Impact Of Fear And Anxiety On Ego: A Psychoanalytic Study Of Julian Barnes’ The Noise Of Time

Abstract

This research paper explores fear and anxiety from psychoanalytic perspective in Julian Barnes’ The Noise of Time. The analysis of the targeted novel is carried out by using Sigmund Freud’s model of psychoanalysis regarding fear and anxiety. The analysis focuses on the psyche of the main character, Shostakovich who suffers from psychic conflict. The paper aims to find out how psychic conflict is created and how soul is destroyed and what defense mechanism is adopted to safeguard the life of an individual. It is found out that fear and anxiety are closely linked to each other and have both positive and negative impact on human life. The paper argues that anxiety is not completely negative as viewed by existential theorists. It finds out that Shostakovich is stuck between the opposing demands of the Id and the Superego and his ego finally fails to cope with the situation. And as result his self is split; his soul is collapsed. It is argued that both unresolved fear and anxiety result in an immense tragedy as Barnes has illustrated through the character of the protagonist in The Noise of Time.