The novelist, quite rightly, fears the psychoanalyst as both an enemy and a usurper

The novelist, quite rightly, fears the psychoanalyst as both an enemy and a usurper

Will Self, a prominent British novelist known for his dark and satirical works, has often expressed a deep distrust and fear of psychoanalysts. In his writing and public statements, Self has made it clear that he sees psychoanalysts as both enemies and usurpers, threatening the autonomy and creative freedom of the novelist.

One of the reasons why Self may fear psychoanalysts is their tendency to delve into the subconscious mind and uncover hidden motivations and desires. As a novelist, Self relies on his own intuition and imagination to create his characters and stories. The intrusion of a psychoanalyst into this process could be seen as a threat to his creative control and autonomy. By analyzing his work through a psychological lens, a psychoanalyst could potentially undermine Self's artistic vision and interpretation of his own work.

Furthermore, Self may view psychoanalysts as enemies because of their role in uncovering uncomfortable truths and challenging his self-perception. As a writer, Self often explores dark and taboo subjects in his work, delving into the depths of human psychology and behavior. A psychoanalyst's interpretation of his work could potentially reveal aspects of Self's own psyche that he may not be ready or willing to confront. This could be a deeply unsettling experience for a writer who prides himself on his ability to push boundaries and explore the darker aspects of the human experience.