2307 – Narcissistic Destinies - a Phenomenological Approach

Abstract

Introduction

Over the years, the narcissistic destiny seems to remain a very present theme, due to our patients but also to the society we are in everyday contact - a fact proved by its persistence over different moments in history.

Objectives and method

The main motivation that moves the narcissistic structure is apparently insuficiently explained by a simple psychiatric diagnostic; therefore we preffered for our study a phenomenological approach, which allowed us to see the complexity of the human structure beyond these limitations.

Aim

We chose to compare in our study two representative figures: a real one - Michelangelo and a fictional but based on a real case one - Dorian Gray. Most of the studies on these two themes so far convened over the presence of narcissistic traits and the obsession over beauty in both cases, still, they are not offering answers regarding the differences between destinies. Although Michelangelo and Dorian Gray are sharing the same narcissistic traits, both crossing sometimes limits of antisociality, they are not sharing the same affective and creative intensity, nor the dedication to seeking beauty.

Results

If in Michelangelo's case the emotions work closely with his creativity, thus putting a question mark over his narcissistic traits and also his diagnostic, in Dorian's case creativity without emotions lays a tragic role.

Conclusion

Turning to phenomenology has given us the possibility of understanding the interior, subjective world of two important characters, their personal different dynamics, going deeper than explaining them through a personological diagnostic.