Interpretation of Fire in Poems of Hermann Hessefrom the Viewpoint of TherapyMinjeong Son
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the image of fire in the poems of Herman Hesse from the viewpoint of poetry therapy based on the idea of complex ...
Interpretation of Fire in Poems of Hermann Hessefrom the Viewpoint of TherapyMinjeong Son
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the image of fire in the poems of Herman Hesse from the viewpoint of poetry therapy based on the idea of complex proposed in Psychoanalysis of Fire by Gaston Bachelard and to investigate the effectiveness of mimesis. For the study, based on the previous research, this article outlined the theoretical background of poetry therapy, the four element theory, and the four complexes proposed in the Psychoanalysis of Fire. Then, the four complexes were interpreted by applying them to the poems written by Hesse, from the viewpoint of therapy. The findings were as follows: first, the Prometheus Complex had an effect of increasing admiration and intellectual desire. Second, the Empedocles Complex is related to the desire of realizing life values. Third, the Novalis Complex resolves sexual impulse and conflict. Fourth, the Hoffman Complex helps recognize difference in views between individuals and promotes consideration. And then, assuming that writing creative poems has therapeutic effects, the study proposed mimesis as an alternative for people who are not proficient in poetry writing. While this study is significant in that it explored the image of fire in Hesse’s poems and mimesis from the viewpoint of therapy, further research will be needed in order to analyze the effects statistically based on survey.
Key Words: Herman Hesse, Poetry Therapy, Image of Fire, Complex, Mimesis