The Archetypes in the Novel Devlet Ana within the Context of Kerimcan’s Journey of Individuation

Abstract

In the psychology of Jung, the concept of individuation refers to being a homogenous entity, the self-completion of the individuals’. This adventure called as “self-realization” is not equivalent to being self-centered, individualistic or acting opposite to the collective responsibilities. Rather, this concept means to the creation of the individuals’ own identities, by also fulfilling their duties towards the society. In other words, individuation refers to the formation of individuals’ their existence by their own choices. In this study, the individuation journey of the main character in Kemal Tahir’s novel Devlet Ana is examined. The individuation journey of Kerimcan that was shaped through his own choices is under debate by focusing on the Jung’s works about ‘the journey of individuation’. The archetypes that was pointed by Jung, especially ‘The Self’ archetype is also examined. Therefore, this study concludes that although collective obligations in the Ottoman society of the 13th century had a great influence on the process of individuation, these obligations never hindered the individuals in their self-realization.