René Girard’s concept of triangular desire is a cornerstone of his mimetic theory, which he develops in works such as Deceit, Desire, and the Novel (1961). According to Girard, desire is not autonomous or self-generated but arises from imitation, meaning it is mediated by another person. This structure forms a “triangle” of relationships between the subject, the mediator, and the object of desire.
Structure of Triangular Desire
1. The Subject (Desirer):
• This is the person who experiences the desire, thinking it originates from their own will or individuality.
2. The Mediator (Model):
• This is the person or figure whose desire influences the subject. The subject imitates the mediator’s desire for a particular object, often without realizing it.
3. The Object of Desire:
• This is the thing or person the subject desires, but their desire for it arises because the mediator also values or desires it.
Key Characteristics of Triangular Desire
1. Mediation of Desire:
• Girard argues that people do not desire objects directly or inherently; instead, they desire them because someone else (the mediator) values or desires them.
• Example: A person might desire a specific career, partner, or lifestyle because they see someone they admire wanting or possessing it.
2. Imitative Nature of Desire (Mimesis):
• Desire is fundamentally mimetic: it is imitative rather than self-generated. This imitation often occurs unconsciously, making the subject believe their desires are authentic and original.
3. Rivalry and Conflict:
• Because the subject and the mediator desire the same object, triangular desire often leads to rivalry. The subject’s desire for the object intensifies as they perceive the mediator’s interest, creating a competitive dynamic.
• Example: Two friends desiring the same romantic partner can escalate into jealousy or conflict, driven by the mimetic nature of their desire.
4. Internal and External Mediation:
• External Mediation: The mediator is far removed from the subject and unattainable, such as a celebrity or fictional character. This type of mediation generally does not lead to conflict.
• Internal Mediation: The mediator is close to the subject in their social environment, making rivalry and conflict more likely. For example, coworkers competing for the same promotion or romantic rivalries.
Examples of Triangular Desire in Action
1. Literary Examples:
• Girard draws heavily on literature to illustrate triangular desire. In Don Quixote by Cervantes, Don Quixote desires objects and ideals (chivalry, Dulcinea) not because of their intrinsic value but because they are valued by his “mediator,” Amadis of Gaul, a fictional knight.
2. Everyday Life:
• Consumer behavior often follows mimetic patterns: people desire luxury goods not for their utility but because they see others (mediators) valuing them.
• Romantic rivalries occur when two individuals desire the same partner, not just because of the partner’s intrinsic qualities but because of their perceived desirability to others.
Implications of Triangular Desire
1. The Illusion of Autonomy:
• Girard’s theory undermines the modern idea that individuals are autonomous in their desires. Instead, desire is relational and imitative, shaped by others.
2. Rivalry as Central to Human Conflict:
• Mimetic desire often leads to rivalry, envy, and violence. Girard sees this as a driving force behind many personal and societal conflicts.
3. Critique of Romanticism:
• Girard critiques the romantic notion of spontaneous, self-originating desire. He argues that desire is always mediated and imitative, even in intimate relationships.
Conclusion
Triangular desire is Girard’s way of explaining how human desire is fundamentally mimetic and mediated by others. Rather than desiring objects independently, people desire based on what others desire, which can lead to rivalry and conflict. This theory offers profound insights into human relationships, literature, consumer behavior, and social dynamics, revealing the deep interconnectedness—and potential tensions—of human desire.
