The Beast in the Jungle through a psychoanalytic lens

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The Beast in the Jungle through a Psychoanalytic lens
Published in 1903, Henry James’ novella has its focal point on human beings and the meaning of their lives. The author incorporates a psychoanalytic approach and explores characters such as John Marcher and May Bartram.
In the novella, James’ audience(s) is exposed to Marcher’s narcissism, particularly while attempting to understand his relationship with May. He has the urge to engage in a romantic relationship with May but his narcissistic persona only allows Marcher to use May for the fulfillment of his ‘transgressions’ (Pippin 105). James says, “The escape would have been to love her; then, then he would have lived,” and unfortunately, Marcher only views May as a maternal figure and not a romantic lover (James 35).
Psychoanalytically, Marcher is categorized as a narcissistic character due to his superiority. The demands and conflicts within himself force Marcher to remain unemotionally invested in May despite her fixation on Marcher (Pippin 105). Additionally, Marcher’s ‘secret’ feelings toward May, someone he considers a mother, are representative of Freud’s Oedipus complex. He still has sexual and emotional desire for May, despite considering her a maternal figure.
May’s obsession toward Marcher is also explored from a psychoanalytic perspective. It appears quite psychotic that May would dedicate herself to the fulfillment of Marcher’s livelihood. As a result, he subtly robbed Marcher of any form(s) of independence thus forcing him to thrive in fixation and dependence toward May.

Both characters, John Marcher and May Bartram are the protagonists of James’ novella. Their behavior(s) and portrayals expose the audience(s) to an understanding of “The Beast in the Jungle” from a psychoanalytic lens. Marcher is narcissistic and his character develops James’ plot.
Works Cited
James, Henry. The Beast in the Jungle. 1903.
Pippin, R. B. (2001). Henry James and modern moral life. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.