Jennifer:
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Norman O. Brown in Chapter 14 of Life Against Death: The Psychoanalytical Meaning of History focuses much of his attention on the studies of the Devil. He recognizes the “middle term” that the Devil plays in Luther’s writings. It appears as if Luther is trying to connect the “anal character” with Protestantism as well as capitalism. He attempts to do this through the use of the privy on which he had his great enlightenment. Luther refers to the privy often, but it is still unclear to me as to what he associates with it.
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| Photo courtesy of skepdic.com |
Brown also takes a look at the Freudian studies of the Devil. Freud saw the Devil as an Oedipal character, as a father substitute. He refers to the opposition and jealous rivalry of the Devil against God, both acting as father substitutes. God as the “father” is seen as one that will guide, direct, and protect his children. He is loving, but stern. However, the Devil is “persistently anal” and tries to equal or surpass his rival, God.
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