An Investigation Into Psychological Pressure of Female Characters in American Literature Based on Freudian Theory

Abstract

Literature is an important component of life. For English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, American literary works in literature courses not only have spiritual importance, but also provide numerous lessons about the language, culture, and features of contemporary society. However, tragic endings are common in classic literature because contemporary social norms prevent characters, particularly female characters, from realizing, awakening, and emerging from miserable circumstances. The research uses a qualitative-descriptive method based on Freudian Theory (Psychoanalysis Criticism) to identify the causes of psychological pressure experienced by female characters including Edna Pontellier, Emily Grierson, and Minnie Wright in American literary works consisting of The Awakening by Kate Chopin, A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner, and Trifles by Susan Glaspell. Thereby, the research investigates whether the aforementioned psychological pressure contributes to extreme behaviors among these female characters. Based on the findings, the psychological pressure exerted on these female characters stems from a patriarchal society in which males have the authority to control and establish norms for women to obey. In addition, their sufferings caused by patriarchal society can be seen as the motive for the extreme actions of female characters.