Delusion and Dream : an Interpretation in the Light of Psychoanalysis of Gradiva

The novella "Gradiva" centers on a young archaeologist named Norbert Hanold. Hanold becomes obsessed with an ancient bas-relief of a woman he names "Gradiva" because of her unique walking posture. This obsession leads him to Italy, where he believes he will find the living embodiment of Gradiva. In Italy, Hanold encounters a woman named Zoë Bertgang, who closely resembles Gradiva. Through a series of events, Hanold’s obsession and dreams are explored, and he eventually realizes that Zoë is a childhood friend whom he had repressed in his memories. The story ends with Hanold's psychological awakening and his realization of his feelings for Zoë.