‘THINKING THAT IF I COULD WRITE IN IT ANNA WOULD COME BACK’: A JUNGIAN EXEGESIS OF THE GOLDEN NOTEBOOK

Abstract

The study undertakes The Golden Notebook to examine the process of individuation as documented in it. The study finds the protagonist as embedded in layers of chaos and examines her to be consequently opting for a breakthrough as she embarks on self-realization journey. The Golden Notebook resonates fragmentation throughout its length which runs parallel to the protagonist’s state of mind. In addition to the backdrop of disarray, another highlighted strand present in the narrative is that of the gender conflict. The study finds the protagonist searching for identity, connection, belonging, self-inquiry and in a quest to create meaning. The study accentuates that the call for individuation is made by the protagonist as she sets to resolve her tension of opposites. The study thus sets Jungian psychology as its theory of reading. The research has certain delimitation for it focuses on Jung’s individuation process. The study maintains that in The Golden Notebook, the protagonist’s endeavor of compiling her book is used as a metaphor that corresponds with individuation process.