Robin Hood and Hong Gildong are two popular characters who have developed in literature and media over centuries with the development of their respective English and Korean cultures. By interacting with other disciplines and examining some related media, this paper will utilise interdisciplinarity as well as intermediality to help better understand the evolution of the two characters.
This dissertation will study the development of the two characters using the main psychodynamic theories, Psychoanalysis, Analytical Psychology and Individual Psychology. The focal principles of theorists Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and Alfred Adler will be relied on throughout the study to help analyse the motives behind the two characters’ actions and change in personalities. Other cultural, social and political factors will also be considered.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter One: Robin Hood: a Product of the Environment, Circumstances and Ploys of the Mind
Chapter Two: Hong Gildong: a Hero of the People
Conclusion
Research Objectives & Key Themes
This dissertation examines the psychodynamic evolution of two legendary figures, Robin Hood and Hong Gildong, by analyzing their literary and cinematic representations through the lens of psychoanalysis, analytical psychology, and individual psychology. The study investigates how childhood experiences, environmental influences, and social factors shape their identities and motivations as outlaws and heroes.
- Application of psychodynamic theories (Freud, Jung, Adler) to literary character development.
- Analysis of "vernacular intellectualism" and the role of the subaltern in challenging hegemonic structures.
- Exploration of intermediality in the transformation of characters across texts, films, and TV series.
- Comparison of the "trickster" archetype and the use of disguise as a psychological defense mechanism.
- Investigation into how societal norms and the "collective unconscious" influence the heroic narratives of England and Korea.
Excerpt from the Book
Chapter One: Robin Hood: a Product of the Environment, Circumstances and Ploys of the Mind
Despite years of research that aimed at finding one authentic account of the tale of Robin Hood and one authentic Robin, scholars failed at presenting accurate information and evidence that show there lived one man called Robin Hood who went through the events that the ballads and the retellings narrated. Robin Hood might not be a real life figure who had actually stood for the poor against the corrupt rich and haunted Sherwood Forest, but he is a fictional legend who has survived hundreds of years and retellings and is still popular (Wright).
Despite Anthony Easthope’s presentation of the historical division of popular (low) and high culture and how high culture should be given a place in academia since it conveys “proper values of the gentry” while popular culture should not because it demonstrates “ ‘vulgarity’ of the ‘common’ people (73)”, the tale of Robin Hood proved too important a popular cultural product to be disregarded. The amount of research done on the tale confirms the importance of the impact of the text rather than the canonical status it occupies.
Popular culture arguably exploits its wide audience to spread its ideology (77). Accordingly, Robin Hood should be simply another text that dictates how people should live their lives and what they should feel and think about Robin and his exploits. However, Robin Hood tales are complicated accounts of a man who found himself an outlaw due to unfavourable circumstances and had to deal with the new life based on his upbringing, beliefs and the changing events. Robin did not stick to his noble background and boss people around; he went down to the streets, witnessed people’s harsh lives and became one of them.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the theoretical foundation by discussing the psychodynamic approach to literature and the importance of childhood experiences in shaping character personality.
Chapter One: Robin Hood: a Product of the Environment, Circumstances and Ploys of the Mind: Analyzes the character of Robin Hood through various texts and films, focusing on defense mechanisms like denial and identification in response to his upbringing and social pressures.
Chapter Two: Hong Gildong: a Hero of the People: Explores the Korean legend of Hong Gildong, contrasting original tales with modern adaptations to see how the character reflects evolving societal standards and individual goals through Adlerian teleology.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the psychological findings, noting that while no single theory offers a complete understanding of a character, the study demonstrates how these legends reflect the universal human struggle to reconcile personal trauma with social reality.
Keywords
Psychodynamics, Robin Hood, Hong Gildong, Psychoanalysis, Analytical Psychology, Individual Psychology, Vernacular Intellectual, Defense Mechanisms, Archetypes, Intermediality, Fictionalism, Sibling Rivalry, Subaltern, Identity, Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this dissertation?
The work focuses on providing a psychodynamic reading of two legendary cultural figures—Robin Hood and Hong Gildong—to understand their personality development and heroic trajectories.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The research explores the impact of childhood environments, class-based social systems, the role of rebellion, and the use of disguise as a psychological tool in both English and Korean cultures.
What is the ultimate research objective?
The goal is to analyze how the unconscious mind, social pressures, and individual goals shape these characters, moving beyond their surface-level "hero" status to understand their internal conflicts.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The study employs a multi-disciplinary approach, primarily using psychodynamic theories from Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Alfred Adler, alongside literary analysis and media studies (intermediality).
What does the main body of the work address?
It examines specific literary texts and media adaptations of Robin Hood and Hong Gildong, tracing their growth from childhood to their status as legendary outlaws who challenge authority.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Psychodynamics, Vernacular Intellectual, Archetypes, Defense Mechanisms, Fictionalism, and Sibling Rivalry.
How does the author define the role of "disguise" in Robin Hood's psychology?
Disguise is interpreted as a manifestation of the Ego and Persona, allowing Robin to hide his shadow and id-driven intentions while navigating society to achieve his goals.
What is the significance of the "roaming period" in the Hong Gildong narratives?
The roaming period is depicted as a critical phase of re-questioning one's past and identity, where the character moves from a state of betrayal to constructing their own purposeful future.
How does the study reconcile the contradiction of rebels (like Gildong) creating their own hierarchical power structures?
The author argues that these characters, while rebelling against specific injustices, are still products of their age and seek "striving for superiority" within the established concepts of power they know.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Wiam Najjar (Autor:in), 2017, Robin Hood and Hong Gildong. A Psychodynamic Reading of Two Legendary Figures, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/463119
