Volume III Special Issue V May 2023

Name of Author : Allan Abraham Malayil

Title of the paper : Representing Michael and Dora as Freudian Tripartite Characters in Iris Murdochs The Bell

Abstract: Psychoanalysis has developed as the need of the hour in the modern world. Sigmund Freud a renowned psychologist studies the facets of mind which is the basis of Human psyche. He draws a distinction between the conscious and the unconscious. The conscious is the real self and the unconscious is the reservoir of unachieved desires. The Bell by Iris Murdoch can be considered as a study of the conflict of the human psyche. Some characters give up in life while others extol themselves into a life of conundrum. The main characters in the novel Michael and Dora are examples of the psychosis. Both have a lot of challenges in life as well as society which keeps them secluded. Dora, the female protagonist runs away from her husband for six months to live a life of freedom. The authoritative character of her husband brings her back to him. Moreover, Michael the protagonist of the novel is a sexually perverted man. He is the leader of the Imber community which is considered holy and divine. He shows an exemplary elite behaviour. The paper focusses on the study of Freudian Theory of Id, Ego and Superego in the characters.

Keywords : Psychoanalysis, Iris Murdoch, Id, Ego, Superego.

DOI :

Page Number : 103-106