This study delves into the exploration of James Joyce's Dubliners through the lens of Freudian psychoanalysis, specifically focusing on the presence of paralyzing moralism as a collective superego within the selected short stories. By employing Freud's conceptual framework, this research aims to shed light on the profound psychological implications embedded in Joyce's literary masterpiece. The central argument of this study revolves around the notion that Joyce's Dubliners depicts a society trapped in a state of moral paralysis, governed by an oppressive collective superego. The characters in the selected short stories represent individuals restrained by societal norms, moral conventions, and religious dogmas, hindering their personal growth and individuality. Through a psychoanalytical lens, this study seeks to unravel the complex interplay between the individual psyche and the oppressive moralistic forces that prevail in Dublin society. Drawing on Freud's concepts of the id, ego, and superego, this research examines how the characters' desires and instincts are suppressed, leading to psychological conflicts and stunted development. The collective superego, manifested through societal expectations and moral codes, becomes an internalized authority, imposing guilt, shame, and self-censorship on the characters. By analyzing key stories such as "The Sisters," "Araby," and "Eveline, The Dead," this study uncovers the psychological mechanisms that contribute to the characters' moral paralysis. Furthermore, this study explores the broader implications of paralyzing moralism in Joyce's Dubliners. It examines how the collective superego operates as a reflection of the wider social and cultural context of early 20th-century Dublin, suffocating individual agency and perpetuating a sense of entrapment. By unraveling the psychological underpinnings of the characters' predicaments, this research aims to shed light on the universal human condition of moral struggle and its impact on personal growth and societal progress. The result of the study suggests that this work employs Freudian psychoanalysis to delve into James Joyce's Dubliners, unraveling the presence of paralyzing moralism as a collective superego within selected short stories. By analyzing the characters' psychological conflicts and societal constraints, this research sheds light on the intricate dynamics between the individual psyche and the oppressive moralistic forces prevailing in Dublin society. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological and sociocultural implications of Joyce's work and the timeless struggles faced by individuals navigating societal expectations and moral dilemmas.
