A Mythopoetic Reading of Khalil Gibran’s The Broken Wings (1912) and The Prophet (1923)
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Date
2023
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Université Mouloud Mammeri Tizi Ouzou
Abstract
This research investigates the characters and recurring themes in Kahlil Gibran's
novellas Broken Wings (1912) and The Prophet (1913), employing Jungian psychoanalytic
theory as a primary framework. Drawing on Carl Jung’s foundational texts, such as The
Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, as well as insights from scholars like Emma
Jung, the study examines the archetypes of the anima and animus. Central to this analysis is
the dynamic interplay between Eros and Logos—key Jungian concepts—that demonstrate
how Gibran and some of his protagonists transcend conventional gender roles by integrating
both feminine and masculine qualities in the individuation process. The research contrasts
the emotionally charged portrayal of the anima in Broken Wings with the more rational
exploration of the animus in The Prophet, revealing the psychological dualities inherent in
Gibran’s work. By bridging the fields of literature and psychology, this study not only
illuminates Gibran’s creative and psychological processes but also reveals how his story
characters embody a harmonious balance between mythic sensitivity and rational sensibility.
The analysis highlights how Gibran's characters represent essential forces for achieving
personal balance beyond societal and gender norms. In Broken Wings, Selma’s resistance to
her arranged marriage sparks her self-discovery, exposing the tension between societal
constraints and personal desires. Meanwhile, Almustafa in The Prophet embodies wisdom
and advocates for inner freedom, resonating with Jung's concept of individuation. Both
works portray love as a transformative path to self-realisation while critiquing cultural
limitations on freedom. This study affirms Gibran's enduring relevance in exploring the
human condition and deepening connections with the self and the divine.
Description
62p. ; (+CD-Rom)
Keywords
Anima and Animus, Broken Wings, Khalil Gibran, Myth, The Prophet
Citation
Literature and Civilization