Elizabeth Bowen's Psychoanalytic Fiction

This book provides a new account of Bowen's fiction that highlights in particular the force and originality of Bowen's virtually psychoanalytic thinking about development, sexuality and gender.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book offers a fresh perspective on Bowen's fiction, emphasizing its unique and profound exploration of development, sexuality, and gender. By delving into the intricate connection between Bowen's work and the socio-political context from which it arose, Coulson presents a psychoanalytic literary interpretation that is enriched by biographical, cultural, and political contextualization.

Bowen's fiction is characterized by a deep understanding of the human psyche and its complex dynamics. Through his characters, he explores the struggles and complexities of human relationships, particularly those involving family, sexuality, and power.

One of the key themes in Bowen's fiction is the concept of development. He examines how individuals grow and evolve throughout their lives, navigating the challenges and opportunities that arise. Bowen's characters often face difficult choices and dilemmas, which force them to confront their past and present selves and to make difficult decisions about their future.

Sexuality is another central theme in Bowen's fiction. He explores the complex and often conflicting desires and emotions that individuals have towards others, particularly in relation to gender roles and identity. Bowen's characters are often complex and nuanced, with their sexual desires and experiences shaped by a range of factors, including social expectations, cultural norms, and personal trauma.

Gender is another important theme in Bowen's fiction. He examines how gender shapes individuals and their relationships with others, as well as the societal and cultural pressures that exist around gender identity. Bowen's characters are often complex and multifaceted, with their gender identities shaped by a range of factors, including their upbringing, social experiences, and personal desires.

Through his fiction, Bowen offers a powerful critique of the social and political structures that shape individuals and their relationships. He challenges the dominant narratives and ideologies that perpetuate gender inequality, power dynamics, and social hierarchies. Bowen's characters are often marginalized and oppressed, but they also exhibit resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

One of the strengths of Coulson's interpretation is his ability to bring Bowen's fiction to life through a psychoanalytic lens. He uses biographical, cultural, and political contextualization to shed light on the underlying themes and tensions in Bowen's work. Coulson's analysis is insightful and nuanced, and he offers a fresh perspective on Bowen's fiction that is both accessible and engaging.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of Bowen's fiction. By highlighting the force and originality of Bowen's virtually psychoanalytic thinking about development, sexuality, and gender, Coulson offers a psychoanalytic literary interpretation that is informed by biographical, cultural, and political contextualization. Through his characters and their struggles, Bowen offers a powerful critique of the social and political structures that shape individuals and their relationships. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Bowen's fiction, as well as in the broader field of psychoanalytic literary criticism.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474480505