Carl Jung’s Psychoanalysis
Carl Jung’s psychoanalysis approach can yield valuable information, details, and insights if applied to literary criticism. Literature and films serve as perfect analytical soil due to an abundance of showcased internal thought processes and external social interactions. The Summerland film’s themes of maternal instincts, mother-son relationships, and same-sex relationships make Jung’s psychoanalysis even more fitting. Not only does it exemplify the general psychic archetypes, but it also highlights the archetypal figures and transitions between them.
Mask, Shadow, and Animus in Alice Lamb
The film’s protagonist – Alice Lamb – is introduced to viewers as an isolated woman focused solely on her work and not interested in socializing with the town’s community. She wears a Mask of a selfish and arrogant person because of past societal rejection she had to suffer (Summerland). Her inability to satisfy the needs for love and acceptance hidden in the Shadow resulted in her Animus – personification of masculine traits in a woman – turning negative, transforming assertiveness into aggression. However, starting as a Crone, Lamb gradually changes into a Mother as she begins her life with an evacuee boy, Frank. After being accepted by Frank despite her past, Lamb opens up to other people, ultimately finding her inner Self.
The similarity in Backgrounds of Summerland and LWW
The constant danger of bombing made London extremely unsafe during World War II. In addition, many families have been separated due to men leaving for war and casualties during air raids. In this context, many children have been temporarily sent to other cities and towns to new guardians where they could safely wait out the war horrors. This premise served as a narrative for both Summerland and LWW – children arrive in the countryside and have to adapt to new surroundings. The emotions and stress they experienced due to the sudden life change significantly contributed to my understanding of their situation, providing a vivid embodiment of my general assumptions regarding this matter.
Job Ad and Jung’s Archetypes
Jung’s approach to psychoanalysis can also be applied to analyzing job advertisements and potential candidates. For instance, the ad for a human resource manager hints at the importance of a Mask archetype. According to Liberty Tire Recycling, the desired candidate will have to frequently interact with other people (Responsibilities). Consequently, these candidates are expected to be aware of how other people will perceive them and act accordingly to their position.
Works Cited
Liberty Tire Recycling. “Manager, Human Resources (18-Month Maternity Leave Coverage).” Indeed. Web.
Summerland. Directed by Jessica Swale, Lionsgate, 2020.