IDENTITY CRISIS IN LEWIS CARROLL’S “ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS”

Abstract

<p>This research aims at showing the connection between the characters’ reality and fantasy on identity crisis in <em>Alice through the Looking-Glass </em>novel by Lewis Carroll. Thus, the conducted research was analyzed using qualitative method with the approach of psychoanalytical literary criticism: <em>Psychoanalysis</em> by Freud as well as the theory of <em>Psychosocial Development</em> by Erikson to seek the identity crisis of the character Alice. As the conclusion of the research; 1) Alice’s <em>‘ego’</em> cannot manage her <em>‘id’</em> which is difficult to be gratified in reality that triggers Alice overreact her defense mechanisms; 2)<strong> </strong>Alice’s fantasy works as a defense mechanism which is caused by her unfulfilled wishes in reality; 3) It is revealed that Alice experiences identity crisis at the phase of autonomy versus doubt and shame as well as initiative versus guilt which influences her behaviors, resulting <em>Childhood Onset schizophrenic (COS)</em> personality disorder.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: identity crisis; psychoanalysis; interpretation of dreams; personality disorder; schizophrenia</p>