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ABSTRACT
Jung’s Answer to Job was one of the most allusive, and yet elusive, texts he ever wrote. This article offers an interpretation of what Jung was intending to accomplish in writing this strange book. It places it in historical context in the aftermath of World War II, a time of widespread public shock at the Holocaust and fear of imminent global destruction. By outlining some notable theories about the nature of myth, the true significance of Jung’s achievement can be better understood. In this regard the insightful concepts of the Italian philosopher, Giambattista Vico, are particularly helpful. The myth that almost immediately began to grow up surrounding the writing of the book and its controversial public reception is also discussed.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes on contributor
Dr Christine Doran is Senior Lecturer in History and Political Science at Charles Darwin University in Darwin, Australia. She lectures mainly on Australian and Asian history. Dr Doran has published widely on Asian and Australian affairs, including monographs on Australian history and in journals such as Nations and Nationalism, Women’s History Review, Globality Studies Journal, Journal of Contemporary Asia, Asia Pacific Viewpoint, Femspec and Gender, Technology and Development.