Seeing the Stages of Loss in In Memoriam part 5

CHAPTER 5
Common Mortality and Common Insight

This analysis applied to In Memoriam comprises an understanding of modern psychological thinking. Easily, this type of endeavor can lend itself to other works. The simple mentioning of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in this essay begs it to be explored along Kubler-Ross’ stages of loss. Other older works can also be applied toward these psychological methods.
The most famous example of such psychological examinations of classical literature must be how the Oedipus complex informs in Shakespeare’s Hamlet by Ernest Jones . More recently and directly related to the topic of this paper is the June 2006 article by Olivia Pass that compares the stages of loss elucidated by Kubler-Ross to the stages of a character in the Toni Morrison novel Beloved.

The important facet to understand is how modern psychological interpretations of literary works or characters will reveal much more than just a plain comparison. Not only does it lend insight into literature and its deeper meanings, but the repercussions on psychology cannot be ignored. If anything, the examination of In Memoriam above and the examination in Pass’ paper validate theories presented by Kubler-Ross. Add to this the fact that Tennyson published In Memoriam more than 100 years before Kubler-Ross’ work, and it seems to authenticate the psychology throughout the human mind across timelines.



CITED WORKS

Bradley, A. C. “[The Structure and Effect of In Memoriam].” Alfred, Lord Tennyson: In Memoriam. Ed. Erik Gray. New York: Norton, 2004.
Counseling For Loss & Life Changes. 1997. 16 August 2006. http://www.counselingforloss.com/article8.htm.

Eliot, T. S. “In Memoriam.” Alfred, Lord Tennyson: In Memoriam. Ed. Erik Gray. New York: Norton, 2004.

Gray, Erik, ed. Alfred, Lord Tennyson: In Memoriam. New York: Norton, 2004.

Hass, Robert Bernard. "The Mutable Locus Amoenus and Consolation in
Tennyson's In Memoriam." Studies in English Literature (Rice) 38.4
(1998): 669. MAS Ultra - School Edition. 19 April 2006.
http://search.epnet.com.

Kubler-Ross, M.D., Elisabeth. On Death and Dying. 1969. New York: Scribner Classics, 1997.

Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth and David Kessler. On Grief and Grieving. New York: Scribner, 2005.

Noble, Holcomb B. “Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, 78, Dies; Psychiatrist Revolutionized Care of the Terminally Ill.” New York Times; 8/26/2004, Vol. 153 Issue 52953, pB8-B8. .

Pass, Olivia. “Toni Morrison’s Beloved: A Journey through the Pain of Grief.” Journal of Medical Humanities; Summer 2006, Vol. 27 Issue 2, p117-124. .

Platizky, Roger. "Elegies in a Different Key: Tennyson's In Memoriam and Paul Monette's Love Alone." Midwest Quarterly 43.4 (2002): 346. Academic Search Premier. 27 April 2006. http://search.epnet.com.

Shannon, Jr., Edgar Finley. “The Pinnacle of Success: In Memoriam.” Alfred, Lord Tennyson: In Memoriam. Ed. Erik Gray. New York: Norton, 2004.

Tennyson, Hallam, Lord. “In Memoriam.” Alfred, Lord Tennyson: In Memoriam. Ed. Erik Gray. New York: Norton, 2004.

Willey, Basil. “[Tennyson’s Honest Doubts].” Alfred, Lord Tennyson: In Memoriam. Ed. Erik Gray. New York: Norton, 2004.