An Analysis of Peyami Safa's Novel “Dokuzuncu Hariciye Koğuşu” According to René Girard's “Triangular Desire Model”

Abstract

Rene Girard, in his model conceptualized as "triangular desire model", states that desire does not occur spontaneously, there are other factors in its emergence. In this model, which is more appropriate to the genre in general, the subject, the object mediator desired by the subject, constitute the corners of this triangle. Arguing that feelings such as jealousy and envy arise from the relationship between the object, the subject and the person who is envied or envied, Girard states that the envious person tries to convince himself that his desire arises only from the object. In this context, the issue of competition manifests itself. Competition enhances the mediator's reputation and makes the object more valuable. So much so that other objects do not have much importance in terms of the subject.
Peyami Safa is one of the important names of Turkish literature. It is possible to see the relationships mentioned in the "triangular model of desire" in some of his novels. This is particularly evident in the Dokuzuncu Hariciye Koğuşu. Girard's love triangle model is seen here. At the top of the triangle is Nüzhet, the object of desire. Two characters who desire him enter into a secret rivalry. The sick child is the subject of the triangle, and Doctor Ragıp Bey is the mediator of desire. The novel is based on the triple love between the sick child, Nüzhet and Doctor Ragıp. The sick child becomes attached to Nüzhet, who is four years older than him, with a platonic love. However, this love of hers comes to a dead end with Doctor Ragıp Bey's interest in Nüzhet. The child loses Nüzhet in this love triangle. The aim of this article is to examine the love affair in Peyami Safa's novel Dokuzuncu Hariciye Koğuşu within the structure of Girard's desire triangle.