Existential Death and (In)authenticity in Beckett’s Molloy: A Yalomian Reading

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MA in English Language and Literature, Faculty of Foreign languages, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

This study explores Samuel Beckett's Molloy through the lens of existential psychotherapy, particularly the theories of Irvin D. Yalom. It examines the interplay between death, existential angst, and psychological defenses in Beckett's characters. By analyzing Yalom's existential psychoanalytical ideas, the study aims to understand how characters confront or transcend their existential anxieties to achieve existential awareness. This theoretical framework extends beyond traditional Freudian and Neo-Freudian psychoanalysis, focusing on the practical manifestations of human neurosis related to the ultimate concern of death. The findings highlight Beckett's portrayal of authentic existence and his characters' engagement with concepts such as the knight of resignation, ultimate man, and inauthentic Dasein. Additionally, the study delves into the psychological mechanisms employed by Beckett's characters to cope with their existential dread, exploring whether these defenses are ultimately successful or if they lead to a deeper understanding of their own mortality. Through this analysis, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Beckett's work reflects and addresses profound existential questions, offering insights into the human condition and the ways in which individuals navigate the inevitability of death. The study also considers the broader implications of these findings for existential psychotherapy and literary analysis surrounding death and authenticity.

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  • Receive Date: 05 October 2024
  • Revise Date: 18 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 27 October 2025

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