Introduction to the Psychoanalysis of Mallarme

Perspectives in Criticism: Introduction to the Psychoanalysis of Mallarmé offers a groundbreaking examination of Stéphane Mallarmé’s life and work through the lens of psychocriticism. This book, translated for the first time into English, brings a pioneering methodology to the study of literature, marrying the precision of psychoanalytic theory with the subtle art of literary interpretation. Mallarmé’s evocative and often enigmatic poetry serves as the canvas upon which the author explores the depths of the poet's unconscious, uncovering the networks of metaphor and personal myth that underpin his creative imagination. From the early loss of his mother and sister to the enduring influence of these traumas on his symbolic language, the book sheds light on Mallarmé’s artistic process while tracing the evolution of psychocriticism as a discipline.

Rich with textual analysis and biographical context, this study situates Mallarmé’s work within a broader psychoanalytic framework, offering insights into his "complexes" and the latent meanings of his poetry. Whether discussing the symbolic veil of Hérodiade, the interplay of life and death in Las de l’amer repos, or the intricate associations of maternal and sibling imagery, the author reveals how Mallarmé’s art was shaped by profound psychological forces. Ideal for literary scholars, psychologists, and enthusiasts of Mallarmé’s oeuvre, Perspectives in Criticism opens a fascinating window into the intersections of poetry, psyche, and cultural analysis, presenting a compelling argument for the continued relevance of psychoanalytic approaches to literary studies.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1963.