Question

I just need to answer these four questions from the attached file ″Assignment 2″. Below you can find a list of Freudian terms and a list of archetypes, that we should use in the analysis. And also the story itself. Notes from my teacher: IF YOU NEED TO CONSULT ANY SECONDARY SOURCES (APART FROM THE TWO LISTS PROVIDED), PLEASE STATE SO IN A REFERENCE. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND DO NOT ANSWER JUST PARTS OF THE QUESTIONS

Answer

Bernard Malamud's Text Analysis

In Bernard Malamud's story, various Freudian structures can be seen at play. The main character, Leo, struggles with his ego as he tries to balance his desires with the expectations placed upon him by society and his religious beliefs. He initially engages in an arranged marriage through the help of the marriage broker, Salzman, but eventually realizes that he wants to be in love with the person he marries. This desire is driven by his id, which pushes for instant gratification and impulsive actions. However, Leo's superego, his moral compass, causes his guilt for not following traditional expectations and ultimately leads him to reject the arranged marriage.

There are also instances of displacement in the story, as Leo redirects his desire for love and companionship onto his pursuit of a different type of bride. Instead of succumbing to his initial desire for a younger, more attractive partner, he focuses on finding someone he can connect with on a deeper level. This can be seen as a form of sublimation, as Leo channels his energy towards a higher cultural goal of finding true love and fulfillment in marriage. The parent-child relationships in the story also reveal the Oedipus complex at work. Leo's initial desire for a younger partner could be seen as a manifestation of his unconscious sexual desires toward his mother. This desire is eventually repressed, and Leo learns to identify with his father's expectations for him to marry and start a family.

Regarding Jungian archetypes, we see the anima and animus in Leo's relationships with women. His initial attraction to younger, more attractive partners represents his anima, while his eventual realization that he wants a deeper emotional connection with his partner represents his animus. Salzman's role as the marriage broker also represents the persona, as he puts on a professional front to secure business. The shadow archetype can be seen in how Leo initially denies his true desires and succumbs to societal expectations.

There are also several examples of archetypal symbolism in the story. For example, the use of the number six could symbolize imperfection or incompleteness. This is seen in the six potential brides that Salzman presents to Leo, who are past their prime and lacking in true personality. The use of the color white, often associated with purity, could symbolize the facade that Salzman puts on in order to appear trustworthy and legitimate. The season of March, symbolizing rebirth and renewal, could represent Leo's newfound realization of the importance of love in his marriage. From a feminist perspective, Leo's initial desire for a younger, more attractive partner could be seen as objectifying women and viewing them as objects of desire. This aligns with the "witch/monster" category, as Leo is not considering these women's inner qualities or personalities. His eventual rejection of the arranged marriage and desire for a deeper emotional connection could be seen as a shift towards the "angel in the house" category, as he prioritizes a more equal and fulfilling partnership.

In terms of gender roles, Leo could be seen as exhibiting both feminine and masculine qualities. His desire for love and emotional connection could be seen as feminine, while his initial adherence to traditional gender roles and expectations could be seen as masculine. As the marriage broker, Salzman could also be seen as exhibiting both feminine and masculine qualities, as he is in the traditionally feminine role of matchmaker but also exhibits a certain level of manipulation and deceit. Stella, the woman Leo ultimately falls in love with, exhibits both feminine and masculine qualities in her independence and ambition, as well as her emotional depth and vulnerability.