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Norman's Defense Mechanism In The Film Psycho

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In Psycho, Norman Bates’ life is dictated by the personality of his mother, Norma Bates. This despotism causes Norman to commit atrocities that he otherwise would not commit had his personality been in control of his body. Displacement is a significant defense mechanism utilized in the film, Psycho. It serves to demonstrate the contrast between the selfish and the apologetic; that is Norma and Norman, respectively. The initial implementation of this defense mechanism can be identified when “mother” kills Marion Crane. It is unequivocally true that Norman physically slayed her. However, it was not his personality that killed Crane, but instead his “mother’s” personality that instigated the attack on Crane as well as the other two girls that had been killed prior. The …show more content…

Firstly, Norman is afraid of his mother and consequently relieves his impulse to free himself from her chains by disposing any trace of Crane’s presence in the motel; an ignoble act. By doing a noble deed in the eyes of his “mother”, one can deduce that his “mother” will be proud of her son for advocating for her interests in the face of adversity. Secondly, because Norman decides that he will dispose any trace of Crane from the motel, he is forced to choose an appropriate location for doing so. Subsequently, Norman opts to head for the swamp; this location would eternally conceal any trace of Crane from the Bate’s Motel. Hence, Norman would remain inconspicuous in the eyes of the appropriate authorities/investigators. An impulse that is intrinsic to all humans is self-defense, especially when the threat one faces is chronic; Norman is involved in the investigation of Crane’s disappearance, so it becomes imperative for him to take all the necessary precautions in order to steer away potential allegations and suspicions towards him until the case is closed or

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