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Debate: A knowledge of Jung’s psychological theories does not really enhance the reader’s enjoyment of the novel. AGAINST


Robert Davies was a keen follower of Carl Jung's ideas and effectively employed them in Fifth Business. The characters are clear examples of Jungian archetypes and individuation, and the events are demonstrate Jung's idea of synchronicity. Possessing this knowledge prior to reading the novel greatly advantages the reader in terms of understanding Davies’ intensions and point of view, and those of the characters he created. This knowledge subsequently enhances the overall enjoyment of the novel.

Carl Jung once said “The goal of the individuation process is the synthesis of the self”. The individuation of man is clearly revealed through the four phases of development. Carl Jung’s philosophy fits flawlessly with Robertson Davies portrayal of Dunstan Ramsey in Fifth Business. Dunstan develops into fifth business only after being touched by the four female characters Diana, Faustina, Mrs. Dempster and Liesl.

The first step of Jungian Individuation is the biological identity, which was given to Dunstan by Diana, a beautiful volunteer nurse. However, as the relationship grew, she became a mother figure to him, and Dunstan began to reject her presence. If the reader is familiar with Jungian theories, than he or she will have a better understanding of Dunstan’s identity, since Jung would explain this as “The mother complex”. Dunstan’s issue is tied to his mother in an unconscious form. He unconsciously seeks his mother in every woman he meets. This explains why Dunstan would reject Diana; because in his unconscious, she represents his mother.

In contrast, Dunstan does not find mother-like traits in Faustina, which allows him to open up to her. Dunstan’s boyhood crush on Faustina is explained by Davies himself: “Jungian, Passive projection is completely automatic and unintentional...