Remembering as Reparation

Psychoanalysis and Historical Memory

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Research, Social Psychology
Cover of the book Remembering as Reparation by Karl Figlio, Palgrave Macmillan UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Karl Figlio ISBN: 9781137595911
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK Publication: October 26, 2017
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Karl Figlio
ISBN: 9781137595911
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication: October 26, 2017
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

This book brings together psychoanalysis, clinical and theoretical, with history in a study of remembering as reparation: not compensation, but recognition of the actuality of perpetration and the remorseful urge to rejuvenate whatever represents this damage. Karl Figlio argues that this process, intensively studied by Melanie Klein, is shadowed by manic reparation, which simulates, but is antithetical, to it. Both aim for peace of mind: the former in a guilt-induced attitude of making better a damaged ‘good object’, internal and external; the latter, supported by defences thoroughly studied in psychoanalysis, in claiming liberation from an accusatory object. 

This psychoanalytic line of thinking converges with historical scholarship on post-war German memory and memorialization. Remembering is posited as ambivalent - it is reparative, in ‘remembering true’, with respect and self-respect. It is also manic reparative, in ‘remembering false’, shedding bonds to the actuality of history through acts of triumph and liberation. 

This thoughtful book highlights new features of history and memory work, especially the importance of emotion, and will be of great value to students, academics and practitioners across the fields of psychoanalysis, memory studies, German studies and modern history. 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book brings together psychoanalysis, clinical and theoretical, with history in a study of remembering as reparation: not compensation, but recognition of the actuality of perpetration and the remorseful urge to rejuvenate whatever represents this damage. Karl Figlio argues that this process, intensively studied by Melanie Klein, is shadowed by manic reparation, which simulates, but is antithetical, to it. Both aim for peace of mind: the former in a guilt-induced attitude of making better a damaged ‘good object’, internal and external; the latter, supported by defences thoroughly studied in psychoanalysis, in claiming liberation from an accusatory object. 

This psychoanalytic line of thinking converges with historical scholarship on post-war German memory and memorialization. Remembering is posited as ambivalent - it is reparative, in ‘remembering true’, with respect and self-respect. It is also manic reparative, in ‘remembering false’, shedding bonds to the actuality of history through acts of triumph and liberation. 

This thoughtful book highlights new features of history and memory work, especially the importance of emotion, and will be of great value to students, academics and practitioners across the fields of psychoanalysis, memory studies, German studies and modern history. 

More books from Palgrave Macmillan UK

Cover of the book South Africa’s BPO Service Advantage by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Children and Armed Conflict by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Civil Society, Post-Colonialism and Transnational Solidarity by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Digital Media Worlds by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Sustainable Luxury Brands by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Serial Memoir by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book The Peripheral Child in Nineteenth Century Literature and its Criticism by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Public Policies in Shared Societies by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book China’s Management Revolution by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Modernity and Meaning in Victorian London by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Latin America After Neoliberalism by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Debating Multiculturalism in the Nordic Welfare States by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Criminal Actions and Social Situations by Karl Figlio
Cover of the book Psychoanalysis and Social Involvement by Karl Figlio
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy