S. Eguavoen

This research, titled The Therapeutic Essence of David’s Book of Psalms and Lisa Mark’s “Just Wait for the Sun” as Poetry, explores the intersection of poetry, psychology, and healing. It examines how poetic expression, particularly within sacred and inspirational contexts, serves as a tool for emotional restoration, self-reflection, and inner peace. Drawing insights from Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory and the famous principles of bibliotherapy, the study affirms how poetry functions as a means of catharsis - helping individuals confront repressed emotions and transform pain into spiritual or emotional growth. The analysis of the Psalms reveals that King David’s poetic laments and praises express a deep range of human emotions - sorrow, fear, guilt, gratitude, and hope - mirroring the psychological journey from distress to recovery. Similarly, Lisa Mark’s poem “Just Wait for the Sun” reflects the therapeutic power of patience, light and resilience in times of despair. The study also extends to the role of music as spoken poetry, highlighting the case of King Saul and David, where lyrical expression and melody act as healing forces for mental unrest. Ultimately, this work underscores that poetry - whether in scriptural or modern form - is not merely an art form but a form of therapy, fostering emotional wholeness and spiritual renewal in a world marked by loneliness, anxiety, and mental strain.

This research, titled Psychoanalyzing Resistant Female Characters in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count and Bessie Head’s “Life,” explores the psychological workings of women who choose unconventional paths in the texts. It examines how the way of thinking and being, particularly within patriarchal contexts clashing with feminist liberation and choice, serves as a representation of resistant and unconscious drives. The analysis of Dream Count and “Life” reveals that the thoughts and actions of characters like Omelogor and Life, which may be seen as irrational, are not really “irrational” but are backed up by a psychological framework that prioritizes authenticity, truth, self and freedom. The study extends to the role that personal experiences play in shaping one’s psyche and deviant choices in life. Ultimately, this work underscores that deviance, whether in personality, characterisation or behaviour, is not merely a show-off, but a representation of desires and authenticity backed by psyche