Desire is by definition the absence or the lack of something. Whatever this lack consists of is the object of desire. The story "The Doll" deals with different concepts of desire and each concept is attached to one or more different objects of desire. This essay will examine the different concepts of desire and their functioning as driving forces behind the caracters’ actions. Identifying the longing of the characters will help to analyse their behavioural patterns more precisely...
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Different Types of Characters
3. General Characterization of Yukio
4. The Relationship between Yukio and Mr. Yonekawa
5. Mr. Yonekawa
6. The Concept of Success
7. Yukio’s Aspirations to become Something More
8. Qualifying the Relationship between Yukio and Minako
9. Sexual Desire
10. Development of the Relationship between Yukio and Yukiko
11. The Turning Point in the Relationship between Yukio and Yukiko
12. Balance of Power in the relationship between Yukio and Yukiko
13. Yukio’s Self-Perception
14. The Doll’s materialistic Desire
15. The Concept of the Doll
16. Fetish Objects
17. The Constitution of Minako’s Desires
18. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores the multifaceted concept of desire as the primary driving force behind the actions of characters in Rana Dasgupta's story "The Doll." By analyzing the psychological motivations of the protagonist, Yukio, and his interactions with others, the work examines whether individual free will exists or if behavior is strictly dictated by unconscious desires and societal pressures.
- The manifestation of desire as a motivational state and its role in human behavior.
- The dynamics of power, potency, and materialism in human relationships.
- The psychological construction of characters and their perception of status.
- The significance of fetish objects and narcissistic tendencies in the narrative.
- The contrast between rational choices and impulsive, desire-driven actions.
Excerpt from the Book
General Characterization of Yukio
The general description of Yukio begins with an important information. Yukio is described as a person who is ever since striving to impress and longing for recognition. This becomes already clear in the first sentences of the story, when it is said that Yukio “ wanted to be a computer genius” (175) or “ a great artist” (175) or “baseball hero or an astronaut” (175). His desire for being extra-ordinary and his want to impress follow Yukio throughout the story as driving forces behind his actions. The fact that Yukio wants and maybe even lives to be more impressive by gaining recognition is also underpinned by the second passage on page 175 when it is said that Yukio’s business cards were “ each one more impressive than the last” (175). However another trait of character that will stick to this character throughout the story is mentioned on the first page of the story – Yukio has difficulties making up his mind when it comes to his different objects of desire. It is said that he “always wavered” (175). Yukio knows that he wants to achieve something already when he thinks about his future career and job perspectives, but he is not able to set his heart on one single option.
Yukio is a very career-orientated person, he does not become an astronaut but a job at the pharmacy company Novartis in Tokyo where he quickly makes progress since he wants to gain more recognition.In section 1.4 we learn about how Yukio is perceived by his future father in law Mr.Yonekawa and his future wife Minako. This section is important since we take a look at the character Yukio through the eyes of Mr. Yonekawa and his daughter. Minako states that Yukio is going to “be something” (176), that he has achieved much akready and all this “despite his background” (176). She also points out that Mr. Yonekawa has recognized Yukio’s good manners when being in society (176). But Mr. Yonekawa speaks straight to Yukio. When referring to the decision of Minako to marry Yukio he says that he wanted “someone more impressive” and a “significant man” for Minako. He makes it known to Yukio that he considers his daughters decision to marry Yukio a “disappointment”(176).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter defines desire as the fundamental absence or lack that drives character behavior, establishing the essay's focus on whether free will persists against these forces.
The Different Types of Characters: This section categorizes the characters based on their complexity, identifying Yukio as the primary round and dynamic, yet opaque, protagonist.
General Characterization of Yukio: This chapter examines Yukio's constant need for recognition and his difficulty in committing to specific desires, characterizing him as a career-oriented individual.
The Relationship between Yukio and Mr. Yonekawa: This section explores the power imbalance between the two men, highlighting Yukio's feelings of intimidation and the symbolic significance of material status.
Mr. Yonekawa: This chapter analyzes how Mr. Yonekawa’s identity is constructed through his professional achievements and the phallic symbolism of the skyscrapers he builds.
The Concept of Success: This section explores Yukio's evolving definition of success, moving from personal ambition to the material necessity of owning property.
Yukio’s Aspirations to become Something More: This chapter illustrates Yukio's growing detachment from his wife and his prioritization of his personal, ego-driven goals.
Qualifying the Relationship between Yukio and Minako: This chapter tracks the decline of the marriage as Yukio wanders into the pursuit of artificial alternatives.
Sexual Desire: This section interprets the sexual encounters within the story as manifestations of Yukio’s need for relief and control.
Development of the Relationship between Yukio and Yukiko: This chapter discusses the evolution of the doll from a silent subject to an active participant in Yukio's life.
The Turning Point in the Relationship between Yukio and Yukiko: This section highlights the shift in power, where the doll gains agency and Yukio becomes subservient to her demands.
Balance of Power in the relationship between Yukio and Yukiko: This chapter details how materialistic demands create a new dynamic, framing the relationship as a cynical commentary on modern affection.
Yukio’s Self-Perception: This section investigates Yukio’s mental state as he begins to question his reality and the addictiveness of his behavior.
The Doll’s materialistic Desire: This chapter focuses on the specific greed of the doll and how it forces Yukio into self-destructive actions like theft.
The Concept of the Doll: This section deconstructs the function of the doll as a narrative device and a projection of adult fetishistic desires.
Fetish Objects: This chapter expands on the role of fashion and high-rises as fetishized objects that represent unfulfilled longings.
The Constitution of Minako’s Desires: This section concludes the character analysis by contrasting Minako’s rational, natural desires with the extraordinary and obsessive longings of the others.
Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that desire is the unconscious psychological engine behind all human actions in the narrative.
Keywords
Desire, Potency, Yukio, Minako, The Doll, Narcissism, Fetish, Materialism, Power Dynamics, Symbolism, Psychological Motivation, Tokyo, Obsession, Identity, Characterization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental premise of this academic essay?
The essay explores how the concept of desire acts as the primary driving force behind the behaviors of the characters in Rana Dasgupta's story "The Doll," questioning the extent of their free will.
What are the primary thematic areas covered in the analysis?
The analysis focuses on the psychological construction of characters, the dynamics of power and potency, the role of material obsession, and the use of symbolic fetish objects within the narrative.
What is the central research question addressed by the author?
The work investigates whether the characters in "The Doll" possess genuine free will or if their actions follow a predetermined pattern dictated by their inner, often unconscious, desires.
Which scientific or analytical approach is employed in this paper?
The paper utilizes a literary analysis approach, drawing upon psychological concepts (such as narcissism and fetishism) and theories of desire to interpret character behavior and narrative symbols.
What topics are explored in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the specific characters Yukio, Minako, and Mr. Yonekawa, their evolving relationships, the transition of the doll from an object to an influential participant, and the overarching theme of materialism.
Which keywords best characterize the core of this publication?
Key terms include Desire, Potency, Narcissism, Power Dynamics, Fetish, Materialism, and Characterization.
How does the relationship between Yukio and the doll shift over time?
The relationship evolves from Yukio being the dominant creator to a state where the doll gains agency, effectively establishing a power imbalance where Yukio becomes subservient to her materialistic demands.
What role does the setting of skyscrapers play in the narrative?
Skyscrapers act as phallic symbols representing power, dominance, and the unfulfilled desire for potency, particularly regarding Mr. Yonekawa and Yukio’s aspirations.
How does Minako differ from the other characters in terms of her desires?
Minako is described as the most indigenous and rational character, whose desires are portrayed as healthy and common, contrasting with the obsessive and extraordinary desires of Yukio and the doll.
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- Lisa Kastl (Autor:in), 2009, "Tokyo Cancelled" by Rana Dasgupta. The Concept of Desire in the story "The Doll", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/267759
