Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part B (2023)

The psychoanalytical exploration of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice unveils a captivating journey into the intricacies of human psychology and societal dynamics. Shakespeare, renowned for his profound understanding of the human psyche, employs this seminal work to delve into the multifaceted depths of his characters' motivations, desires, and conflicts. This literary journey is a nuanced examination of unconscious impulses, familial relationships, friendship, and the pervasive impact of societal prejudices. Through the lens of psychoanalysis, we navigate the intricate web of characters such as Shylock, Portia, Antonio, and Bassanio, unraveling the hidden complexities that shape their actions and relationships. The play becomes a psychological landscape where Freudian, Jungian, and Lacanian concepts are applied to illuminate the underlying motivations and struggles of the characters. This exploration promises to shed light on the timeless relevance of Shakespeare's masterful depiction of the human condition and the intricate interplay between conscious and unconscious forces within his iconic tale. This literary analysis delves into the intricate psychological dimensions of characters in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. The work of a master craftsman like Shakespeare often conceals unresolved emotions, psychological conflicts, and childhood traumas within the behaviors of its characters. Employing psychoanalytical concepts proposed by influential figures such as Freud, Jung, Lacan, Adler, and Aaron Beck, this study aims to uncover the subconscious intricacies encoded within the text.