| Summary: | This study attempts to find out if a reading of Michael Romekys novel I, Vampire through the theories presented by psychoanalyst C. G. Jung adds anything to the understanding of the novels narrative. More precisely it attempts to read the novel as an individuation process, a Jungian concept in which an individuals damaged psyche heals itself, of the novels protagonist. This reading is based upon the assumption that the protagonist, David, suffers a trauma when he divorces his wife Clarice. This trauma, and divorce, is read as a split between David ego and his anima, his female aspect. When he is on the brink of suicide, Tatiana shows up, turn him in to a vampire and give his life new meaning. Tatiana is read as his anima, the part of himself that i distanced himself from during the divorce, and he now needs to assimilate with again. This assimilationwhat Jung names the conuncitio, is the goal of the individuation process. In order to success with this individuation process David has to meet and overcome the dark and damaged parts of himself; his shadow aspects to use the Jungian language. These are represented by the evil vampires Jack the Ripper and von Baden. It is only after meeting, and defeating this shadow aspects, and after a rigorous mental training, in order to strengthen his mental abilities, that David can unite with his anima, Tatiana, in the alchemical wedding. The Jungian goal of the individuation process. I find in this study that to read this novel through a Jungian screen show aspects otherwise hidden. The narrative structure, and the symbols in the novel, have a distinct Jungian flavour which give the novel a meaning perhaps not seen on the surface.
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