Literary Interdisciplinary Research

Psychoanalytic Criticism of the Character “Rahim” in the Novel Shab-e Sarab (The Night of Mirage) Based on Jeffrey Young’s Schema Therapy Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Fatemeh Sadat Taheri 1
Seyedeh Maryam Jazayeri 2
Zohreh Khansari 3

1 Associate Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages, University of Kashan . Kashan Iran.

2 PhD student, Department of Persian Language and Literature, University of Kashan. Kashan. Iran.

3 MSc in Sustainability Literature from the Faculty of Literature and Humanities at Shahrekord University. Shahrekord. Iran.

10.30465/lir.2025.51411.1998
Abstract
introduction
Psychoanalytic criticism is a type of literary criticism that is based on psychoanalytic theories. In the last century, the psychological analysis of characters in literary works has expanded, and Jeffrey Young's theory of schema therapy has played an important role in this field. Young believes that the roots of mental disorders lie in adverse childhood experiences, mental disorders, and violent relationships.
The novel Night of the Mirage effectively conveys the psychological, emotional, and social characteristics of the people in society. The author's meticulousness in the way he describes the characters in the novel and their mental states shows his attention to the principles of psychology. Considering this, several characters in the story can be examined within the framework of Young's schema therapy theory.
Materials & Methods
Since examining all the characters in the novel Shab-e Sarab (The Night of Mirage) is beyond the scope of the research, the main character of the story, namely Rahim, who suffers from psychological disorders, was chosen for this study. Studies show that the roots of Rahim's problems go back to his childhood and adolescence. This issue has led the authors of this study to Jeffrey Young's theory of schema therapy. The authors, using a descriptive-analytical approach based on the novel's text, seek to answer these questions: which of the internal schemas does Rahim's character suffer from; which schema dominates Rahim's character the most; what are the causes of the emergence of these schemas in Rahim's character, and what are Rahim's coping strategies against these internal schemas?
Discussion & Result
Schemas are cognitive frameworks and patterns that are formed in the early years of life based on a child's experiences and interactions with others. These structures help to understand and process events and give them meaning and significance. This stable cognitive structure, formed during childhood or adolescence, expands throughout life and accompanies the individual until the end of their life. The influence of the schema shapes our view of ourselves, others, and the world. Among the schemas that Jeffrey Young has mentioned, we can mention abandonment, distrust, emotional deprivation, imperfection, shame, and dependence; of course, not all schemas are formed based on traumatic events or childhood abuse; in such a way that a dependency schema may arise in a person's mind without experiencing traumatic events in childhood; because in childhood, he was completely dominated and supported by his parents. Although not all schemas have developmental and traumatic roots, they are all disruptive to a healthy life. Schemas arise due to the unsatisfaction of five emotional needs, which are: secure attachment to others, autonomy and adequacy, freedom in expressing needs and emotions, spontaneity and fun, and realistic limitations. A person suffering from these schemas may sometimes engage in coping strategies. The patient uses self-destructive behaviors when the schemas are triggered and to cope with them; such as jealously blaming others by the patient who has an abandonment schema, self-deprecating statements by the patient who has a deficiency schema, asking for help by the patient who has a dependency schema, obedience by the patient who has an obedience schema, and fearful avoidance by the patient who has a vulnerability schema to harm or illness. Surrender, avoidance, or excessive compensation behaviors will only perpetuate the schemas. Patients must modify their coping strategies to enhance their schemas, thereby satisfying their unmet needs.
Discussion & Result
In the story of the Night of Mirage, the audience comes to understand Rahim's character and the hidden layers of his psyche as he navigates the challenges and traumas of life. This narrative is far more than an ordinary story; through the author's characterization and in-depth look at Rahim's character in the story, the audience understands Rahim's inner and emotional problems, which are revealed by Rahim's psychological and behavioral characteristics in the story. The studies conducted show that the schemas of abandonment, distrust, emotional deprivation, dependence, social isolation, imperfection, and shame are found in Rahim's personality, of which the abandonment schema has gained particular prominence within him. It seems that losing his father in childhood and, as a result of Rahim's strong dependence on his mother, are among the most important factors that have intensified Rahim's personality schemas and created traps in his life, which are reflected in Rahim's behavior and decisions. Therefore, by analyzing Rahim's personality from the perspective of Jeffrey Young's schema therapy theory, a different and deeper understanding of the events and incidents that occur in the course of the story can be achieved. This analysis may pave the way for discovering new connections between Rahim's experiences and his mental and psychological patterns. The events of the story clearly and specifically link the roots of Rahim's existential traps to his childhood and the abnormal experiences he encountered at that time. The narration of the story allows the audience to analyze more carefully and thoughtfully the conditions and situations that led to the formation of these traps; in other words, the story shows how these traps can lead to a vicious cycle; as unpleasant experiences in childhood lead to the formation of psychologically damaging patterns that, in adulthood, make Rahim incapable of facing emotional and social situations; as a result, he faces repeated failures in many aspects of his life, which intensifies his feelings of loneliness and helplessness and frustration.

Keywords

Psychoanalytic Criticism
Schema Therapy
Abandonment
Shab-e Sarab (The Night of Mirage)
Rahim
Subjects

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