Revisiting Iqbal: A Jungian Psychoanalysis

Abstract

This study examines the psychological complexity of Iqbal, a character from Tahmima Anam’s A Golden Age, through the lens of Jungian psychology. Key concepts such as the Shadow, projection, and the Father Archetype reveal Iqbal’s inner battles with fear, control, and responsibility. His avoidance of driving and his overprotectiveness toward his children are seen as expressions of his Shadow, reflecting repressed anxieties he struggles to face. Iqbal’s reluctance to drive his newly purchased car, despite initial enthusiasm, illustrates his amaxophobia, or fear of driving, which represents the tension between his conscious self and the fears hidden in his unconscious. He projects these fears onto his family, creating an atmosphere of anxiety that echoes his inner insecurities. His reliance on an older driver underscores his need for external paternal authority, aligning with Jung’s Father Archetype. By drawing on recent research on anxiety, control, and transgenerational trauma, the analysis shows how Iqbal’s unresolved issues not only shape his behavior but also influence his family dynamics. The study highlights the importance of addressing these internal conflicts to promote personal growth and prevent the transmission of anxiety across generations.