Psychoanalytic Approach on “On A Saturday Afternoon”

Today psychoanalysis is very familiar for the wide public after it has been either rejected or adulated for a long time. But, as a paradox, the success achieved for example in the fifth decade, especially in Europe, estranged it from its essence.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines Psychoanalysis as “A therapeutic method, originated by Sigmund Freud, for treating mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the patient's mind and bringing repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious mind, using techniques such as dream interpretation and free association”. The OED also provides a secondary definition of “a system of psychological theory associated with this method.

Psychoanalysis spread everywhere but not only due to the interest incited by its therapeutical method. It could even say that therapy was shadowed by the virtues of the applied psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis applied in literature, sociology, anthropology and ethnology, religion and mythology, incited the interest of a public that had no inclination towards the clinical realm.

Psychoanalysis designates concomitantly three things namely, a method of mind investigation, especially of the unconscious mind; a therapy of neurosis inspired from the earlier method; and a new stand alone discipline who is based on the knowledge acquired from applying the investigation method and clinical experiences. Consequently there is nothing vague in the definition of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a specific mind investigation technique focusing on the conscious and unconscious state of a person.

The most fundamental concept of psychoanalysis is the notion of the unconscious mind as a reservoir for repressed memories of traumatic events which continuously influence conscious thought and behavior. The scientific evidence for this notion of unconscious repression is lacking, though there is ample evidence that conscious thought and behavior are influenced by non conscious memories and processes.

On the story of Aimee Bender explored the mind of a lonely, and yes, mentally-bothered single woman (probably in her mid to late 20’s). It is remarkably shown to us with her simple faculty of words. We see beyond the gestures (the nervousness, the drinking of the beer, the hugging, and the jokes) the building tension as the woman in the story gradually reveals her inner self to her male friends (one of which, she dated shortly and the other she has been flirting with for years) one Saturday afternoon.

The rising action was when they finally came back to her apartment at her request to fulfill her fantasy. Filled with curiosity, they came back. And they already have a slight notion as to what her fantasy might be. Sexual thoughts: these are usually the meat in all fantasies…especially adult fantasies. And the males know this. What they do not know is that they’re in for a surprise…

Instead of having sex with the woman, they ended up having sex together. And they happen to have ideas about it and have applied it right on the spot. With the woman guiding them the way a sex therapist does…only that, this is a therapy for the woman (the therapist is the one feeling “therapeuted” by the kind of therapy she employs).

This absurdness of desire is frowned upon by society and is kept in a repressed state constantly guarded by our civil judgment. But once they come out and take control, it reveals without hesitation our innermost fantasies and longing…sexual longing.

But according to psychologists, this is innate in every human being. These carnal desires are buried within each of us awaiting for its release. And if we do not channel it into something productive...something that mobilizes our desires, it could lead to serious psychological disorders and issues.

What the woman in the story is portraying is actually natural since all of us want to do it (subconsciously), it’s just that everyone is afraid to be known doing it…that’s why no one wants to talk about it.

As for the woman, we shouldn’t judge her immediately. She is merely letting her subconscious come into being. It’s a healthy way to release inner tensions.

The loneliness she feels is because of her longing toward her boyfriend. She feels alone and forsaken. To recuperate, she indulges in orgies. This is her defense mechanism. This is how she faces pitfalls. And we shouldn’t judge her for that. Her mind is a very intricate web of diverse thoughts…and messing with what her mind is set on will only reap harsh results.