An Example of Bibliotherapeutic Reading of a Short Story Based on a New Bibliotherapeutic Model

Abstract

This paper introduces an example of bibliotherapeutic reading of a short story. The reading is based on a new bibliotherapeutic model that combines Systems theory, Symbolic Modeling of literary characters, and the analysis of emotional conceptual metaphors, along with principles of Cognitive Therapy for use in bibliotherapy. The reading focuses on metaphorical concepts in the text, specifically on conceptual metaphors and emotional conceptual metaphors, which it attempts to connect with emotions. In addition to the mentioned concepts, analysing the MED cycle – the interaction between thoughts, emotions, and behaviour – is also important in this type of bibliotherapeutic reading. In the reading of this particular short story, the thoughts of the main literary character, which evoke certain emotions, are analysed. These emotions subsequently influence a character’s behaviour, more specifically her relationship with her partner. The analysis reveals that this is a behavioural model that formed in the character's childhood and still influences her (romantic) relationships in adulthood.