Man and his Symbols

As recommended by my tutor for an alternative perspective on concepts, Jung’s ‘Man and his Symbols’ explores the intriguing idea of an inner self that can shape our character and ideas. Jung expresses that all men and women possess a personified figure of the opposite sex in ones’ own subconscious, guiding or tormenting the individual.

‘Anima’ – the female form in men
‘Animus’ – the male form in women

The anima in men can provide answers from deep within his consciousness, shaping and defining his inner values leading to more profound inner depths. Alternatively, it can manifest into moods of depression, uncertainty and insecurity, stirring dark notions such as erotic fantasies. Where the animus in women can provide courage, truthfulness and spiritual profundity, or alternatively manifest a hidden ‘sacred’ conviction bearing an inexorable power that leads to qualities of a cold, obstinate and completely inaccessible women with brutal emotional outbursts.

Essentially, I found these values most fascinating understanding the possible psychology that men and women may undertake. These qualities are reminiscent in Grimms’ fairytales from the characters to the plot itself, such as the original folkloric text before translation of ‘The Girl With No Hands’ where the father bears incesturous desires of his daughter who conversely develops a sense of purity and enlightenment – perhaps the anima and animus of the characters at work.

Overall, Jung’s book was insightful if a lot to take in. With this in mind, this will hopefully influence my designs for the best in capturing the essence of characters.

Jung, C. G. (1990) Man and His Symbols. London. Arkana.