“O Barril de Amontillado”, de Edgar Allan Poe: uma leitura psicanalítica.

Abstract

The Psychoanalytic Criticism constitutes an interpretative approach in literary analysis that draws on the theoretical foundations of Psychoanalysis to uncover deeper layers within the literary text. Rather than limiting itself to the narrative surface, this form of literary criticism delves into the psychological motivations driving characters and influencing plot development, revealing what lies hidden beneath the apparent consciousness of the narrative and exploring the text as a symbolic manifestation of unconscious psychic forces. From this perspective, this research proposes to investigate how unconscious processes are articulated in the behavior of Montresor, the protagonist of the story "The Cask of Amontillado", published in 1846 by the American writer, short-story author, and literary critic Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849). Thus, this study seeks to deepen the understanding of the story, going beyond its horror plot to explore more profound issues related to the human psyche. For this research, a qualitative methodology is employed, based on an interpretative and descriptive analysis of the story in light of Freudian Psychoanalysis. In sum, the theoretical-analytical framework of Freud (2011, 2016, 2019, 2021), Anna Freud (2006), Souza (2005), Dacorso (2010), Todorov (2006), Phillippov (2004), Gotlib (2004), Allen (2021), among others, is used to deeply explore the psychic layers structuring the narrative and driving violence, not merely as an instinctive act, but as a meticulously calculated process driven by unconscious desires linked to the satisfaction of sadistic impulses and the pleasure obtained from subjugating another.