Synopsis: Quark is involved in the accidental death of a Klingon and the family struggle for control of his property that ensues.
This episode can be seen as an illustration of the concept that Carl (C. G.) Jung called the union of opposites, or the transcendent function. In analytical psychology, this is the integration of bits of material from the Eros-driven irrational unconscious into the Logos-driven rational conscious ego. But in this episode, it is embodied in the rational Rules of Acquisition of the Ferengi and the fervid honor-driven traditions of the Klingons. In counterpoint to this, in another plot line, we see how this union of opposites is an ongoing process of compromise through the events surrounding the marriage of Chief of Operations Miles O’Brien and his wife Keiko O’Brien.
In “The House of Quark” a Klingon, Kozak, confronts Quark, pulls a knife on him, and then accidentally falls on his own knife and dies in the scuffle that follows. Quark tells Odo that he killed Kozak in a battle in self-defense. Quark repeats this to Kozak’s brother, D’Ghor, not realizing that D’Ghor is going to use this information to take Kozak’s property away from Kozak’s wife, Grilka, who under these circumstances would be entitled to them under Klingon law. Grilka then kidnaps Quark and takes him as her spouse to defeat D’Ghor’s plan. This helps somewhat, but then Grilka admits to Quark that D’Ghor holds all Kozak’s debts, many acquired dishonorably, and will likely take the property anyway. Quark, an astute businessman, is able to see how D’Ghor bought up the debts, in an equally dishonorable fashion, and presents the evidence to the Klingon High Council. This allows Grilka to receive a special dispensation to run her house and divorce Quark, who happily returns to Deep Space Nine. This illustrates how the balancing and merging of different traditions can lead to a more satisfying outcome than to strictly adhere to conventional practices, much as depth psychology tries to balance out the one-sidedness rationality that is the norm in much Western culture.
Meanwhile, on Deep Space Nine, Keiko O’Brien school closed and she feels without purpose. She agreed to accompany her husband to the station knowing that as a trained botanist, there would be little for her to do with that specialty, which is when she opened the school. But since its closure, she is back to square one. Miles O’Brien finds out about an important botanical expedition that will take place on Bajor and encourages Keiko O’Brien to apply for it, even though it means that they will be spending more time apart than usual for the duration. This spirit of compromise and reciprocity is also a trait of the transcendent function, the process by which the conscious ego integrates bits of material from the unconscious into it, becoming stronger and making the psyche more whole.
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