Psycho Sexuality of the Characters You & She in Soul Mountain Essay Example

rapid dissipation of energy. However, there comes a point where these two characters slip out of Xingjian's control and gain their own lives within the text. Their task is to observe the unity, oneness, and likeness in all things. This belief in unity naturally leads to the belief that all things are forms or manifestations of the one Divine life. Everything yearns to return to its original source and achieve unity, coherence, and wholeness. Life in this world is a continuous journey in search of truth.

Xingjian’s authorial ‘I’s’ are transformed into ‘you’ and ‘she’ and then these two entities are integrated into each other, eventually coming back to the original ‘I’. This unity principle governs the transformation. By harmoniously combining the male and female elements, the desired vision of the ‘I’ is achieved. Moreover, both ‘you’ and ‘she’ are characters who reach these peaks and fulfill their goals. However, it is necessary to reflect on the energy and creative force that drives these characters and enables them to accomplish their tasks or desired visions.

The characters in the novel are constantly traveling back and forth in time. This movement is made possible by the structure of the novel, which employs the stream of consciousness technique. Within this movement, there are moments where past, present, and future coexist. These timeless moments are significant because they involve the unconscious mind. The discussion surrounding energy and the unconscious leads us to the theory and definition of libido, a term that was first made well-known by Sigmund Freud.

According to Freud, libido is the instinct energy or force found in the id, which is a

largely unconscious structure of the psyche. Freud expands on this concept in his theory of the unconscious and the libido, defining libido as the sexual drive or an individual's urge to engage in sexual activity. However, Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, disagrees with Freud's theory. Jung argues that Freud's definition of libido is narrow and limited. Instead, Jung refers to libido as the free or psychic energy that an individual possesses to contribute towards personal development or individuation.

According to Jung, the concept of "Duality" or "opposition" presents a person with challenges that generate the energy of the psyche, known as libido. This energy is expressed through symbols and is perceived subjectively as striving and desire. Jung believes that this libido should be understood beyond sexual desire, broadening its scope to encompass various psychic and creative energies and pursuits. Xingjian appears to align with Jung's perspective, separating the idea of libido from sexuality and using sexual imagery in a de-sexualized manner.

The libido, when de-sexualized, transforms into a pure and raw form of energy. Xingjian highlights the resurgence of feminine energies and consciousness in his novel "Soul Mountain" and the short story "Instantly plunged into darkness" (98 Xingjian). Within his narratives, this feminine consciousness serves as a driving force that fuels masculine creativity. Through the use of sexual imagery, he demonstrates the integration of both male and female elements, which results in their combined creative output.

Xingjian categorizes his creative work into two divisions. The first involves constructing the text, while the second focuses on reconstructing oneself. In his work "Instantly plunged into the darkness," he explores the first category,

whereas in Soul Mountain, he delves into the second category along with the creative process of writing fiction. The story begins with him sitting at his desk in front of the computer, while "she" lies on the bed. He feels the tide swelling.

The chair's legs are engulfed by the surging seawater, which then recedes (98 Xingjian). The seawater, symbolizing feminine energy or female consciousness, tends to recede. This retreat of the seawater suggests that 'He' is striving to express himself creatively but faces obstacles hindering his progress. In his desperation, 'He' asks 'she' if she will manage, and 'she' responds by saying "she loves being squashed" (100 Xingjian).

The conversation suggests that the person is questioning their ability to handle the arduous task of book writing. The person's alter ego responds that she can bear the weight and stress until she is overwhelmed. Meanwhile, in the story, the sea has risen to the level of the deck chair and is gently moving. The image of the chair legs completely submerged in the sea indicates penetration, although Xingjian avoids any sexual connotations in his imagery.

Immediately after the union of the male and female elements, there is a strong effort by 'he' to understand his thought process. As he flicks the ash from his cigarette into the ashtray, he erases each word of the unfinished sentence. This act symbolizes his weariness, exhaustion, or depletion of energy. 'He' then pleads with her to tell him a story, seeking inspiration or stimulation. However, his mind remains empty, like an "empty chair," devoid of ideas. At this point, he is only portrayed superficially and has

not yet delved into creativity. Despite the seemingly disjointed nature of these writings, they are actually interconnected. Xingjian emphasizes that losing images means losing space, and losing sound means losing language. Instead of relying on language and words, Xingjian utilizes imagery to describe these sexual encounters.

The use of images supports Jung's theory that the libido is primarily expressed through symbols and images. In Soul Mountain, the visions experienced by 'you' and 'I' are also incredibly significant. Xingjian emphasizes the importance of visualizing the sexual encounters, ensuring that the reader is able to "see the images" (117 Xingjian). Understanding these images requires deciphering the dynamics of the 'you-she relationship', which is governed by power dynamics. The energy levels of 'you' and 'she' continuously shift until they become equal, resulting in a harmonious merging of their energies.

This is the point where higher realities and visions can be attained. Initially, you provide her with strength, but as the story progresses, she emerges with even greater energy that dominates and guides you. You want her to delve into the darkness of self-deconstruction. When you enter her body, you desire her to completely abandon herself. Simultaneously, she yearns to be possessed and owned by a man.

The description suggests that 'she' must deconstruct herself in order to incorporate the male principal into her being. In this case, the male is attempting to stimulate the female creative principal. Another significant example is when 'you' misplaces his "key" (390 Xingjian). Despite the key being placed on the table in front of 'you', 'you' is unable to find it. "She" holds the key in her hand and stands

in his room (378 Xingjian), which can symbolize that although the feminine consciousness exists within him, he is unfortunate enough not to perceive it.

Then, in order to help you comprehend his dilemma, she is straightforward enough to say, "A woman: you need a woman" (405 Xingjian). Likewise, she states that she herself needs a man. This clearly demonstrates her thesis that a "great Mind," which is "androgynous," requires the presence of both male and female elements in harmonious coexistence. However, achieving this harmony necessitates traversing various oppositions and contradictions, as Jung asserts they are crucial for the generation of libido.

Both ‘you’ & ‘she’ are storytellers in the same place, reaching equal energy levels. However, conflicts arise and they separate. Eventually, these opposites converge where ‘her inventions & your fabrications merge and become indistinguishable’ (303 Xingjian). This convergence brings about a state of “nonexistence” when “the world no longer exists” (405 Xingjian). In this state of “non-existence,” there is the presence of ‘real time’ - a time where past, present, & future coexist and where a person can transcend the physical world.

In summary, the relationship between 'you' and 'she' enables 'I' to achieve a state of "non-existence" or transcendence. In this state, 'I' can experience eternal moments that exist outside the confines of time and space, resulting in a sense of completeness or "wholeness". Through these revelations, 'I' is able to fulfill his desire to see "God in a small green frog" (505 Xingjian). Consequently, this vision allows 'I' to attain subjective reality, which encompasses all knowledge and truths about humanity and the universe.