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Freudian Critique and “Vox Humana”
Saman Fatima
Ted Morrissey is an American author, educator, and publisher known for his contributions to contemporary literature and his dedication to the literary arts. His works often explore themes of identity, history, and the complexities of human experience. His works also delve into interplay between the conscious and unconscious motivations of characters illuminating hidden desires, fears and conflicts. Morrissey has written several novels and short stories, most recently the novel The Strophes of Job, which is set in the same world as our focus here, the story “Vox Humana”—all of which display his distinctive narrative style and a deep intellectual engagement.
“Vox Humana” is a poignant tale of a Korean War veteran, Harry Gale, as he returns to his rural hometown and grapples with the scars of war and the challenges of reintegration. The story explores the themes of trauma, alienation, and the human search for connection and meaning. Set against the backdrop of a changing post-war America, it delves into the fragile threads that bind family, memory, and identity.
Psychoanalytic criticism
Psychoanalytic criticism is one of the most well-known literary theory. Basically, it focuses on the unconscious desires, motivations, and conflicts that shape human behavior. This method examines literature as a reflection of the psyche, both of the authors and the characters within the text. The concepts and techniques of psychoanalysis that are used to analyze and interpret literature are primarily developed by Sigmund Freud, who is also known as the Father of Psychoanalytic Criticism. Freud is the first one who suggests that it is the unconscious, and not the conscious, that governs a large part of our actions. This irrational part of our psyche, the unconscious, receives and stores our hidden desires, ambitions, fears passions and irrational thoughts. These unconscious elements manifest in dreams, slips of tongue (referred to as Freudian slips), and even in artistic expressions. Central to this approach are Freud’s theories on the id, ego, and superego, which represents different aspects of psyche.
The Id is the most primitive and unconscious part of the psyche, present from birth. It operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of desires, needs, and impulses, without consideration of reality or moral consequences. The Id is driven by basic instincts such as hunger, thirst, and sexual desires, and it seeks to fulfill these desires regardless of the consequences. The Ego develops from the id and functions primarily in the conscious realm. It operates on the reality principle, balancing the demands of the id with the constraints of the external world. The ego seeks to satisfy the id’s desires in socially acceptable ways, considering reality and potential consequences. The Superego represents the internalized moral standards and societal rules learned from parents, culture, and society. It develops as a child interacts with authority figures and absorbs social norms. The superego operated on the moral principle, guiding behavior according to what is considered right or wrong. Freud’s concept of the Oedipus complex, which describes a child’s unconscious desire to replace the same-sex parent and possess the opposite-sex parent, has also been a key focus in psychoanalytic criticism. In essence, psychoanalytic criticism is concerned with how unconscious desires, fears, and conflicts shape characters, narratives, and themes in literature.
Psychoanalytic approach to “Vox Humana”
“Vox Humana” is a masterful exploration of the human psyche, delving into the complexities of trauma, identity and relationships. Through the character of Harry and Annette, Morrissey illustrates the ways in which the unconscious mind shapes human behavior, emotions and interactions. In the story, Freudian’s structural model which is divided into three parts: id, ego and superego, can be seen in the internal struggles of Harry, the protagonist. His complex emotional state reflects this Freudian concept, particularly through his interactions with others and his inner monologue. The id represents Harry’s unconscious and primal urges, often manifested in his immediate reactions and emotions. His moments of panic, like the breakdown in the grocery store, reflect the id’s overwhelming influence. When the storm intensifies, Harry’s response is instinctive: “He couldn’t breathe. Harry fumbled his way out of the store, which felt as claustrophobic as a coffin”. This primal reaction to perceived threat and his subsequent collapse into unconscious behaviors—his id—reveals the deep-seated trauma he’s unable to rationalize. Moreover, Harry’s smoking and his retreat into books and poetry also signify id-driven desires for comfort and escape. “Harry was smoking, something he must’ve picked up in the service. More accurately, he was watching the lit cigarette between his fingers, as if a complicated thing which warranted careful study.” These impulses are unconscious mechanisms to suppress the psychological burdens stemming from his wartime experiences, showing how his id drives him toward immediate relief.
The ego in Freud’s model manages the demands of the id with the constraints of reality. Harry’s attempt to adapt to civilian life and his interactions with Annette display the ego’s efforts. For instance, when Harry silently observes the changes in his village and family dynamics, he suppresses his inner turmoil, choosing instead to maintain surface-level social decorum: “He manufactured a smile for new arrivals and shook hands” (from the welcome-home party). This behavior suggests the ego’s role in reconciling his inner chaos with societal expectations. Harry’s structured engagement with poetry, particularly Sandburg’s Chicago Poems, also reflects his ego’s role in creating a controlled space to process his chaotic emotions. By immersing himself in rhythm and imagery, Harry channels the id’s overwhelming voices into a more rational, artistic form, showcasing the ego’s mediating function. The ego tries to mitigate his emotions by seeking moments of solitude. Harry finds temporary reprieve in structured activities, such as reading or writing poetry.
These acts symbolize his ego’s attempt to impose order on the overwhelming forces of the id. In one instance, Harry transforms the chaotic internal voices into creative expression: “Harry discovered that the chaos of his chorus had become a more tamable torrent, one that could be checked with dikes and causeways and dams, by controlling diction, syntax, and punctuation.” This moment of creative expression is significant, as it demonstrates the ego’s capacity to channel the id’s raw energy into something productive, albeit temporarily.
The superego governs morality and ideals, often conflicting with the id. Harry’s guilt over staying with Annette without contributing financially or emotionally underscores this. He reflects on his sense of burden, thinking, “ He felt that he should say something about his absent brother-in-law but…it would be more than he could bear.” This tension shows the superego chastising him for failing to fulfill perceived duties. Additionally, Harry’s reaction to the community’s celebration of his return demonstrates the superego’s presence. He perceives the villagers’ goodwill as hollow, his internalized moral expectations clashing with their outward cheer. The line, “It felt like a funeral, not a homecoming,” conveys his alienation and inability to reconcile societal gratitude with his personal disillusionment and guilt—a struggle rooted in the superego’s moral scrutiny.
Harry’s psyche is a battlefield where the id, ego, and superego constantly clash. His id’s traumatic responses and desire for isolation are tempered by the ego’s attempts to conform to societal norms, while the superego amplifies his sense of inadequacy and guilt. This internal conflict is vividly depicted in his fragmented thoughts and strained interactions with others, such as his sister Annette and the librarian Beth Ann. Harry’s ultimate inability to find peace—whether in the community or within himself—exemplifies the consequences of unresolved tension between these psychic structures. His quiet departure from the party and request to leave highlight the ego’s collapse under the id’s pressure and the superego’s relentless judgment.
“Vox Humana” is a well-crafted exploration of the human psyche, which delves into the complexities of trauma, identity and relationships. Characters embody Freudian concepts such as id, ego and superego, reflecting deeper struggles with identity, repression or trauma. Harry’s psyche is a battlefield where the id, ego, and superego constantly clash. His id’s traumatic responses and desire for isolation are tempered by the ego’s attempts to conform to societal norms, while the superego amplifies his sense of inadequacy and guilt.
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Saman Fatima is a final-year BS English student at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad. With a strong passion for literature and linguistics, she has excelled academically and actively participated in various university events. Outside of her academic pursuits, Saman has a deep interest in painting and sketching, which allows her to express her creativity and explore the world through art. After graduation, Saman aspires to become a teacher, sharing her love for English and literature with future generations. She aims to inspire and guide students in their academic journeys, helping them develop a strong foundation in language and communication skills.
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