Moral Suppression, Social Norms, and the Human Mind: Psychoanalysis in “Wieland” by Charles Brockden Brown
Eighteenth century American literature has yet to witness the science of psychoanalysis that Sigmund Freud had introduced in the 19th century. Psychoanalytic theory posits that people are influenced by unconscious forces, wherein an individual’s innate desires and drives are contained within. Upon the conceptualization of psychoanalytic theory, literary works and analysis have portrayed characters and events derived from Freud’s basic concept of the unconscious and repressed desires of individuals.
One century apart, and yet, Freudian psychology is already evident in the literary work of Charles Brown, author of the novel “Wieland,” written in 1798. In the novel, readers witness the tragic story of the Wielands, a brother and a sister who confronts, unsuccessfully, the reality that they can no longer hold on to society’s norms. The commitment of murder and downfall of the Wielands towards the illogical provides an illustration of the unconscious, of repressed desires, at work in the characters of the novel. Ultimately, Brown wants his readers to contemplate the degree of understanding that society has about morality, ethics (what is right or wrong), and justice.
This paper discusses how deviation from the moral standards of the society is characterized through the character of both Clara and Theodore Wieland; only, Clara has a firmer tolerance for and hold over the standards of morality imposed on the society than Theodore, which explains why, towards the end of the novel, he succumbs to his own desire to let go of his suppressions, eventually resulting to the murder of his family. In effect, “Wieland” addresses how the moral fiber of society is weakened if the individual is not able to conform or tolerate the norms it sets for people, and it is only by expressing intolerance that morality regains its strength, and stability in society restored.
In the author’s introduction of the novel, he shares his own thoughts about the inspiration that made him create the novel. Sub-titled as “the transformation,” “Wieland” already gives the reader an idea of the main thrust of the novel — that is, it deviates from stereotyped depictions of a stable and moral society. Instead, what the readers will witness is the life of the Wielands, whose ‘transformation’ is meant to be “awaken” readers about people who subsisted instead to their individual choices. In this section, Brown states, “It is hoped that intelligent readers will not disapprove of the manner in which appearances are solved, but that the solution will be found to correspond with the known principles of human nature.”
This passage reflects Brown’s awareness of the role that the individual has in influencing and affecting the stability of society. What the novel offers is an example of a deviation in morality that should be given focus in order to create solutions to this problem. In the case of the Wielands, Brown presents the character of Clara and Theodore as examples of individuals whose psychological state is gradually shifting focus from the conscious to the unconscious, which, in the process, leads them to hear “voices,” inner desires that they were not able to suppress. Psychoanalysis is given importance in the novel, of which the author suggests, “In support of its possibility the Writer must appeal to Physicians and to men conversant with the latent springs and occasional perversions of the human mind.” This statement supports the assertion that indeed, Brown’s “Wieland” is a study of the human mind and its conflicting nature with the norms set by society.
Further illustration of this theme — that is, conflict between the human mind and norms of the society, becomes evident in the reflections of Clara upon realizing that the murder was actually committed by her brother, Theodore. She receives “enlightenment” about her own gradual slip to the “unconscious”: “…now I feared no more for myself; and the milkiness of my nature was curdled into hatred and rancour. Some one was near, and this enemy of God and man might possibly be brought to justice…” Clara represents the society, whose intolerance for the uninhibited desires of the human mind and body allowed her to survive the tragedy that her brother, Theodore, had suffered. Brown’s portrayal of Clara is meant to illustrate what happens when a society becomes enlightened by morality. Theodore becomes Clara’s anti-thesis, the individual who does not receive awakening nor transformation of the self. This is demonstrated in Chapter 25, wherein he had contrasting views with Clara about the murder he had just committed: “Poor girl! A dismal fate has set its mark upon thee. Thy life is demanded as a sacrifice. Prepare thee to die.” As the readers witness, Theodore suffers and is punished for the deed he has committed, while Clara serves as the model of the individual who is able to battle the desires of her mind and heart.
In sum, “Wieland” illustrates the role that morality plays in reinforcing norms and rules in the society. The novel serves as a reminder for the readers to have an intolerant nature towards deviance and difference, primarily because it seeks to destabilize order and security in the society, inciting fear and moral decline in the process.
Works Cited
Brown, C. (1798). “Wieland, or the Transformation.” Available at http://emotional-literacy-education.com/classic-books-online-c/welnd10.htm.
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Moral Suppression, Social Norms, and the Human Mind: Psychoanalysis in “Wieland” by Charles Brockden Brown
Eighteenth century American literature has yet to witness the science of psychoanalysis that Sigmund Freud had introduced in the 19th century. Psychoanalytic theory posits that people are influenced by unconscious forces, wherein an individual’s innate desires and drives are contained within. Upon the conceptualization of psychoanalytic theory, literary works and analysis have portrayed characters and events derived from Freud’s basic concept of the unconscious and repressed desires of individuals.
One century apart, and yet, Freudian psychology is already evident in the literary work of Charles Brown, author of the novel “Wieland,” written in 1798. In the novel, readers witness the tragic story of the Wielands, a brother and a sister who confronts, unsuccessfully, the reality that they can no longer hold on to society’s norms. The commitment of murder and downfall of the Wielands towards the illogical provides an illustration of the unconscious, of repressed desires, at work in the characters of the novel. Ultimately, Brown wants his readers to contemplate the degree of understanding that society has about morality, ethics (what is right or wrong), and justice.
This paper discusses how deviation from the moral standards of the society is characterized through the character of both Clara and Theodore Wieland; only, Clara has a firmer tolerance for and hold over the standards of morality imposed on the society than Theodore, which explains why, towards the end of the novel, he succumbs to his own desire to let go of his suppressions, eventually resulting to the murder of his family. In effect, “Wieland” addresses how the moral fiber of society is weakened if the individual is not able to conform or tolerate the norms it sets for people, and it is only by expressing intolerance that morality regains its strength, and stability in society restored.
In the author’s introduction of the novel, he shares his own thoughts about the inspiration that made him create the novel. Sub-titled as “the transformation,” “Wieland” already gives the reader an idea of the main thrust of the novel — that is, it deviates from stereotyped depictions of a stable and moral society. Instead, what the readers will witness is the life of the Wielands, whose ‘transformation’ is meant to be “awaken” readers about people who subsisted instead to their individual choices. In this section, Brown states, “It is hoped that intelligent readers will not disapprove of the manner in which appearances are solved, but that the solution will be found to correspond with the known principles of human nature.”
This passage reflects Brown’s awareness of the role that the individual has in influencing and affecting the stability of society. What the novel offers is an example of a deviation in morality that should be given focus in order to create solutions to this problem. In the case of the Wielands, Brown presents the character of Clara and Theodore as examples of individuals whose psychological state is gradually shifting focus from the conscious to the unconscious, which, in the process, leads them to hear “voices,” inner desires that they were not able to suppress. Psychoanalysis is given importance in the novel, of which the author suggests, “In support of its possibility the Writer must appeal to Physicians and to men conversant with the latent springs and occasional perversions of the human mind.” This statement supports the assertion that indeed, Brown’s “Wieland” is a study of the human mind and its conflicting nature with the norms set by society.
Further illustration of this theme — that is, conflict between the human mind and norms of the society, becomes evident in the reflections of Clara upon realizing that the murder was actually committed by her brother, Theodore. She receives “enlightenment” about her own gradual slip to the “unconscious”: “…now I feared no more for myself; and the milkiness of my nature was curdled into hatred and rancour. Some one was near, and this enemy of God and man might possibly be brought to justice…” Clara represents the society, whose intolerance for the uninhibited desires of the human mind and body allowed her to survive the tragedy that her brother, Theodore, had suffered. Brown’s portrayal of Clara is meant to illustrate what happens when a society becomes enlightened by morality. Theodore becomes Clara’s anti-thesis, the individual who does not receive awakening nor transformation of the self. This is demonstrated in Chapter 25, wherein he had contrasting views with Clara about the murder he had just committed: “Poor girl! A dismal fate has set its mark upon thee. Thy life is demanded as a sacrifice. Prepare thee to die.” As the readers witness, Theodore suffers and is punished for the deed he has committed, while Clara serves as the model of the individual who is able to battle the desires of her mind and heart.
In sum, “Wieland” illustrates the role that morality plays in reinforcing norms and rules in the society. The novel serves as a reminder for the readers to have an intolerant nature towards deviance and difference, primarily because it seeks to destabilize order and security in the society, inciting fear and moral decline in the process.
Works Cited
Brown, C. (1798). “Wieland, or the Transformation.” Available at http://emotional-literacy-education..htm.
Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?
Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.
Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.
Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.
Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!
While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.
Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.
In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.
Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.
We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!
We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.
Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.
We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.
Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.
There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.
Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.
We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.
You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.
We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.
You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.
Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.
You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.
The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.
GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!
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