Citation

Tutter A. Psychoanal. Q. 2011; 80(4): 915-959.

Affiliation

Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, USA. atutter@mac.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Wiley-Blackwell)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22034681

Abstract

The convergence of features of Raymond Carver's short-story oeuvre and of psychoanalytic methodology suggests that Carver's writing served as the fulcrum and focus of a self-analytic experience. Within this model, his stories function as container and mirror of myriad aspects of the writer's self. Tracing the developmental arc of the contextual meanings of one motif--fire--through six stories and their ur-texts demonstrates gains comparable to certain analytic goals, including enhanced integration, accountability, and self-awareness. Over time, Carver's narratives of rage, impotence, and despair give way to a new story: of mourning, forgiveness, and the rekindling of hope.

Language: en