Defense Mechanism of the Main Character in Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak Novel

Abstract

ABSTRACT
 
 This study is a defense mechanism analysis of the main character in Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak novel. It aims at revealing how defense mechanisms is experienced by Melinda Sordino as the main character of Speak novel by applying Sigmund Freud’s defense mechanism theory. The data is the narration and dialogue in the narrative implying defense mechanism strategies used by the main character in coping up with verbal, physical and phsychological bullying she experienced. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method. The finding shows that the main character had repression, rationalization, regression, reaction-formation, projection, replacement, isolation, identification, sublimation and turning to self as defense mechanisms strategies to oversome the conflicts.
 
 Keywords: main character; defense mechanisms; phsychoanalysis.

Christa Wolf’s Defence Mechanism of Conflict in Unter den Linden

“…Sigmund Freud explains that sublimation transforms repressed motives or emotions into more acceptable forms in social terms. On the other hand Freud (in Zulfaisya [3]) stated that person does not repress desires, so she releases them by providing acceptable forms and having social value. Freud also believed that sublimation was a sign of maturity and allows people to function normally in socially acceptable ways [4].…”