ANXIETY OF MAIN CHARACTER OF VERONICA ROTH IN DIVERGENT NOVEL

This thesis examines the anxiety experienced by the main character, Beatrice
Prior, in Veronica Roth's novel "Divergent," through the lens of Sigmund Freud's
psychoanalytic theory. The study focuses on two primary research questions: (1)
What categories of anxiety does Beatrice Prior experience in the "Divergent"
novel? (2) How does Beatrice Prior use defense mechanisms to cope with her
anxiety in the "Divergent" novel? Freud's theory of anxiety categorizes it into
three types: neurotic, moral, and realistic anxiety. This study identifies and
analyzes instances of these anxiety categories in Beatrice Prior's character. The
analysis reveals that Beatrice encounters moral anxiety stemming from her
conscience and societal norms, and realistic anxiety in response to external
dangers and threats. Furthermore, the thesis explores the various defense
mechanisms employed by Beatrice to manage her anxiety. Defense mechanisms
are unconscious strategies used to protect the ego from anxiety-provoking
thoughts and feelings. Beatrice's use of Defense mechanisms such as repression,
reaction formation, Displacement, sublimation, and regressions are examined in
depth. The study demonstrates how these mechanisms help her navigate the
challenges she faces in the dystopian world of "Divergent." By applying Freud's
theoretical framework, this thesis provides a comprehensive understanding of
Beatrice Prior's psychological struggles and coping strategies. The findings
contribute to the broader field of literary psychoanalysis and offer insights into the
intricate portrayal of anxiety and defense mechanisms in young adult fiction.