Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Mohammad Ali Rezaei ¹
• sara Zirak ²
• Amir Ismail Azar ³

¹ PhD Student in Persian Language and Literature, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran,

² Assistant Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran,

³ Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran,

Abstract

In this article, the two main characters of Souvashun's novel (Yousef and Zari) are psychoanalyzed by Karen Horney's theory of neurosis. Karen Horneydescribes different types of neurotic behavior as a result of overusing coping strategies to deal with basic anxiety caused by interpersonal relationships. She identified three broad categories of three neurotic needs in her theory: needs for power, prestige and affection. Horney considers the presence of anxiety as the main sign of nervous conflict in personality. Psychoanalytic analysis showed that the male character of the novel (Joseph) reflects all kinds of natural desires, feelings, and behaviors without anxiety, and that his behavioral contradictions are the kind of natural contradictions seen in ordinary human beings. But the character of the female one (Zari) is very anxious. The fundamental contradiction in his behavior reflects the symptoms of a benevolent nervous personality. Severe anxiety in Zari's character breaks down his character's defense structure. Eventually the fear of madness comes. Here, the neurotic character prepares to heal and undergo treatment. In Souvashun's novel, Dr. Abdullah Khan, by referring Zarito her real self, helps her overcome the gap between her imaginary self and his real self and regain her lost courage.

Keywords

• Souvashun
• psychoanalysis
• character
• neurosis
• anxiety