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The first half of the present article is a brief comment on some methods and types of psychoanalytically oriented studies in literature. It provides a framework for the concept of the “fantasy scenario” on which the subsequent interpretation of Jane Eyre is based. The second part offers a many-leveled analysis of Charlotte Bronte's novel, focusing mainly on the object relations aspect of the fantasy scenario. In Part I, it is suggested that the field “psychoanalysis and literature” may be structured binarily. This schema (see diagram on following page) does not attempt anything like a complete systemization of the vast material, but is meant as a rough groundplan which may help to map the multiplicity and variegation of approaches.
At first, I propose to differentiate between intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary contributions. Intradisciplinary studies are methodologically self-contained; their approach belongs to one and only one of the two disciplines concerned. In their methodical ways and theoretical assumptions, they are limited either to literary scholarship and criticism, or to psychoanalytical inquiry and evalution. They do not really cross the border between the two disciplines, but rather absorb some material from the neighboring field without adopting the views and concepts behind it.
Let us turn to literary criticism first. Looking for examples of intradisciplinary literary studies concerning, but not really embracing, psychoanalysis, we might point to critical investigations