Complexities of Human relationship ; A psychoanalytic reading of chekhov's selected short stories

Abstract

This thesis examines the complexities of human relationships grounded on the human unconscious. The characters' psychological struggles and their quest for meaningful human relationships underscores the feelings of alienation, and emotional detachment which are guided more by unconscious than deliberate actions. To substantiate the point further, the research work examines Anton Chekhov's three stories: "About Love", "The Darling" and "The Schoolmistress" from perspectives of psychoanalysis. This research highlights how unconscious desires, repression, and familial influences profoundly shape the characters' behaviors and their relationships in the theoretical frame of the Freudian psyche. His narratives illustrate the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, leading to emotional turmoil and unfulfilled lives. The Freudian psychoanalytical theoretical perspectives unfold the intricate dynamics of love and marriage, revealing how traditional gender roles and social norms can suppress individual identity and happiness. Through nuanced portrayals of characters' psychological struggles, Chekhov explores the complexities of human relationships, emphasizing the enduring impact of repressed emotions and societal pressures on personal fulfillment and psychological well-being.

Key words: love, relationship, family, unconscious, repression, desires