Psychological Dilemma in Philip Roth’s Portnoy’s Complaint
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Department of English
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.