Universal Psychological Mechanisms of Guilt and Redemption: An Analysis of the Scarlet Letter and Raja Gidh

Abstract

Freud’s trifurcated concept of human nature asserts that unlike other emotional states, guilt is a quite complicated feeling which requires a differentiated and powerful brain. A human brain, being cognizant of this uniqueness, is capable of self-appraisal and self-censure. The present study penetrates the intricacies of human mind through the study of protagonists of The Scarlet Letter and Raja Gidh. The concept of Freudian superego is used to examine the two characters, Dimmesdale and Qayyum, set in completely different temporal and spatial dimensions of human society. The parameters of psychoanalytical interpretation describes the human psychological distress and fight against the mental chaos after crossing the ethical boundaries of morality. It postulates that Freudian psychoanalysis contributes effectively to research in literary criticism beyond the social, cultural and linguistic boundaries as it highlights the universality of unique human feelings.