Abstract

The present study is an attempt to explore the intricacies of human mind, as portrayed through Hester’s character in The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne. For an in depth analysis, two legendary intellectuals i.e., Ghazali, the famous 11th century scholar of the Muslim world and Freud, the genius of 20th century, have provided the theoretical framework. The research design is based on thematic analysis of the selected novel. A detailed study of Ghazalainnafs-e-ammara and Freudian id have guided the interpretation of the selected character. The analysis of Hester’s perverted behaviour and degrading moral standards inside the parameter of the selected theories, reveals Hawthorne’s psychological insight. Besides it also provides a cognizance into the relevance of the psychological issues in modern world, thus, strengthening our belief in the similar workings of human mind, regardless of the variances in time and space. Moreover, it has also revealed that the incorporation of Eastern and Western insights for studying literary character has the potential of becoming an effective critical approach for psychological analysis in the realm of English literature.

Key words: Psychoanalysis, unconscious, conscience, Nafs-e-ammara, id.