The Resurrection of a New Sensibility in Iris Murdoch’s The Black Prince

This study aims to examine how the phantomatic, psychic spaces and foreign body condition the ontological sensibilities of the characters in Iris Murdoch's The Black Prince. In chapter one, the function of menacing spaces, phantomatic figures, and conditions has been examined on the characters' ontology in light of Maurice Blanchot's insights in his book The Space of Literature and Derrida's concept of apparition as asserted in his Specters of Marx. In chapter two, the psychic spaces and notably the concept of crypt, which condition the characters' ontological sensibility, have been discussed based on Abraham and Torok's ideas as presented in their books The Wolf Man's Magic Word and insights from other theorists. In chapter three, the role of foreign body in ontological sensibility of the characters based on Julia Kristeva's notion in Strangers to Ourselves has been discussed. This study has examined the implications of these concepts and their effects on the psychic life and spaces of the characters, shaping their ontology in the novel. This research determines the Gothic elements in Murdoch's novel with an emphasis on the elements of spectral criticism and a focus on how phantom, psychic spaces , and foreign body are used, playing a critical role in the character's ontology , especially the hero's ontology in the novel. Key terms: Phantomatic, Psychic spaces, Foreign body and Specter.