Jungian Archetypes and Jean Valjean Dissertation

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Through this experience, I realized that these characters could help other to understand themselves and to resolve the internal conflicts that drive young males in their actions. As I began to study the characters in the novel more closely, I began to realize that Valjean and Javert were not the only characters that represented Jungian archetypes. It became apparent that gaining a better understanding of the characters and the archetypes that they represented could provide valuable clues to the psychotherapist who must work with young males where were now going through many of the same challenges that I experienced at that sensitive age. The archetypes found in the novel are prominent and necessary for the development of a healthy, individuated male (James and Gillaland, n.d. p. 13).

Reading Les Miserables changed my life. I saw many parallels with the character if Jean Valjean. I was abused by my father and, like Valjean, was treated like a criminal in school. Fantine symbolized my emotional state at the time, which is the wounded, neglected anima of a man. My high school instructor, Mr. Castle was supportive of me and did not treat me as a reject. His support was unconditional and he came to represent the priest and the compassion that he demonstrated to Valjean.

Only after a spiritual initiation by a female meditation master was I able to master my anger and depression, represented by Cosette for Valjean. For me, Marius and Cosette represents the archetype of the marriage of the masculine and the feminine. Throughout my work with young males in therapy, these archetypes presented themselves. This research will explore how these archetypes can e used by therapists to gain insight into the psyche of their male patients so that they can gain the insight that they need to become individuated young adults.

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Statement of the Research Problem

This research focuses on the study of Jungian archetypes through the analysis of several characters in Hugo's Les Miserables. The problem to be studies involves the development of better assessment and treatment methods for young male patients. Understanding the young male mind becomes difficult as one strays farther in years from their own experiences during this difficult time in their lives. The characters in Les Miserables may provide the therapist with a starting point in discovering ways to unlock the mysteries of the young adult male mind. Once unlocked strategies and techniques can be applied that can help the young male to resolve the internal conflicts that plague him and help him to continue the path to individuation.

The research question to be addressed by this study is, "What elements of Jungian archetypes necessary for the development of healthy, individuated males can be found in the characters of Valjean and Javert in Les Miserables?" A second research question must accompany this one in order to make the study useful in modern application. The secondary research question is, "How can this information be used to help therapists understand and treat their young male patient?"

Resolution of these questions will help to further the development of techniques for analyzing the needs, psychological composition, and treatment protocols that are necessary in the treatment of young adult males. This research will contribute to the field of psychology at large, as it will focus on an often elusive group of patients. It will provide therapists with valuable tools for helping this group of patients with very special needs......

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