Psychological criticism of Antara personality throughout his poems based on Freud and Adler theories

Abstract

Psychological criticism is a new branch in literature and enjoys various practical aspects. In addition, the science seems really prominent due to the the ties between it and all aspects of life. Such kind of criticism is a tool applied by critics for recognition and study the mysteries of literary works based on psychology science. It discusses and reviews an expand field of human characteristics including act, speech, behaviour, reactions, memories and motivations. The present paper tries to study the personality of Antara _the famous pre-Islamic era poet_ based on psychologists’ theories like Freud (entity, ego, superego, defense mechanism like exaltation and rationalization) and Adler ( social interest, the way of life, humiliation and self-creative).

In studying psychological structure of the above mentioned outstanding poet, by means of a literal - psychological way it is concluded that his love for Abla and his slavery are his tensions lead him to feel humiliated and anxious within himself. So Antara’s rational self, by the aids of exaltation and rationalization suggest him positive behaviors as chastity, athletic, and being a poet for demands of the society. On the other hand superego tries to help him achieve his sublime goals means superiority, integrity and transcendental life. Finally the poet has the character type like perfect, experienced, independent and utile-for-the-society  people and factors such as instincts and normal and balanced community and environment altogether shape his behavior.