The Unconscious Mind of Mrs. Drover in Bowen’s The Demon Lover To some degree, literature is analogous to the human mind: both literature and the thought systems of human beings operate on multifarious levels. The human mind functions both consciously and unconsciously; while the conscious exists superficially, the unconscious governs most human actions. The superficial level of literature is gleaned by rendering a literal interpretation of the words on the pages. Yet, a piece of literature—like the human mind—also contains a recondite element that governs the actions contained within the work. Sigmund Freud suggested that “like the iceberg, the human mind is structured so that its great weight and density lie beneath the surface” (Guerin et al. 127). Similarly, the “great weight and density” of Elizabeth Bowen’s “The Demon Lover” also lies beneath the surface. While a literal interpretation reduces the work to a simple yet disturbing ghost story, trenchant analysis reveals the inward pilgrimage of the protagonist, Kathleen Drover. Although it is unclear whether or not Mrs. Drover’s return to her house in London is a physical journey, it is, with certitude, a psychological one. Mrs. Drover’s journey is one into her battle-scarred psyche, damaged by her failure to achieve a balance between two opposing forces—the Id and Superego. The terms id and superego, along with ego, comprise Freud’s tripartite model. The id is the portion of the psyche that generates “our instinctual physical, especially libidinal, desires. The id itself is often described as insatiable and pleasure seeking” and it does not consider the consequences or implications of its actions (Murfin and Ray 164). Conversely, the superego “operates according to morality principal and serves primarily to protect society and us from the id” (Bressler 151). The ego is the “rational governing agent of the psyche…the ego serves as intermediary between the world within and the world without” and it helps “keep us healthy human beings by maintaining a balance between these two opposing forces” (Guerin et al. 130-1). Externally, Mrs. Drover is described as a “prosaic” woman whose normal expression was that of “controlled worry, but of assent” (Bowen 661-2). She was a simple, ordinary woman—perhaps even a bit dull—whose movements were “circumscribed.” Internally, Mrs.
The Vietnam War impacted soldiers in many different ways. Most soldiers witnessed gruesome violence and lost friends to the horrors of war on both sides during battles. In the book The Sorrow of War enlightened us into the thoughts and effects of the war, as well opened the view point on the North Vietnam side. Many soldiers that fought in Vietnam carried emotional and physical injuries and these would be with them for the rest of their lives. Many of these emotional and physical scars existed their bodie...
As one begins to read the letter to the Ephesians, he is intrigued not only by the many topics that the letter mentions, but also the fact that there are some major differences between this book and Paul’s other writings. The purpose of this essay is to explore the book of Ephesians by commenting on critical issues, such as date, authorship, and setting, major theological themes, the purpose of the letter, and to offer an outline of the book itself.
The author goes on to say that God has “made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5). The author states that God’s mercy is a gift “not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The audience was previously “far off” but has since been “brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). The author talks about the “Law of commandments contained in ordinances” (Ephesians 2:15). He speaks of the audience now being a part of “God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:19-20). In summary of Ephesians Chapter 2, the author speaks of the knowledge of what is right, God’s gift of mercy, the Law, and God’s foundation to build knowledge of Him and His Son through apostles and
Paul wrote Ephesians when he was in prison in Rome. He was there because Jews attacked him after his third missionary journey, but he was the one that got arrested. The epistle was written to the church in Ephesus, to help them with their unity. Thychicus deliver...
The letter of Ephesians is the tenth book in the New Testament, its authorship is attributed to Paul after his conversion from a persecutor of Christians to apostle. The legitimacy of his authorship is still debated by scholars. Harold Hoehner in his book “Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary,” lists a number of reasons why many scholars reject Paul as the author. But, for the purposes of this exegetical Paul is considered the author of the letter.
Civilizations throughout the years have manifested through the need for change and survival. Whether food, resources, or the need for travel was the inspiration, people relocated to meet their own needs. Societies were established based on the cultures they came from, acculturated with the indigenous people they came in contact with. We all have needs to survive and provide future generations with the ability to progress forward. As the world changes, we learn to adapt and generate new technology as a means to ensure the maintenance of the human race.
Talbert, Charles H. Ephesians and Colossians. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007The New Interpreter's Bible: General Articles and Introduction, Commentary, and Reflections for Each Book of the Bible, Including the Apocryphal deuterocanonical Books. Vol. XI. Nashville: Abingdon Press, ©1994-2004.
Lewis, C.S. Colossians, Paul’s Epistle to the, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, ed. Orr, James, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids 1952
Wallace, Daniel B. "Ephesians: Introduction, Argument, and Outline." Bible.org. N.p., 28 June 2004. Web. 17 Apr. 2014.
War can destroy a man both in body and mind for the rest of his life. In “The Sniper,” Liam O’Flaherty suggests the horror of war not only by presenting its physical dangers, but also by showing its psychological effects. We are left to wonder which has the longer lasting effect—the visible physical scars or the ones on the inside?
Our source of knowledge of the apostolic work of Paul comes first from the Book of Acts. The epistles written by Paul serve to further our knowledge of his mission. These letters were written to churches that he had founded or churches that were known to him. Luke’s account of Paul introduces us to the basic facts about this important biblical figure. A more complete understanding of Paul’s journeys can be gleaned from his letters. These epistles were written almost at the time they occurred and they comprise some of the earliest works contained in the New Testament.
Within living memory, young women who have wanted to study engineering faced such dissent that in 1955, Penn State’s dean of engineering declared, “Women are NOT for engineering,” asserting that all but a few “unusual women” lacked the “basic capabilities” necessary to succeed in this profession (Bix par. 2). Although the number of women in social sciences and humanities has grown steadily, women remain underrepresented in science and engineering. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that “women remain underrepresented in engineering constituting only 10 percent of full-time employed engineers and 7.7 percent of engineering managers...” Although this is the case, social norms, culture and attitudes play a significant role in undermining the role of women in the aforementioned fields in addition to the gendered persistence and their individual confidence in their ability to fulfill engineering roles.
Analysis of biblical writings has helped us to better understand the challenges and mysteries of scripture. In studying Ephesians 1: 15-23, research will help us draw out the bigger picture of what the writer intends to convey in his message. This passage is a prayer of thanksgiving and intercession in which Paul expresses gratitude to God upon hearing of the Ephesians “faith in the Lord Jesus and love toward all the saints” (1: 15 NRSV). This leads Paul to pray intensively that the Ephesians will gain an expanded awareness of the extraordinary and unsurpassed power of God manifested on their behalf. Paul writes this as encouragement and support to the readers.
The Epistles in the bible were letter’s that were written by the Apostles to the churches. The Epistles served as a primary form of written communication in the ancient world, especially in the New Testament time. Some of the epistles in the Bible consist of, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and James. The Apostle Paul wrote thirteen of these letters, addressing situations or problems in the churches. The purpose of this paper is to illuminate a few of the epistles and why they were written.
For thousands of years, people all over the world have developed, progressed, and eventually formed civilizations. A civilization is a community characterized by elements such as a system of writing, a development of social classes, and cities. Early civilizations such as ancient Greece, classical Rome, Mesopotamia, and classical China have made many contributions to society that still affect people in the modern world. The inventions, progress, and contributions of the people of these ancient civilizations and others have shaped the world that we all live in today.