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Individuality, narcissism and the bipolar self.
1Ashburn Hall, Dunedin, New Zealand.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|December 1, 1990
Summary
This study explores self psychology through Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw, highlighting their contrasting self-development strategies. Kohut
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Literary Criticism
- Psychoanalysis
Background:
- Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw are prominent figures embodying the cult of individuality.
- Self psychology, particularly Kohut's concepts, offers a framework for analyzing personality structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the personalities of Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw through the lens of Kohut's self psychology.
- To contrast their distinct approaches to self-development and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of biographical and literary evidence.
- Application of Heinz Kohut's self psychology theories, focusing on mirroring and idealization.
Main Results:
- Wilde exemplifies the need for mirroring, employing defensive strategies to bolster his self.
- Shaw demonstrates compensatory idealization, constructing a robust and stable self.
Conclusions:
- Self psychology effectively explains certain facets of Wilde's and Shaw's personalities.
- The theory does not fully account for all aspects, particularly the economic dimension of the self, prompting further inquiry.