Deconstruction of archetypal characterization: the case of Nina in Chekhov's The seagull

This study explores the Jungian notions of 'archetype', 'projection' and 'imago', and suggests the distinction between 'archetypal' and 'cognitive' characterization on the level of intention, and its implications regarding dramatic creativity. Wherea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe international journal of Jungian studies Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 53 - 68
Main Author Rozik, Eli
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Netherlands BRILL 01.03.2011
Taylor & Francis Group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
archetype/archetypal
characterization
cognitive
Deconstruction
imago
personification
projection
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Summary:This study explores the Jungian notions of 'archetype', 'projection' and 'imago', and suggests the distinction between 'archetypal' and 'cognitive' characterization on the level of intention, and its implications regarding dramatic creativity. Whereas archetypal characterization aims at matching archetypes in the spectators' minds, cognitive characterization aims at saying something true on the nature of real people, in the spirit of naturalism. Archetypal characterization thus offers the opportunity for the spectators to confront suppressed contents of their psyches. This study also suggests a model for the transition from the archetypal mode of characterization to the cognitive one through a process of deconstruction, and applies this model to Nina's process of individuation from adolescence to maturity in Chekhov's The seagull.
ISSN:1940-9052
1940-9060
DOI:10.1080/19409052.2011.542372