Main Character’s Different Reactions Toward Betrayal in Sarah Penner’s The Lost Apothecary

Abstract

Fictional works frequently portray betrayal in love relationships, but there is limited discussion regarding reactions that occur within the wounded person’s love life. Therefore, this research examines how the two main female characters in The Lost Apothecary react to the love affair. In order to find the element of personal encouragement to decide their reaction against their sorrow, the researchers employ the defense mechanism, a part of the psychoanalysis theory by Sigmund Freud. This analysis attempts to obtain significant data on character responses to the mistreatment by their spouse with respective defense mechanisms. A suitable method for observing the whole frame of the story from the novel is the qualitative comparative method to help compare the characteristics of the protagonists, Nella and Caroline. Two significant comparisons in this investigation are found: Nella prefers to react by projection type. In turn, after feeling betrayed by her husband Fredrick, she takes revenge by selling poison to kill him and other men who rehearse the same treatment on other women. Meanwhile, Caroline’s reaction follows a sublimation defense mechanism by finding another passion for living morally rather than harming a person who caused her grievous.