Daddy Issues in J. M. Coetzee’s In the Heart of the Country

  • Dwi Setiawan English Department, Faculty of Letters, Petra Christian University, Siwalankerto 121-131, Surabaya 60236, East Java
  • Liliek S Yuwono English Department, Faculty of Letters, Petra Christian University, Siwalankerto 121-131, Surabaya 60236, East Java
Keywords: Electra Complex, daddy issues, psychosis, neurosis

Abstract

In this article, we try to explore the psychological problems of Magda, the main female character in J.M. Coetzee’s In the Heart of the Country, and the causes of the disorders. Using the theories of Oedipus Complex in females, we try to prove that Magda suffers from neurosis, which later develops into psychosis. The serious mental problems in the young lady result from her unsuccesful resolution of her sexual desire towards her own father. Magda’s female Oedipus Complex is caused by the absence of the mother figure, the sexual attachment to the father, and the unrevoked hatred toward the mother competitor.

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References

Coetzee, J. M. (1999). In the heart of the country. London: Vintage.

Eagleton, T. (1996). Literary theory: An introduction. Minneapolis: The University of Minnesota.

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Kambarami, M. (2006). Femininity, sexuality and culture: Patriarchy and female subordination in Zimbabwe. South Africa: ARSRC.

O'Neil, P. M. (2004). Great world writers: Twentieth century. London: Marshall Cavendish.

Sacks, O. (1985). Migraine: Understanding a common disorder. California: UCLA Press.

Swedish Academy. (2003). The nobel prize in literature: John Maxwell Coetzee. Retrieved August 02, 2009, from http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/ literature/laureates/2003/press.html

Neurosis. (n.d.). Retrieved July 24, 2010, from http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/n/neurosis/

Psychosis. (n.d.). Retrieved July 24, 2010 from, http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/p/psychosis/
Published
2011-05-04
How to Cite
Setiawan, D., & Yuwono, L. (2011). Daddy Issues in J. M. Coetzee’s In the Heart of the Country. K@ta: A Biannual Publication on the Study of Languange and Literature, 12(2), 182-191. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.9744/kata.12.2.182-191