The Neverending Story – a literary fairy tale, interpreted with reference to Individual Psychology

Abstract

Literature is not only a social instrument for education and entertainement but also a creative tool that supports individual development. The Neverending Story considered as an art fairy tale and interpreted with a focus on individual psychology approaches inner and external transfer of the self. The protagonist experiences a two level journey composed in a magical and fantastic prose. The internal journey leads the hero to the central wrong conclusion in his life concept which was manifested by deep inferiority complex. Neurosis disallows development of the self. Rigid constructs function as alleged self-protection. Adler’s Theories of corporate feeling, capacity for love and capacity for work, which build the three central pillars of successful development, counterbalance neurotic torpor. During the protagonists inner exploration room for development can be found. By giving up the fix guideline awareness arises ¬– awareness of life in joy and grief and the opportunity to live a full life related to and with the setting. To be sensual for the individual needs enables wholeness. Based on The Neverending Story these thoughts are elucidated. It will be illustrated how literature can be incentive and stimulus for individual positioning.