This text aims to explore the longstanding relevancy of puppets and dolls and considering the idea that the humanoid figurine could present itself as a vessel for a soul. The ‘soul’ is an ambiguous and elusive topic which remains as slippery and hard to pin down as ever; nevertheless, this flexibility allows for one’s perception of the world to shape what one may consider a soul to be.
The text touches on ideas of play, fear, dolls, puppets and their use for 'saying what cannot be said', immortality, the notion of the soul and its transience, dolls and their use as surrogates, ball jointed dolls and objects of desire.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Concept of the Soul and the Vessel
3. The Golem and the Transience of the Soul
4. Defining the Puppet and the Doll
5. Bunraku and the Relationship of Liveliness
6. Play as a Tool for Development
7. Punch and Judy and Primal Urges
8. Adult Play and Reborn Dolls
9. Asian Ball Jointed Dolls and Customization
10. Hans Bellmer and the Projection of Desires
11. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study explores the enduring relevance of puppets and dolls in contemporary adult culture, investigating whether their perceived "liveliness" stems from the metaphysical concept that they serve as vessels for a soul, and how human psychological drives are projected onto these inanimate objects.
- The intersection of philosophy, religion, and the animation of inanimate figures.
- The role of puppets and dolls as immortal characters that transcend human mortality.
- Psychological and developmental functions of play, from childhood to adult hobbyism.
- The projection of human identity, sexuality, and desires onto dolls and puppets.
- Cultural case studies ranging from traditional Japanese Bunraku to modern "reborn" doll subcultures.
Excerpt from the Book
Bunraku and the Relationship of Liveliness
Bunraku is a fantastic example of the relationship of liveliness between player and puppet because of how it is considered more of an art form than a show. It is a traditional type of Japanese puppetry in which puppets almost the size of a human are operated on a platform at the waist height of the performers, who typically operate three to each puppet; feet, body/arms and head.
“Bunraku practices neither the occultation nor emphatic manifestation of its springs; it rids the actor’s animation of all sacral staleness and abolishes the metaphysical connection the west cannot keep from making between the soul and the body, cause and effect, motor and machine, agent and actor, destiny and man, God and creature. If the manipulator is not hidden, why – how? – do you want to make him a god? In Bunraku, the puppet is not controlled by strings. No more strings, then no more metaphors… man is no longer a puppet in the hands of divinity.” (Schechter, 2013, p.52)
Bunraku doesn’t place the player above the puppet as in traditional western marionette shows, because Japanese religion doesn’t revolve around the concept of a God creating and ruling over all from the skies; instead of the hidden puppeteer behind the strings, up in the eaves of the theatre and controlling the puppet from their distant nest, Bunraku places the player at the feet of the puppet they animate; the puppet’s head sits level or above the heads of its controllers – the character is encouraged to become more than the sum of its parts; more than the plaything of some spirit in the sky, the character is risen up as a powerful, immortal entity; thrown down in the face of tragedy and built up again with as much strength and liveliness as before.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the primary research objective concerning the relevancy of puppets and dolls as potential vessels for a soul.
2. Concept of the Soul and the Vessel: Explores historical and philosophical definitions of the soul, referencing Aristotle and Descartes to frame the humanoid figure as a vessel.
3. The Golem and the Transience of the Soul: Discusses the Jewish legend of the Golem to support the concept of soul mobility and animation through divine word or energy.
4. Defining the Puppet and the Doll: Analyzes the dictionary definitions and critical distinctions between puppets and dolls based on movement and audience.
5. Bunraku and the Relationship of Liveliness: Examines traditional Japanese puppetry as a unique art form that transcends the western "actor-controlled" puppet model.
6. Play as a Tool for Development: Discusses the psychological importance of play in child development as a method for exploring social interactions and safety.
7. Punch and Judy and Primal Urges: Investigates how violent puppet shows allow for the exploration of taboos and primal drives within a safe, caricatured environment.
8. Adult Play and Reborn Dolls: Explores the contemporary adult subculture of "reborn" dolls and the therapeutic potential for comfort and nurturing.
9. Asian Ball Jointed Dolls and Customization: Focuses on how BJD owners customize their dolls to create personal, living identities and relationships.
10. Hans Bellmer and the Projection of Desires: Analyzes how artist Hans Bellmer used manipulated dolls to project his subconscious and sexualized desires.
11. Conclusion: Summarizes that the relevance of puppets and dolls persists due to fundamental human drives and the ongoing, speculative nature of the soul.
Keywords
Puppets, Dolls, Soul, Animation, Bunraku, Play, Mortality, Humanoid, Reborn dolls, Ball Jointed Dolls, Hans Bellmer, Mind-body dualism, Transience, Anthropomorphism, Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central research question of this study?
The work explores whether puppets and dolls retain relevance in contemporary adult culture by potentially serving as "vessels for a soul," thereby acting as immortal embodiments of human experience.
Which theoretical frameworks are used to discuss the soul?
The author references philosophical views including Aristotelian concepts of the soul needing a body and Cartesian mind-body dualism to provide a framework for inanimate objects being "alive."
How is the distinction between a puppet and a doll characterized?
The study highlights that while both are humanoid figurines, the primary distinction lies in the presence of an audience and the intent of the animator; puppets involve an audience, whereas dolls provide an intimate, self-contained experience.
What is the role of play in the context of this study?
Play is treated as a vital vehicle for creativity, social experimentation, and psychological growth, serving both the child's developmental needs and the adult's desire to express suppressed impulses or nurture.
What primary research method is employed?
The study uses a qualitative, analytical approach, synthesizing philosophical texts, psychological theories, and cultural case studies to examine the intersection of inanimate objects and human projection.
What are the key thematic areas discussed?
The themes include the fear of mortality, the desire for immortality, sexualized projection, the comfort of nurturing, and the use of toys to process social interactions and taboos.
How does the Bunraku tradition challenge Western puppetry norms?
Bunraku shifts the puppeteer from a hidden "God-like" figure behind strings to an active participant at the feet of the puppet, elevating the character to an immortal, independent entity rather than a mere tool of a manipulator.
What significance do 'reborn' dolls hold for their owners?
Reborn dolls act as therapeutic objects, allowing owners—particularly those grieving or experiencing loneliness—to engage in nurturing behaviors that trigger real emotional and hormonal responses similar to caring for a living infant.
What does the author conclude about the existence of the soul in dolls?
The author concludes that because the soul is not a quantifiable entity, the existence of a soul within a puppet or doll remains entirely speculative and is ultimately determined by the individual experience and perception of the beholder.
- Quote paper
- Jasmine Haskell (Author), 2016, Divining the plaything. The relevance of puppets and dolls in a contemporary, adult culture, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/374529
