What is the Psychological Critical Perspective?

I have to write an essay about a play I read using this perspective and I am not sure how to go about it.

Thank you for any help!

What play?

http://www.google.com/search?q=Psychological+Critical+Perspective&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/literature.htm

"Trifles" by Susan Glaspell

I tried to Google this for information, but I think I got even more confused.

OK, I remember this play now.

The author had written this same story up as a short story (and later turned it into a play). The short story's title was "A Jury of her Peers," and it's interesting to think about who really are her peers.

Her peers, of course, are the women who stay in the kitchen -- not the men. How would men understand why she did what she did?

Think about the differences:
1. What do the women look for that is/are different from what the men look for?
2. What is the difference between the morality of the women and the morality of the men?

And then you might think about the title -- "Trifles." What do the men think are trifles? Do the women think the same way?

What do the "gloomy kitchen" and the caged bird symbolize?

The Psychological Critical Perspective is an approach to analyzing literature, particularly plays, by focusing on the psychological motivations and behaviors of the characters. It explores the inner thoughts, emotions, desires, and conflicts of the characters, and how these elements shape the narrative and drive the story forward.

To write an essay using the Psychological Critical Perspective for a play you have read, here are some steps you can follow:

1. Understand the basic concepts: Familiarize yourself with key psychological theories and concepts that are relevant to literary analysis, such as Freudian psychoanalysis, Jungian archetypes, or cognitive psychology. This will provide you with a framework to analyze the characters' behavior.

2. Identify the main characters: Determine which characters are crucial to the play's plot and development. Focus on those who undergo significant internal struggles or have complex psychological traits.

3. Analyze character motivations: Explore why characters act the way they do. Look for clues in their dialogue, actions, and interactions with other characters. Consider their past experiences, relationships, and personal histories that may influence their behavior.

4. Examine conflicts and desires: Analyze the conflicts faced by the characters and how their desires drive their actions. Are their desires rooted in their subconscious or conscious mind? Do they have conflicting desires, and what effect does this have on their psychological state?

5. Consider symbolism and metaphor: Investigate if there are any symbolic or metaphorical elements in the play that reflect psychological concepts. Symbolism can provide deeper insights into a character's psyche, emotions, or mental state.

6. Incorporate textual evidence: Support your analysis with specific quotes and examples from the play. These quotes should illustrate the psychological aspects you are discussing and provide evidence for your interpretations.

7. Connect the analysis to the overall theme: Relate your analysis to the play's overarching themes or messages. Explain how understanding the characters' psychology enhances the audience's comprehension of the play's themes.

8. Provide a strong conclusion: Summarize your main points and emphasize the significance of the psychological analysis. Reflect on how this approach deepens your understanding of the play and its characters.

Remember, the Psychological Critical Perspective is just one approach among many, so you can also consider incorporating other perspectives like sociological, historical, or feminist viewpoints to make your essay more comprehensive and well-rounded.

Good luck with your essay, and I hope these steps help you analyze the play from a psychological perspective!