In a quandary concerning Love and Sense of duty: A Psychoanalytical Study of Doshi’s Burnt Sugar

Abstract

This research study explores emotions and struggles of characters in Doshi’s Burnt Sugar. Psychoanalytical theory has been used to analyze the different aspects of love and sense of duty in the novel in an effort to understand the character’s experiences and actions fully. This study sheds lights into the psychological aspects of the characters’ decision-making processes and behaviors by elaborating on their needs, wants and perceived threats. Doshi’s Burnt Sugar unfolds patriarchal environment and focuses on the inner experiences of women searching for an opportunity to be happy and fulfilled. The researchers capture the characters’ conflicts and experiences when choosing between pride and affection towards the family, and their responsibilities within their respective societies. This research study aims at exploring the complexes, instincts, and object relations of these characters using psychoanalytical approach. The results of this research indicate that all the characters are in a double vinculum position whereby they are faced with societal expectations and expectations that we find in a given society in addition to the societal and personal compulsions to fulfill what they desire. The psychoanalytical perspective focuses on such aspects as the characters’ anxieties, identity issues, and the need for self-actualization. This research also reveals the character analysis and the use of defense mechanisms, projection, denial, and rationalization among the characters. Thus, the psychoanalysis of Doshi’s Burnt Sugar gives a profound insight into the psychological nature of the characters and their conflict of affection and obligation. This research is an opportunity to gain invaluable information about the nature of people and how society influences our lives, including such crucial aspects as self-identification, interpersonal relations, and individual desire. Psychoanalysis allows recognizing the underlying causes that control human actions and, therefore, have an increased compassion towards people and their struggles encountered at the everyday life.  With regard to the methodology of personality development theory, the researcher examines characters of Tara and Antara and dramatic tensions on their relation as a mother and daughter. This research reveals the shattered motherhood that leads to a change in the socio-cultural. portrayal of mother roles and tremendous influence on the psychological processes of children.