Tracing Shadow/Persona Via Sex & Sexuality: A Jungian Reading of Christabel

Abstract

This paper attempts an analysis of Coleridge’s Christabel, focusing exclusively on the character of Christabel. Further, the analysis is Jungian in nature which investigates the persona and shadow aspects of the personality of the said character revealed in the text through the sexual deeds, gestures and thoughts. In addition, I confine myself to the analysis of part I of the poem only. For the purpose, as theoretical background, a brief overview of the Jungian theoretical apparatus is given. The analysis shows that, within the poem’s text, sex and sexuality prove significant both as trigger for and indicator of the shadow/persona dichotomy in the character.