Psychological Dilemma in Philip Roth’s Portnoy’s Complaint

Abstract

The present research work is a critical study of Philip Roth’sPortnoy’s Complaintfrom the perspective of repressive neuro-psychoanalysis. This research paperattempts to delineate the ambivalent stance of Alex Portnoy, an emotionally and psychologically disturbed character, repressed under domineering mother. Alex, a narrator reared in strict household, suffers from feeling of unfulfilled sex, obsession and anxiety. Duty of being a Jew and his desires constantly collide each other. Although he attempts to despise morality electing himself to liberate through sex; sexuality cannot heal his psychological state of dilemma. This makes him a depressed character.