Brutal tales : The archetypal representation of violence in works for children by Ted Hughes / Eman Abdelaziz Fahmy Elnouhy ; Supervised Loubna Abdeltawab Youssef

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Arts - Department of English

This thesis argues that representations of violence in the works for children by Ted Hughes express the archetype of the shadow, and that the literary function of the shadow is to facilitate the attainment of a whole and healthy life--a process Carl Jung called individuation. The shadow, as defined by Jung, is the darker, hidden side of nature that is resistant to recognition. However, being able to fully identify one{u2019}s true self is contingent upon recognition of the shadow. Hughes believed that Christian dynamics and rigid scientific thinking created generations of individuals who refuse to recognize the dark side of their nature, resulting in societies afflicted with neurosis. The best way to remedy this neurotic condition, he argued, was by teaching mythology in high doses to children. Firmly believing in the healing impact of myths, Hughes instilled mythic elements in all of his works for children. To Hughes, the fact that mythology included a great deal of violence was exactly why it was necessary to be read by young learners. Children need to be exposed to the brutal demons dwelling within their internal worlds so that they can learn to deal with them, rather than pretend they do not exist

Issued also as CD