DefinePK

Abstract

This study utilizes a psychoanalytic framework to examine the complex representations of love and desire in William Congreve's The Way of the World. Utilizing Freudian and Lacanian theories of the unconscious, repression, and identity formation, the study examines the underlying motivations of the characters' actions, especially regarding their romantic relationships. Using psychoanalytic theory, it shows that love in the play is a deep psychological drive that goes beyond social norms and is shaped by hidden, often repressed urges. Congreve's portrayal highlights the characters' subconscious desires and internal conflicts, reflecting overarching societal dynamics and personal identity challenges. This study fills gaps in current research by offering a psychoanalytic interpretation of love, a crucial yet insufficiently examined theme.