College of Languages Discusses a Master’s Thesis on the Psychological Analysis of Sherlock Holmes’ Character in Selected Novels by Arthur Conan Doyle
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the Department of English Language at the College of Languages, University of Baghdad, discussed the master’s thesis titled “A Psychoanalytic Study of Sherlock Holmes’ Disturbed Character in Selected Novels by Arthur Conan Doyle” by the student Tabarak Shamil Marah.
The study aimed to examine Holmes’ abnormal behaviors and his relentless pursuit of success in his work by any means necessary. Holmes’ detachment from reality and society led him to focus solely on his profession, as work, for him, was an inseparable part of his identity and a means of self-fulfillment.
The complexities of Holmes’ character indicated that he suffered from various psychological disorders, which, in fact, were the very factors that shaped his unique and exceptional personality. The thesis also included a brief biography of Sigmund Freud as an introduction to provide a deeper understanding of his theory.
It explored the nature of personality disorders, tracing their origins back to ancient Greece and their development over the years. The research specifically examined paranoid disorder (paranoia)—its definition, key symptoms, and effects—as well as narcissistic personality disorder, including the evolution of narcissism as a concept and how individuals adopt specific behaviors to maintain their self-esteem and self-image. Additionally, the study addressed the concept of a psychologically disturbed personality, the complexity of such disorders, and how their symptoms have been identified through extensive research involving numerous patients. All these disorders were analyzed with reference to selected works by Arthur Conan Doyle.
The thesis recommended that psychological disorders could sometimes be viewed from a positive perspective. A psychologically disturbed individual may also be highly intelligent, as demonstrated by Sherlock Holmes, whose abilities contributed to justice and provided significant services to society. However, the study also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the negative aspects of these disorders while raising awareness about how society can better understand and deal with individuals experiencing psychological disturbances. The committee recommended that the researcher take into account the feedback provided by its members. The thesis was accepted with a “Meets Requirements” evaluation.
