Identity Crisis and Doppelganger in Gothic Fiction. An exemplary psychoanalytic interpretation of Brontë’s "Wuthering Heights"

Term Paper , 2011 , 16 Pages , Grade: 2,4

Didactics for the subject English - Literature, Works

This term paper deals with Brontë’s unique novel "Wuthering Heights", focusing on the protagonist Catherine Earnshaw and her fragmentarity. However, why does she even have a fragmentary identity and what are the consequences for her own self and as well as in terms of Gothic Fiction? Exactly this question is tried to be answered applying mainly the psychoanalytic approach by Lacan, Freud and Jung and using the hints given by the text’s symbolic value.

To fulfil a rational overview, the paper is structured in three main parts: First the conventional symbol of mirror and Lacan’s mirror stage will be analysed as a hint for Catherine’s problematic self.

Then the consequences of her crisis of identity will be examined applying the psychoanalytic theories by both Jung and Freud. Lastly, her split self will be analysed in context of Gothic Fiction in general.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Catherine’s Crisis of Identity and Fragmentarity
2.1 The Symbol of Mirror
2.2 Lacan’s Mirror Stage

3. Transmission of Identity and Self-Splitting
3.1 Heathcliff as Catherine’s Shadow
3. 2 Heathcliff and Linton as Catherine’s Id and Superego

4. The Doppelganger in Gothic Fiction

5. Conclusion

• College: University of Mannheim
• Course: Proseminar Literatur
• Grade: 2,4
• Author: Sitem Kolburan (Author)
• Publication Year: 2011
• Pages: 16
• Catalog Number: V335568
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668254220
• ISBN (Book): 9783668254237
• Language: German
• Tags: identity, crisis, doppelganger, gothic, fiction, brontë’s, wuthering, heights