FRANKENSTEIN AT THE PEDIATRIC ICU: THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE REAL CHILD AND THE IMAGINARY ONE

Amongst various artistic creations, literature is the one that best relates with Psychoanalysis as the writer, just like a psychoanalyst, uses language and interpretation. Therefore, through the analysis of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the aim of this study is to show how the paradox concerning the feelings involved in the relationship between mother and child in the ICU for children is established once the confront between the imaginary child and the real one who is seen as a stranger by the mother occurs. Moreover, it is also the intention of this article to point out the importance of the psychoanalyst’s listening that gives a room for words and, thus, the mother can grieve for the loss of the imaginary child which will allow the psychic birth of her baby.