The Psychological Complexity of Amara Nibiru in Butterflies by Ale: A Psychoanalytic Exploration through Freud’s Theories

Abstract

Literary works often reflect human behavior and actions in pursuing desires, serving as expressions of the author's perspective on psychological and emotional experiences. These works subtly influence the mindset, personality, and actions of their characters, offering insights into the complexities of human nature. This study focuses on the novel Butterflies by Ale, an adaptation of an Alternative Universe (AU) narrative popularized on the social media platform Twitter. The research examines the psychological dimensions of the main character’s personality, specifically the interplay between the Id, Ego, Superego, and the use of ego defense mechanisms to address anxiety, using Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic framework. Employing a descriptive qualitative research method with a literary psychology approach, the study analyzes textual data from selected excerpts in the novel. The findings reveal that the dynamic interactions of the Id, Ego, and Superego significantly influence the main character’s personality structure. Additionally, the study identifies three key ego defense mechanisms—reaction formation, regression, and repression—that the main character employs to cope with neurotic, objective, and moral anxieties. These findings underscore the psychological depth of the character and provide a nuanced understanding of how literary narratives explore complex emotional and mental processes.