Techniques of Psychological Novel in 20th Century American Literature as Exemplified by the Works of Henry James and William Faulkner

Abstract

This study aimed to present history of American literature since America was one of British colonies and it also presented the characteristics of 20th century American novel. It described the origin and developments of psychological novel. Psychological novel is a novel that focuses on the complex mental and emotional lives of its characters and it explores the various levels of mental activity. The first rise of psychological novel started with the sentimental novel Pamela which was written by Samuel Richardson in the form of letters. It developed in 20th century backed by Freud’s discoveries in the field of psychoanalysis. His theories were concerned the unconsciousness mind and the mechanism of repression. This study aimed to investigate the techniques of psychological novel in 20th century American literature which include the following: stream of consciousness, flashback and interior monologue. These three features have been used by modern writers to form a new style of novel and analysis of characters through them. Henry James and William Faulkner were American modernist writers. They used these techniques in their novels. Henry James’ novels: The Portrait of a Lady, The Turn of the Screw and The Wings of the Dove. William Faulkner’s novels: The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying and Absalom, Absalom. These authors heeded with the human psyche and portrayed the internal world of their characters in a specific frame different from other types of writing form. These techniques enabled Henry James and William Faulkner to stroll deeply in the inner world of their characters and to find out their psychological dimensions in their novels. The study findings were as following: 1-Henry James and William Faulkner used psychological novel techniques in their novels as literary techniques. 2- They reflected these techniques in their novels to present aspects of human psyche. 3-They concentrated on the internal world of their characters. 4-They explained very essential social issues of an American society in their novels.