The Analysis on Major Characters’ Defense Mechanisms in The Space Between Us

Abstract

Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies by which a person reduces or avoids negative states such as conflict, frustation, anxiety and stress. There are many types of defense mechanisms such as; displacement, denial, repression, regression, rationalization, projection, reaction formation and identification. This thesis deals with the discussion of the types of defense mechanisms done by the major characters in the novel The Space Between Us. It also discusses the reason and the result of doing each type of defense mechanisms. Furthermore, this thesis applies psychological approach to analize the major characters conflicts and the freuderian psychoanalysis theory is used especially psychoanalysis of defense mechanisms. The method to use in this thesis is inductive method, which is a form of reasoning from specific to general. The analysis specifically starts by reading the novel then understanding the major characters’ action and stating the more specific actions, that are the defense mechanisms actions which are done by the major characters. Then, the analysis continues by drawing the general conclusion that defense mechanisms are the ways of the major characters to defend themselves from fear and anxiety. The result of the study shows that types of defense mechanisms are used by the major characters such as rationalization done, displacement done by sera, and projection done by Viraf, Regression done by Maya and others. The reason and the result of the major characters in doing defense mechanisms are to find an escape and to get relief from the problems or conflicts that cause their anxiety. In conclusion, this thesis has a purpose to know more about defense mechanisms through major characters in the novel.