Quest for Solace: Psychoanalytical Reading in John Irving’s A Widow for One Year

Abstract

The research examines John Irving’s A Widow for One Year from the perspective of Freudian Psychoanalysis with the exploration of sexual instinct as having integrating force in the life of those who have gone through psychic disorder owing to the various undesirable events like that of family disintegration, seduction etc. It explores the elements of ‘Oedipus Complex’ and ‘Electra Complex’ in the relationship between Eddie and Marion, and then, Ruth and Ted respectively. It also brings into forth the idea that sexual instinct has the aesthetic dimension. Thus, the characters get solace either through their sexual activities or by changing such things into higher non sexual drive.

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