The Ego Defense Mechanism of The Main Character Charlie in The Perks Of Being a Wallflower By Stephen Chbosky

Abstract

The research is about the ego defense mechanism as one of the ways or methods for traumatized person to solve and or handle their anxiety, fear, stress, or depression. This research discusses the ego defense mechanism that happens in the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower, especially in the main character, Charlie. The theory used in this research is the ego defense mechanism by Sigmund Freud. The data research uses a qualitative method to describe the phenomenon of the ego defense mechanism, where the data is taken from the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. The findings show the main character taking on all of the id, ego, and superego activities throughout his life. In addition, he utilizes the types of ego defense mechanisms such as regression and sublimation to cope with or handle his trauma, anxiety, and fear. Also, there are causes that the main character doing the ego defense mechanism because of trauma from his best friend’s suicide, trauma and depression from his aunt’s death, and trauma of sexual abuse by his aunt.

Keywords: Psychoanalysis, Ego defense mechanism, Trauma, Anxiety, Fear.