Cat in the Rain (Analysis) Psychological (Psychoanalytic) Criticism (Sigmund Freud) A part of the short story Cat in the

Rain by Ernest Hemingway could be criticised based on Psychological (Psychoanalytic) Criticism, introduced by Sigmund Freud. It is because the characterisation of that certain plot in the story very much co-relates to the criticism; but only towards certain explanations, not entirely according to what the Psychological criticism suggests. The criticism suggests numerous things based on its Psychoanalytic Theory, but the focus of this criticism that relates to the story lies on the Model of the Human Psyche, which is categorised into three different models to explain about the human psyche in general. To understand how Psychological Criticism works in the story, the understanding of what the theory propose or says must be known first by the readers. Sigmund Freud believed that suppressed desires, fantasies and wishful thinking have a part in neuroses, another kind of psychological problems faced by individuals. To explain more on the human psyche, he proposed few models that are: The Dynamic Model o Most of mans actions are controlled by the human mind, consisting of Conscious (rational) and the Unconscious (irrational). o The Unconscious: Stores hidden desires, fears, ambitions, passions. A dynamic system that stores all those suppressed and unresolved conflicts. The Economic Model governs the human psyche The Pleasure Principle craves pleasure, desire to do or achieve something and instant gratification at any cost. The Reality Principle conforms to the society standards and regulations on pleasure. Suppresses the pleasure according to the social surrounding.

The Tripartite Models The human psyche is divided into: a) Id Unconscious (irrational) part of the mind which fulfils the urge and desires of Pleasure principals.

b) Ego Conscious (rational) part of the mind, where logical thinking occurs. Operates on Reality principles, allowing regulation between desires of the Id and social pressure from Superego. c) Superego Part of the mind that makes judgement according to the social pleasures. Represent the societys norms/restrictions. Suppresses the desires and instincts forbidden by society or by someone superior.