Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010.

Title; Psychoanalysis of masculine jealousy in the television series Lost, 20042010.

This project will analysis the examples of jealousy in the television series Lost, 2004-2010, using psychoanalysis. Benjamin Linus and Juliet Burke are the two characters from the show that will be discussed in depth.

The television series Lost (2004-2010), produced by J. J Abram, is a show about a group of strangers who survived a plane crash, and found themselves deserted on a bizarre Island waiting to be rescued. However they realised that they are not alone and that the Island is more mysterious than they comprehend. Furthermore, they discovered that they face challenges on and off the Island, and the likelihood of them being rescued are very slim. The series became very famous due to its ambiguous but also energetic story plot. Simon Simic (2001) said that Lost was successful in creating a conflated sense of wonder and danger, Maureen Ryan (2008), claims that the styles and techniques used- such as the flashbacks and mysterious story lines used in the show were repetitive and tiresome.

Jealousy plays an important part in the show, particularly with Ben Linus who is the leader of the others. The characters in Lost rely heavily on one another. This dependency intensifies emotions leading to rivalries and enemies. Jealousy defines the emotions that is triggered when an individual realise that they have lost something that belongs to them. This reflects the findings of Sigmund Freud (1911) who famously claimed that these emotions can traced back to childhood impulses.

He related feelings of jealousy and envy to the childs relationship with its parents. Freuds theory called the Oedipus complex, suggests that the young boy desires his mother and envies his father

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. for having ownership of her. The Oedipus complex is very fundamental to Freuds ideologies on 2 child sexual development. In conjunction with his work on the Oedipus complex- Freud also suggests that jealousy is a vital and normal emotion that an individual experiences .

Another well known psychoanalysis who studies early childhood emotions is Melanie Klein. Klein (1928) who claims that the emotion of jealousy can be explained in the pre Oedipal stages of the child. Klein believes that the relationship between baby and mother is more important than the relationship between baby and father. She states that the mother stimulates the emotion of love and hate in the form of the good mother and the bad mother . Candida Yates (2007) looks at the forms of masculine jealousy in modern Hollywood texts and looks at how these frequently recurring images of masculine jealousy can signify a new form of masculine crisis.

Cultural differences also contributes to jealousy among the men on the Island, and manifest itself in the way of power; this behavior is explored in the television series Lost.

The project aims to discuss, Bens behavior in terms of his relationship with his love interest Juliet Burke, as this is the main theme in this project. The selected scenes which is from the episode The Other Woman taken from the show will provide evidence of Bens possessive behaviour. I will be using theories from psychoanalysts, such as Freud (1922), who addressed the emotions of jealousy in the Oedipus complex. Melanie Klein (1928), Yates (2007) and other writers will also be referred to in the essay. The first chapter in this essay will look at the development of Ben and his relationship with other people in the narrative. 3 Chapter one; Ben, the leader. The show Lost, 2004-2010, portrays the survivors of Oceanic flight eight one five, and the natives

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. who are already settled on the Island called the Others. When the survivors first arrived they come in contact withthe Others and Ben Linus who is their leader. His intentions, which is rather strange, is to ensure that the survivors are destroyed. Ben is viewed by the people on the Island as a ruthless, irrational and a mischievous character. His quest for power, control and knowledge, is his main goal in the story, this defines his masculinity. When Ben losses his role as a leader during a major conflict on the Island, his behaviour is ultimately transformed. This attitude shows how important the title of leadership is to Ben. It also reveals Bens purpose in life and his existence which he takes very seriously. When Juliet first arrived on the Island, she was questioned during her therapy session about her opinion on Ben. Juliet describes him as very intense. Juliet plays an important part in terms of Ben's emotions, he flirts with her and pays special attention to her. It is clear from the beginning that his devotion to her is overwhelming in the way that she respond to the question. Juliets therapist Harper, said to Juliet, He follows you like a puppy ( Lost season 5, episode 4, see figure 8). This particular scene demonstrates how Bens obsession and infatuation leads to jealousy. The development of Juliet and Ben's relationship can be explained using Freuds theory. Minksy describes Freuds work by saying, there are many forms of love, one of which is anaclitic love which is characterised by the desire to love (Freud in Minsky 1996:38).

The desire for Leadership is one of the driving forces behind the corruption and destruction in the story. Benjamin Linus is a character in the story who strives for recognition with his people. According to the writer May Monten, (2009) Ben is an ambiguous character. She says it appears as though the actor, Michael Emerson, who plays Ben, likes to keep the truth about whether Ben is 4 really evil a mystery Bens complex character reflects a modern contemporary Hollywood villain. His obsessive relationship with the Island, stems from his allegiance with Richard Alpert, one of the protectors, who controls and oversees the events on the Island. Alpert, introduces Ben to the idea of Jacob

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. when he joined Alpters community.

Although, Jacobs existence dose not become clear until the very end of the show, he is seen as a symbol of the good father because of his significant influence on Bens life, even Ben had not met him. According to Klein, the child introjects the loved object during the early stages of the Oedipus complex. She says Since the awakening of the Oedipus tendencies is followed by introjection of the object (1928;187).Bens aggression towards his male rivals reflects his desire to uphold the image of the father as a loved object. In psychoanalytical terms this behaviour is described as psychic bisexuality, which explains the reason for Bens envious behaviour. Yates (2007) says The aggression towards the rival and the hurt at the betrayal of the beloved can feed into the jealous subjects own tragic narrative of unrequited love (23).

In terms of Bens relationship to Jacob it is very complicated, because Ben has never physically met Jacob, yet he lives his life following his orders. In the episode The man behind the curtain, Lost season 3:4,(2007); Ben and John lock (a man who survives the plane crash), went looking for Jacob. John Lock, asked Ben why are you taking orders from someone you have never met? There is never a reason given for Jacobs absence, but Jacob is also a substitute for Ben's real father. Freud (1950) cites L.H. Morgan (1877), when discussing the tribal connotations of the father. Freud says For the terms used by them to express the various degrees of kinship do not denote a relationship between the individuals but between an individual and a group. Morgan calls this the classic factory (6). The classic factory could explain why Ben creates what appears to be an delusional relationship, with an inconspicuous authority figure. It is also relevant to view the relationships in Lost in connection to tribal characteristics, because submission and leadership are natural human traits, which relate back to primitive human behaviour.

4 The narrative in the show perpetuates the ideological images of masculinity in the form of

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. leadership, although some scene deliberately contradict this notion. Ben takes the notion of leadership very seriously, like his possessiveness over Juliet Burke. Her relationship with Goodwin for instances irritates Ben because there is very little that he can do about their feelings for each other. Minsky explains that Freud betrays the symptoms of an over controlling identity still unconsciously confused with the mother which continues to desire the same, woman as mirror rather than the woman as the other (1996:200). Minsky explains that the child is introjecting the image of the mother and rather than seeing her as another object. The child continues to see her as a part of its self.

6 Chapter two: The encounter in the jungle.

One could argue that Ben's fascination with authority is directly linked to his need to defend his masculinity. Ben's struggle to uphold his stature and significance on the Island, and it can be seen in many examples of his relationships especially with Juliet. She traveled to the Island, hoping to find a solution for women who are dying of child birth. Immediately after she arrived, Juliet and the rest of the survivors noticed Bens interest in her. In chapter one I looked at how Ben became emotionally attached to Juliet; Harper described him as a puppy uncontrollably dedicated to its

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. owner. In the episode The other woman,(2008), Ben presents Juliet with her own living accommodation. It appears as though Ben and Juliets relationship is non-reciprocal, because Juliet does not accept his advancements. Her relationship to Goodwin naturally triggers Ben to become more defensive and possessive of Juliet. The attraction to Juliet is not verbally communicated by Ben but he clearly demonstrates his affections through his body language. Toril Moi (1986:136) explores the idea of primal behaviours when addressing jealousy. He referees to Darwin (1901) who says: [Judging from the social habits of man as he now exists the most probable view is that he aboriginally lived in small communities each with a single wife, or if powerful with several, whom he jealously guarded against all other men. (Darwin in Westermarck (1901:117).

This also reflects the primitive tribal theme of jealousy. The others are a small group of people that live in the middle of the jungle with their own set of laws. The natural setting of jungle represents the notion of nature, but it also emanates the theme of impending danger and uncertainty. The thick woods for example create obscurity because nothing appears to be what it is. The island is symbolic of metaphorically representing the sub-conscience of the characters. For example in the 7 episode The man behind the curtain (season 3:4). Ben ran away from home in order to flee his abusive father. The outer perimeter of the Dharma initiative accommodation were out of bounds to civilians, Ben therefore takes as many precisions as he can when leaving the site. However, as he prepares himself to leave, his mother appears to him in a vision, warning him that It is not time for him to leave. After which she suddenly disappeared and Ben subsequently became frantic and ran into the jungle after her. The thick and dense jungle makes it difficult for him to see anything. However it became clear that the image of his mother was perhaps an illusion. Shortly after this episode Richard stumbles across him in the Jungle, confused scared Ben explains that he would rather live with his people than go back home.

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. The short appearance of Ben's mother is symbolic of the phantasm of his mother, because it reveals Ben's desperate need to be with her. She is seen as the loved object. This encounter with Ben's mother can be explained using, Freuds, The interpretation of Dreams (1899). In his work Freud addresses the complex notion of the latent or unconscious, he says Dreams are the royal road to

the unconscious ( in Goldberg 1993: 230). Freud states that all dreams represent the fulfillment of the dreamer and anxiety dreams and nightmares are presented as unconscious desires. The scene from Lost( season 3:4) illustrates Freuds interpretations of dreams, and that the unconscious predominates the narrative in story. The setting of this fantasy/dream represents the awakening of Ben's repressed urges and desire to be with his mother. The tense and complicated relationship between Ben and his father encouraged Ben to fantasies about his mother. Goldberg (1993) explains that vividly an alternative world is created by the individual in order to compromise their current life. She says He was well aware that this world existed only in his imagination, but this world 8 made the other world tolerable, and this world was his refuge (225). The brief image of Bens mother in the jungle explains why he is so possessive over his love interest, Juliet. It is important to acknowledge the significance of this event in Ben's childhood. Freud claims that dreams are also mirrors of our childhood. Therefore this could reflect personal anxieties and phobias. Goldberg, acknowledges the nature of dreams and how they reveal our deepest wishes. She illustrates the notion of the dreams as free emotions that .emphasise, hate, love, hurt, compassion, and revenge with no direct consequences (223). The symbolism of the thick jungle could be interpreted as wild and untamed emotions which reflect confusion. Ben is confused as to the whereabouts of his mother because she reflects the image of the loved object, he is searching for her; in order to maintain that image. Benjamins, mother died in child birth, and his father (biological bad father) frequently blames Ben for her death. The relationship between Ben and his father is extremely strained and the lack of love and maternal

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. input into Ben's childhood explains the reason why he finds romantic relationships difficult.

8 Chapter three: Fatal Possessiveness, envy and rivalry. The flashback into Bens childhood is an example of how he struggled with his emotions and how he perpetuates these negative feelings towards his father. Flashbacks are used in the show Lost. Flash backs help to explain a characters personal history. This also reflects a psychological approach to character development and enables the audience to receive further information about the individual. The flashbacks redirect the narrative and provide a less restricted view point and more of a omniscient one. In this flash back sequence we learn more about Ben's relationship with his father.

As the story progresses Ben loses his control over his people, and a pivotal turning point in his life is when his daughter was murdered and he was partly to blame. (season 5; 18). The most influential episode in Bens life is the loss of his mother which leads to the lack of love in Ben's life. However it could be argued that the encounter with his mother in the jungle encourages him to try and establish that symbol of love in his adult relationships. In the early scenes of The Other woman episode, Juliet and her therapist Harper, admitted that Juliet is a spitting image of Bens mother.

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. According to Klein Ben's behavior is reflective of the manic depressive state of mind where the child tries to come to terms with the separation of the mother. The child tries to recreate the good mother in the form of the desired object. Mitchell (1986) concluded in her work the significance of symbolism she says:
I drew the conclusion that symbolism is the foundation of all sublimation and every talent since it is by way of symbolic equation that things, activities and interests become the subject of libidinal phantasies (Mitchell 1986:97).

These libidinal phantasies can be explained in Freuds theory of the Oedipal complex which suggests that the childs sexual desires are directed towards the parent.

9 It is clear that Juliet is a substitute for Bens loved object, because she looks similar to Bens mother. Bens jealousy, stems from is tragic loss of his mother. Men are more likely to find a partner who either behaviors or looks similar to their mothers. When a rival threatens to take away the loved object the individual is likely to become jealous. This can be linked directly to Freuds Oedipus complex. The rival can be reflective of the father in the Oedipus complex, the object obstructing the union between the mother and the child. Goldberg, 1993 describes the father as the intruder. Except from the mother the father is therefore the first real other. In reference to Bens behavior his rival disrupts the union between him and his love object and therefore has to be removed.

Jealousy is also a defence mechanism, designed to protect the ego. Freud claims that this emotion is normal, however if prolonged it can lead to psychopathic tendencies. Ben became extremely jealous of Juliet and Goodwin. So much that Harper and Juliet were concerned about Goodwins safety. An opportunity arises for Ben to eliminate Goodwin from the community when the plane containing the survivors crashes on the Island. Ben sends Goodwin to investigate knowing that there was a good chance he would not survive. In the episode The other Woman ( 2008, 3:4), Ben demonstrates his

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. pleasure in Goodwins death. When his body is found Ben takes Juliet to his grave, the scene intensifies when she accuses him of sending Goodwin to his death. Infuriated Juliet demands why he did this and Ben replies by screaming because you are mine!. The irrational behaviour displayed by Ben's in these scenes, re-certify his urge to defend his ego and cause pain to those who wronged him. Yates (2007) states that Jones who says Jealousy is not related the wishes to defend a loverather its an armory of Psychic defenses designed to bolster the fragile ego of the male subject(26). Therefore the indirect attack on Goodwin was for Ben to exercise his power and authority .

The episode explicitly defines Jealousy as fatal to the rival, which is explored in this episode. 10 Another example of how jealousy develops into a fatal end is in the film Unfaithful(2002), which portrays the story of Edward a loving husband who discovers that his wife had an affair, and therefore confront his rival (Paul) however during the confrontation Edward kills him. In mainstream cinema Jealousy is presented as undesirable in men. In psychoanalysis jealousy is reflected predominately in women which is explained in the phallus stage. Recently the notion of jealousy has been explored more in modern films and television series. In lost other characters experience loss and jealousy for example Jack (the leader of the survivors) witnesses his love interest, Kate in the arms of another man (season 3: 12). Unlike Ben, Jack represses and ignores his feelings on the subject. Refusing to acknowledge jealousy as a natural and eminent emotion which is unhealthy according to Freud, he says Jealousy is one of those affective states, like grief, that may be described as normal. If anyone appears to be without it the interference is justified that it has undergone severe repression ( [Freud 1922: 197] in Yates 2007: 21). Therefore, according to psychological discourses jealousy is an explicit humane tendency, no matter how sadistic or in humane it may appear.

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010.

11 Chapter four: The conclusion. In conclusion, psychoanalysis of masculine jealousy reveals the deep longings and desires of the male subject. There are three componants to consider when reflecting upon jealousy in Men. Firstly the male subject, that is demonstrated in the character of Ben, in his early relationship to the mother, who is his loved object. Klein (1928) rarely acknowledges the father as an important figure in the childs early life and pre- oedipal stage. The rival is the object that comes in between the individual and his love interest. The mother becomes the ambivalent symbolic image of love and hate, if the image of the mother is positive then the child will recreate her image as a fantasy. The Relationship to the mother can directly affect the childs adult relationships; it can be argued that in the most extreme cases where the mother is very influential from a young age, the subject may later compare her to their romantic endeavors. The Lost series captivates the notion of territory, Love and Jealousy. These themes are explored in the relationship between Ben and Juliet. The character Ben Linus upholds the image of his mother in his adult life, when he meets Juliet Burk, he immediately acknowledges her as a love object. Juliet Burke is the exacted representation of femininity she looks like Bens mother but she also has the delights and charm of a desirable woman. To Ben she appears to make an acceptable component because of her familiar qualities. Although his fascination with her is more intense then she would like, Juliet is still submissive to Ben even after he sends her

Letoya Dyke Masculine jealousy in Lost, 2004-2010. partner to his death. Bens stature is the reason for Juliets loyalty in terms of masculinity. In the chapters I discussed Ben as a irrational leader that proclaims Juliet for his own. Toril Moi (1986), Darwin (1901) explains that this could be a tribal instinct, where men would aggressively defend their women in a community. It is no surprise that Ben goes to extreme lengths in order to defend his ego. Goodwin, his rival appeared to have characteristics that Ben lacked. The reason for this is because of the negative parental influence in Ben life from a young age. His Father was verbally abusive to him which could explain the reason why Ben has difficulty making rational health decision in his relationships and as a Leader.

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