Dysfunctional Father-Child Relationships in Wuthering Heights and Sons and Lovers: A Psychoanalytical Study

Human psychology as well as human relationship is the central element of both human life and literature. Since the father-child relationship is a fundamental aspect of human life, this study is going to explore this dynamic in two different texts from two distinct eras: Wuthering Heights from the 19th century and Sons and Lovers from the 20th century. Psychological upbringing of a child is, profoundly, influenced by the environment that comprises family atmosphere, cultural context, and other relationships. Considering these factors, the first focus of this paper will be on assessing the psychology of the fathers and sons in Wuthering Heights, by applying the concepts of ‘unconscious’ (the area of the mind containing memories, desires, thoughts, and sensations not conscious but impactful on behavior) and ‘defense’ (selective perception, selective memory, denial, avoidance, displacement, projection), and its effect on their relationship. Next, the study will explore the mother-controlled father-child relationship in Sons and Lovers. For this, Freud’s Oedipus Complex theory will be applied to analyze William’s and Paul’s relationship with Mr. Morel. Additionally, the impact of industrial society on workers’ minds and relationships will be highlighted to explore Mr. Morel as a father figure. As the conditions of the two novels differ, a comparative analysis will be conducted between the mother‑dominated father‑child relationship in Sons and Lovers and the father‑child bond in Wuthering Heights—which lacks the presence of a mother. Since a healthy father‑child relationship is essential for ideal psychological growth, the outcome of this study will offer valuable suggestions for real‑life family contexts. Keywords: Father‑child relationship; Psychology; Unconscious; Defense; Oedipus complex