Paul Williams’ portrayal of the psychological growth of the narrator in The fifth principle and Scum, part 2*

Abstract

In this paper, I explore the nature of Paul Williams’ portrayal of the psychological growth of the narrator in The fifth principle and Scum. Growing up in an impoverished environment, both as a child and as an adolescent, the narrator experienced forms of neglect and abuse, which, together with the fantasies that he created, left him traumatized and close to being totally shattered. This is conveyed quite graphically through the use of various stylistic devices that include shifts in the method of narration in both books as well as the innovative use of language in Scum. Through extensive introspection as well as the help provided by others, the narrator suggests that he became sufficiently psychologically independent as well as capable of feeling connected to others in sustained ways.

Key words:

• Abuse
• annihilation
• autobiographical
• development
• object relations
• self

Notes

1 In my paper, there are times when I quote from Scum and utilize extended spacing in the same way that Williams does.

2 As an adult, the narrator’s historical reference may also have been the result of his interest in psychoanalysis. For Freud, too, viewed Hannibal as a heroic figure in contrast to his own father whom he perceived as weak, because he allowed a Christian to make anti-semitic comments and also to tear a cap from his head without responding in anger.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert Ehrlich

Robert Ehrlich is retired from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, where he was for many years a lecturer in what is now called the Interdisciplinary Studies Field Major. He has a PhD in English and an MA in Psychology. In addition, he graduated from the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California. He is currently in private practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist in Albany, California