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last is Theory of the Relationship between Psychology and Literature that will explain the study of the type and the application of psychological conditions applied in
literary work. Here it is represented in Sophie and Natasha’s searching for self- identity.
1. Internal Factors that Influence Sophie and Natasha’s Searching for Their Self-Identity
To analyze the internal factors, Psychoanalytic Theory and Psychodynamic Theories are used. These theories see one’s personality from the inside of the person,
on how a person see his or herself from his or her view or thought of self. According to Mischel in his book about personality 33 the interaction of emotional and
motivational forces may give influences upon human’s behavior, mental states, and states of mind. And according to Freud Cirese, 53-55 emotional and motivational
forces relate to the ID, Ego, and Superego. Here the unconsciousness and consciousness of the human thoughts, motivation, desires, and feelings play
important roles in his or her self-identity. In this study, those unconsciousness and consciousness are classified as the internal factors that can influence the two main
characters’ searching for self-identity.
a. Sophie and Natasha’s Thoughts
What a person thinks may directly influence his or her behavior which can also reflect his or her self-identity as a part of his or her personality. It relates to what
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Freud says in his theory of Psychoanalytic in which one’s self-identity is determined by his or her unconscious and conscious mind. Here, in this study, the two main
characters’ thoughts will be dug up deeper since they are counted as one of the factors influencing Sophie and Natasha’s decision to search their self-identity.
As a teenager, Sophie and Natasha often tried to understand others and recognize how others saw them. They had the perfect past time that they could enjoy
their friendship with others and learn how to actualize themselves toward others. And in doing so, they had an interesting game they usually played.
For a while, they became addicted to a game called If I were You. Each of them would write their name and put it in a hat. Each then picked a name out.
Someone thought of a question – something like “If I were a color, what color would I be?” – and you had to answer it as you thought that other person
would. Then the others guessed whom you had been impersonating. 2
In the beginning Natasha used to think that she could cope her life all by her own. She hardly thought about having relationship with a man she loved even though
unconsciously she needed it. Natasha had picked her own name. “I wouldn’t have a wedding,” she said
firmly. “I think marriage is an outdated institution. I’m going to live with a soulmate.” 3
As an introvert person, Natasha tries to be satisfied enough with her life, with what she can obtain from her great job. She always convinces herself that she is happy of
being what she is now. People will still give respect on her although she is single. It is showed from the quotation below:
Natasha had to keep reminding herself that she wasn’t exactly hard done by herself: she had a job as head of drama for the most successful independent
TV company in Britain, which meant enough money to buy pretty much
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anything she wanted, an amazing flat in the center of London and a hotline to the ma
Î
tre d’ of each of the capital’s best restaurants. With all that, who needed a man, who – unless you were as lovely as Sophie – would only
sooner or later break your heart? 10 What Natasha thinks of herself is different from Sophie. Since Sophie is a
kind of an easy-going, attractive, and talkative person, she likes to meet a lot of people and have friends. By hanging out after work and having many acquaintances,
Sophie thinks that she will have bigger chance to raise her life up and enjoy it better. It is also because she wants to be known by others, she wants others to respect her.
Sometimes Sophie gets her confidence down because of being asked about her job that she doesn’t feel proud enough of it. The more acquaintances she meets, the more
chance for her to be respected by others and to cheer her life up. “I should have done more of this,” she thought regretfully. “I should have
spent every night in my twenties out on the town. Why did I throw away my youth baking apple crumbles and trying to be a wife?” 431
Sophie is a compassionate friend that she always tries to think about her friend’s happiness. Although in the beginning she felt she got betrayed by knowing
the unexpected relationship between her best friend and her ex boyfriend, but then Sophie could manage it up and wisely could accept her best friend’s happiness. It can
be known from what other character said about Sophie. “I told you she was. Her pride was shaken for about ten seconds when she
discovered Andy was with Tasha but as soon as she thought about it, she realized they’d been all wrong together for years. And now she’s thrown
herself into being the best bridesmaid in the world.” 480
It is written in the novel that Natasha then changes her thought from being single into being dependent on someone else. She rethinks her pride on her job that
