Mekanisme Pertahanan Diri Tokoh-Tokoh Utama dalam Novel Tirah karya Erast Yuu

Abstract

This study examines the defense mechanisms of the main characters in Erast Yuu's novel Tirah through Sigmund Freud's literary psychology approach. Literary works often reflect human inner conflicts, including characters' efforts to cope with emotional pressure through defense mechanisms. This study aims to identify the forms of these mechanisms and the factors causing the underlying conflicts. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with the novel Tirah as the main source of data. Data collection techniques include in-depth reading, inventorying quotes related to defense mechanisms, and content analysis. Data validation is carried out through source triangulation. The findings of this study show four dominant forms of defense mechanisms: (1) displacement, (2) rationalization, (3) denial, and (4) aggression. Internal conflicts (hatred, anger, anxiety, sadness, frustration) and external conflicts (arguments, fights) are the main triggers for the use of these mechanisms. For example, the character Ardan shows aggression as a response to his romantic disappointment, while Zuldan tends to use rationalization to avoid direct conflict. The defense mechanisms in the novel Tirah reflect complex psychological dynamics influenced by internal and external conflicts. This study contributes to the understanding of literature's function as a medium for expressing psychological conflicts, while also affirming the relevance of Freud's theory in the analysis of modern literary works.