An Analysis of Novelist Junichiro Tanizaki's Choice of a Negative Identity

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  • Miyoshi Akiko
    Graduate School of Contemporary Psychology, Rikkyo University

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  • 谷崎潤一郎の否定的アイデンティティ選択についての分析
  • タニザキ ジュンイチロウ ノ ヒテイテキ アイデンティティ センタク ニ ツイテ ノ ブンセキ

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Abstract

Erikson (1968) proposed negative identity as one major aspect of identity diffusion, and suggested three crises that may induce negative identity: 1. identity crisis, 2. Oedipal crisis, and 3. a crisis of trust. This study examined the life of Japanese novelist Junichiro Tanizaki as a case example of negative identity, and revealed the psychodynamic mechanisms of a person who chose a negative identity. Tanizaki was determined to become a novelist, but he remained an unknown writer for some time, and experienced identity diffusion. In addition, Tanizaki 1. had feelings of guilt when he remained faithful to his intention to become a novelist, 2. experienced latent guilt from an Oedipus complex, and 3. remained in a state of profound regression with a sense of guilt about his own existence. These factors brought about in him a change from an essential wholeness to totalism. In effect, negative identity was the only possible way for him to take the initiative in his life as he completely denied any sence of guilt. The concept of negative identity allows us to more fully understand Tanizaki both as a novelist and in his private psychological life.

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