Volume 04 Issue 11-2024
136
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
11
P
AGES
:
136-141
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
Artistic psychologism serves as a crucial mechanism in harmonizing the plot and composition of a literary work. By
delving into the inner experiences, emotions, and psychological depth of characters, artistic psychologism provides a
cohesive framework that aligns the narrative's structural and thematic elements. This article explores the theoretical
foundations of artistic psychologism, its function in creating a seamless interaction between plot and composition,
and its application in diverse literary genres.
KEYWORDS
Artistic psychologism, plot, composition, psychological realism, narrative techniques, thematic integration, literary
harmony.
INTRODUCTION
In literature, the interplay between the external plot
and the internal dynamics of characters forms the
cornerstone of narrative coherence. A vital element in
achieving this harmony is artistic psychologism, a
technique that delves into the inner world of
characters, exploring their emotions, thoughts, and
psychological depth. By focusing on the nuanced
interplay of human experiences, artistic psychologism
transforms a simple sequence of events into a
profound exploration of the human condition.
The concept of artistic psychologism transcends mere
character development; it shapes the plot and
Research Article
ARTISTIC PSYCHOLOGISM AS A COMPONENT HARMONIZING PLOT
AND COMPOSITION
Submission Date:
November 19, 2024,
Accepted Date:
November 24,2024,
Published Date:
November 29, 2024
Crossref doi
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajps/Volume04Issue11-25
Suleymanova Sevara Abdumalikovna
Independent researcher at Gulistan State University, Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 11-2024
137
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
11
P
AGES
:
136-141
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
composition, ensuring that every twist and turn in the
story resonates with the underlying emotional and
psychological realities. This approach is particularly
effective in literature where the emotional or moral
dilemmas of characters drive the narrative, creating a
seamless connection between the thematic core and
the structural framework.
This article investigates the role of artistic
psychologism as a harmonizing component between
plot and composition. It explores its theoretical
underpinnings,
narrative
techniques,
and
its
application in various genres and literary traditions.
The central premise is that artistic psychologism not
only enhances character authenticity but also aligns
the progression of the story with the emotional and
psychological undertones, resulting in a cohesive and
impactful narrative.
By examining the integration of artistic psychologism
in classical and modern literature, this study aims to
highlight its indispensable role in enriching both the
structural and thematic aspects of storytelling. This
exploration also provides insights into how this
technique can be adapted for contemporary
storytelling mediums, ensuring its continued relevance
and evolution in the literary arts.
Literature Review
Artistic psychologism, as a literary device, has been
extensively
analyzed
in
both
classical
and
contemporary critical studies. It is recognized as a
mechanism that integrates the psychological depth of
characters with the structural elements of narrative
storytelling. This section reviews the theoretical and
practical studies on artistic psychologism, highlighting
its role in harmonizing plot and composition.
Theoretical Foundations of Artistic Psychologism
The concept of artistic psychologism has its roots in
psychological realism, a literary movement that
emphasizes the authentic portrayal of human
emotions and psychological states. Scholars such as
Mikhail Bakhtin and Lev Vygotsky have contributed to
the understanding of how internal dialogues and
psychological depth shape narrative structures.
Bakhtin's notion of polyphony in literature underlines
the importance of diverse inner voices, which
enhances the multidimensionality of both characters
and plots.
Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud have also
indirectly influenced the development of artistic
psychologism,
as
their
philosophical
and
psychoanalytic theories provided frameworks for
exploring the complexities of human behavior in
literature. Freud's exploration of the unconscious mind
is particularly relevant, as it offers a foundation for
understanding how literary characters’ internal
struggles mirror broader existential or societal themes.
Artistic Psychologism in Classical Literature
Volume 04 Issue 11-2024
138
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
11
P
AGES
:
136-141
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
In classical works, artistic psychologism is often the
driving force behind narrative depth. Authors such as
Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, and Marcel Proust are
celebrated for their ability to depict the psychological
intricacies of their characters. For instance,
Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment exemplifies how
the protagonist's psychological turmoil not only
shapes the plot but also provides the structural
framework for the novel. Similar
ly, Tolstoy’s Anna
Karenina uses psychological insight to explore themes
of love, betrayal, and morality, weaving the characters'
internal struggles into the broader narrative.
In Western literature, Virginia Woolf and James Joyce
employed stream-of-consciousness techniques to
integrate artistic psychologism into their modernist
works. Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway and Joyce’s Ulysses
demonstrate how inner monologues and fragmented
narratives create an intimate portrayal of characters
while aligning the plot with the composition.
Artistic Psychologism in Contemporary Contexts
Contemporary literature continues to employ artistic
psychologism as a means of deepening narrative
complexity. Postmodern authors such as Haruki
Murakami and Toni Morrison use this technique to
explore fragmented identities and social issues.
Morrison’s Beloved exemplifies how psychologism
intertwines personal trauma with collective historical
memory, making the psychological reality of
characters a central component of the narrative
structure.
In genre fiction, artistic psychologism is utilized to
humanize characters in science fiction, fantasy, and
mystery genres. For instance, in Margaret Atwood's
The Handmaid’s Tale, the protagonist’s psychological
narrative underpins the dystopian plot, aligning the
structural and emotional elements of the story.
Narrative
Techniques
Supporting
Artistic
Psychologism
Studies on narrative techniques emphasize the role of
stream of consciousness, interior monologue, and
focalization in implementing artistic psychologism.
Shlomith Rimmon-Kenan's work on narrative fiction
highlights how shifts in narrative perspective allow
readers to engage with the psychological dimensions
of characters. Additionally, Wayne C. Booth discusses
the importance of the implied author in shaping the
psychological realism of a story.
Challenges and Critiques
While artistic psychologism enhances narrative depth,
it
has
also
been
critiqued
for
potentially
overshadowing external plot development. Tzvetan
Todorov argues that an overemphasis on psychological
detail can disrupt the balance between plot
progression and thematic exploration. Similarly, some
postmodern critics view artistic psychologism as a
Volume 04 Issue 11-2024
139
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
11
P
AGES
:
136-141
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
constraint on experimental narrative forms, favoring
fragmented or nonlinear structures over cohesive
psychological narratives.
The scholarly exploration of artistic psychologism
underscores its pivotal role in harmonizing plot and
composition. Classical and contemporary studies
reveal its adaptability across genres and narrative
techniques, ensuring its enduring relevance in
literature.
However,
the
balance
between
psychological depth and external plot development
remains a challenge, inviting further exploration into
how artistic psychologism can evolve in modern
storytelling mediums, including digital and interactive
formats.
Theoretical Framework of Artistic Psychologism
Artistic psychologism is deeply rooted in psychological
realism, where literary works emphasize authenticity in
representing human emotions and thoughts. Key
theoretical perspectives include:
1.
Psychological
Depth
in
Literature-
Psychologism allows authors to delve into a
character's motivations, dilemmas, and existential
questions, creating a layered narrative structure.
2.
Narrative Techniques-Techniques such as
interior monologues, stream of consciousness, and
focalization
are
instrumental
in
embedding
psychologism into the narrative.
3.
Integration with Plot and Composition-The
psychological dimension is not merely descriptive but
actively shapes the plot's progression and influences
the structural arrangement of the composition.
Artistic Psychologism and Plot Development
1.
Motivating
Actions
and
Decisions-
Psychologism enriches the plot by providing characters
with nuanced motivations, making their decisions and
actions resonate with readers.
2.
Conflict and Resolution-Internal conflicts often
mirror external plotlines, creating a dual-layered
narrative. This interweaving of internal and external
conflicts enhances the plot's complexity and depth.
3.
Temporal Dynamics-The psychological states
of characters often dictate the pacing and sequencing
of events, ensuring that the plot unfolds in alignment
with emotional and thematic needs.
Artistic Psychologism and Composition
1.
Structural Coherence-Psychologism aligns the
narrative’s structural elements by ensuring that each
component, from exposition to climax, reflects the
psychological journey of characters.
2.
Thematic Integration-Themes such as love,
alienation, and identity find a natural expression in the
psychological layers of the narrative, enriching the
composition’s overall impact.
Volume 04 Issue 11-2024
140
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
11
P
AGES
:
136-141
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
3.
Symbolism and Imagery-The use of symbols
and imagery often stems from the psychological
landscape, bridging abstract ideas with tangible
narrative elements.
Case Studies
1.
Psychologism in Classic Literature-In works
such as Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment,
psychologism is central to harmonizing the
protagonist’s inner turmoil with the overarching
narrative structure.
2.
Modern Applications-Contemporary authors
utilize psychologism to navigate complex themes like
mental health and societal expectations, creating
multifaceted compositions.
CONCLUSION
Artistic psychologism is a vital literary device that
harmonizes the internal world of characters with the
external structure of a narrative. By offering a deep
psychological perspective, it bridges the plot and
composition, ensuring that events and actions
resonate with the emotional and thematic fabric of the
story. This technique enriches storytelling by allowing
readers to explore the complexities of human
experience, making narratives not only engaging but
also profoundly relatable.
Through the integration of artistic psychologism, plots
gain depth and authenticity, as characters' inner
conflicts, motivations, and transformations align
seamlessly with the storyline. Similarly, composition
benefits from the structural coherence brought about
by the psychological dimensions of the narrative,
where each element
—
from imagery to pacing
—
reflects and reinforces the characters' internal
journeys.
In classical literature, artistic psychologism has
demonstrated its capacity to elevate narratives into
timeless explorations of the human condition, as seen
in the works of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Woolf. In
contemporary contexts, it continues to adapt, shaping
narratives in modern genres and media while
preserving its core function: harmonizing the
structural and emotional elements of a story.
As storytelling evolves in the digital age, artistic
psychologism remains a cornerstone of narrative
artistry, capable of enriching experiences across
traditional and emerging platforms. Its ability to align
the emotional and intellectual components of a story
ensures its enduring relevance in literature and
beyond, promising new possibilities for engaging and
meaningful storytelling.
Future studies could explore how artistic psychologism
is applied in interactive media, digital narratives, and
transmedia storytelling, providing further insights into
its transformative potential in modern literary and
cultural contexts.
Volume 04 Issue 11-2024
141
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
11
P
AGES
:
136-141
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
REFERENCES
1.
Bakhtin, M. M. (1981). The Dialogic Imagination:
Four Essays. Edited by Michael Holquist, translated
by Caryl Emerson and Michael Holquist. University
of Texas Press.
2.
Booth, W. C. (1983). The Rhetoric of Fiction. 2nd
Edition. University of Chicago Press.
3.
Dostoevsky, F. (1866). Crime and Punishment.
Translated by Constance Garnett. Modern Library.
4.
Freud, S. (1917). A General Introduction to
Psychoanalysis. Translated by G. Stanley Hall. Boni
and Liveright.
5.
Joyce, J. (1922). Ulysses. Shakespeare & Company.
6.
Morrison, T. (1987). Beloved. Alfred A. Knopf.
7.
Rimmon-Kenan, S. (2002). Narrative Fiction:
Contemporary Poetics. 2nd Edition. Routledge.
8.
Tolstoy, L. (1877). Anna Karenina. Translated by
Louise and Aylmer Maude. Oxford University Press.
9.
Todorov, T. (1971). The Poetics of Prose. Translated
by Richard Howard. Cornell University Press.
10.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The
Development of Higher Psychological Processes.
Edited by Michael Cole, Vera John-Steiner, Sylvia
Scribner, and Ellen Souberman. Harvard University
Press.
11.
Woolf, V. (1925). Mrs. Dalloway. Hogarth Press.
12.
Atwood, M. (1985). The Handmaid's Tale.
McClelland and Stewart.
