concur in seeing characters either as true examples of different psychological states and types of relating or as symbolic of aspects of the personality. The chapters contain many references to psychoanalytic interpretations from Freud onwards.
The importance of this book lies in its drawing together from a large number of disparate sources, many of which will be inaccessible to those who do not have access to the journals or psychoanalytic databases. It is relevant for counselors and therapists, as well as for those interested in literature, particularly in Shakespearean studies. It is written for the thinking lay reader, and does not blind the ordinary reader with psychoanalytic terminology and concepts. Readers who are therapists may gain some insights into aspects of some of their clients; everyone should be encouraged through these ideas and theories to muse upon aspects of his or her own personality, thoughts, fantasies and behaviors.
Synopsis
Drawing upon a vast literature in psychoanalytic journals either upon Shakespeare’s characters themselves or alluding to those characters in the course of other topics, this book discusses eight of Shakespeare’s plays and the relationships between the main characters within them. Psychoanalytic and literary approaches sometimes diverge, but they can also concur in seeing characters either as true examples of different psychological states and types of relating or as symbolic of aspects of the personality. The chapters contain many references to psychoanalytic interpretations from Freud onwards.
The importance of this book lies in its drawing together from a large number of disparate sources, many of which will be inaccessible to those who do not have access to the journals or psychoanalytic databases. It is relevant for counselors and therapists, as well as for those interested in literature, particularly in Shakespearean studies. It is written for the thinking lay reader, and does not blind the ordinary reader with psychoanalytic terminology and concepts. Readers who are therapists may gain some insights into aspects of some of their clients; everyone should be encouraged through these ideas and theories to muse upon aspects of his or her own personality, thoughts, fantasies and behaviors.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"This book makes two important contributions to American psychology. First, it continues the dialogue between literature and psychology. Literature, including fiction, plays, and poetry, provides the basis on which the science of psychology can proceed. Its study by psychologists is invaluable for the sake of both psychology and literature. Second, the sensitive, psychologically oriented reader will examine self in the reading of this brief treatment of some of Shakespeare's characters."“Another creative triumph from Michael Jacobs! You will discover as much about yourself as you do about Shakespeare's characters. There's a compassion for human frailties in these pages plus a demand that we all—not just therapists—shape up. In struggling to hold these two opposite positions, Jacobs reveals himself as a true Shakespearean—and the Bard's similar struggle is a model for today's psychotherapists and counsellors.”
”Already reknowned for books that make psychodynamic thinking highly accessible, Michael Jacobs now offers an original approach to Shakespeare's stories and characters—making them more authentically psychological than ever. Such an analysis has been attempted before, but never in such a down-to-earth, readable fashion. Jacobs knows his Shakespeare and he knows psychodynamic psychotherapy from years of experience. So many of us—whether we are exploring Shakespeare, human psychology and therapy, or the interface between art and the mind—will all benefit from reading this fascinating work.”