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Examining The Midnight Library Through A Psychoanalytical Lens

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Recommended: Sigmund freud theory in psychology

Vincenzo Baggetta
Ms. Carchidi
ENG4U1-02
January 9, 2023
Examining The Midnight Library through a Psychoanalytical Lens
The subconscious desires of a person are only able to be truly revealed through their dreams and unconscious thoughts, where social rules or pressures do not bind them. Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis theory, which advocates the idea that “human behavior is influenced by unconscious memories, thoughts, and urges” (Cherry 2022). The theory states that there are three parts to our subconscious, including: the id, which is the basic desire, the superego which is the learned desire and the ego which is the reality that struggles to balance the id and superego. All of these characteristics are brought to light by Nora throughout the novel. In The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, the main character Nora loses the will to live, …show more content…

Through the character of Nora Seed, Matt Haig illustrates how unconscious minds will leap on its desires, allowing for learning and balancing our aspirations into reality. Nora gains a deeper understanding of herself and the ways in which her choices and regrets have shaped her identity. This process of self-discovery is a key aspect of psychoanalytic theory, as it involves exploring the unconscious aspects of the psyche and bringing them into conscious awareness. By confronting the ways in which her ego and shadow have been influenced by her regrets, Nora is able to gain a greater sense of self-awareness and agency, and make more mindful choices as her present self. With high expectations put on by one person by themself or by others, this novel teaches the reader to “Never underestimate the big importance of small things”

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