THE ANALYSIS OF DEFENSE MECHANISM THEORY

FOUND IN AKEELAH’S CHARACTERISTIC IN THE MOVIE

OF AKEELAH AND THE BEE

Presented as a partial fulfillment of the requirement for the undergraduate program

Ester Natalia Finnolius

20180600025

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

BUDDHI DHARMA UNIVERSITY

TANGERANG

2023
 THE ANALYSIS OF DEFENSE MECHANISM THEORY
FOUND IN AKEELAH’S CHARACTERISTIC IN THE MOVIE
OF AKEELAH AND THE BEE

Presented as a partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Undergraduate Program

Ester Natalia Finnolius

20180600025

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

BUDDHI DHARMA UNIVERSITY

TANGERANG

2023

i
 FINAL PROJECT APPROVAL

Final Project Title : The Analysis of Defense Mechanism

Theory found In Akeelah’s characteristic In
the Movie of Akeelah and the Bee.
Name : Ester Natalia Finnolius
Student Number : 20180600025
Faculty : Social Sciences and Humanities
Study Program : English Literature

The Final Project has been approved.

On September 1st,2023

Approved by, Acknowledged by,

Supervisor Head of Department

Riris Mutiara P S, [Link]., [Link] Riris Mutiara P S, [Link].

NIDN: 04027068703 NIDN: 04027068703

ii
 RECOMMENDATION FOR THE ELELIGIBILITY OF
FINAL PROJECT EXAMINATION

The Undersigned

Name : Riris Mutiara Paulina S, [Link]., [Link].

Position : Supervisor

Certifies that
Name : Ester Natalia Finnolius
Student Number : 20180600025
Faculty : Social Sciences and Humanities
Department : English Department
Title of Thesis : The Analysis of Defense Mechanism Theory found
In Akeelah’s characteristic In the Movie of Akeelah and the Bee.
Is eligible to take the thesis examination.

Tangerang, September 1st 2023

Approved by, Acknowledged by,

Supervisor Head of Department

Riris Mutiara PS, [Link]., [Link]. Riris Mutiara PS, [Link]. [Link].
NIDN: 04027068703 NIDN: 04027068703

iii
 THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS

Name : Ester Natalia Finnolius

Student Number : 20180600025
Department : English Literature
Faculty : Social Sciences and Humanities
Title of Final Project: The Analysis of Defense Mechanism
Theory found In Akeelah’s characteristic in
The Movie of Akeelah and the Bee.

This thesis has been examined by the Board of Examiners

On September 1st , 2023.

Name of Examiners

1. Examiner I : Sonya Ayu Kumala.,[Link]

NIDN: 0418128601

2. Chair : [Link] Rahyono, S.S,[Link]

NIDN: 8918350022

3. Examiner III : Adrallisman S.S.,[Link]

NIDN: 0427117501

iv
 STATEMENT OF AUTHENTICITY

I honestly declare that this thesis is my own writing, and it is true and correct
that I do not take any scholarly ideas or work from others dishonestly. Those all
cited works are quoted in accordance with the ethical code of academic writing.

Tangerang September 1st 2023

Ester Natalia Finnolius

20180600025

v
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The researcher would like to thank the Almighty God, Jesus Christ who has
guided, blessed, strengthened during finishing her research. The writer is able to
finish her research because of her beloved parents, Mr. Rifin, [Link] and Mrs.
Mieeng for always praying the best for her and supporting every time the writer has
difficulties in finishing the research. The researcher also wants to thank her big
brother Charles Yohanes Finnolius, S.S who has understood to give space and time
for finishing her research.
The writer would also like to express her gratitude to the most beloved
people around her who always supported, prayed, and helped so that the research
can be completed for the purpose of the requirements to obtain the Bachelor Degree
(S1) in Buddhi Dharma University.
1. Dr. Limanjatini, S.E., M.M., B.K.P Rector of Buddhi Dharma University.
2. Dr. Lilie Suratminto, M.A, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and
Humanities in Buddhi Dharma University
3. Riris Mutiara Paulina S,[Link].,[Link]., as a Head of English Department in
Buddhi Dharma University who has guided, and given a lot of information for this
5 years.
4. Riris Mutiara Paulina S, [Link]. [Link]. For being an awesome supervisor for the
entire months of thesis who guided me for making a good thesis and supported me.
5. Sonya Ayu Kumala, [Link]. as the teacher who teach me patiently for academic
writing and presentation.
6. All of the lecturers and all staff members of Social Science and Humanities
Faculty in Buddhi Dharma University, who have given a lot of information and
guided the writer patiently.
7. Henny Novianty, Christina Sinaga, Frendky Cartadinata and Vincent Timotius
who always motivated and entertained the writer to reduce her stress during
finishing her research. Thank you for them support me!
8. My Campus friends, English Literature Morning Class and Evening Class 2018,
Chainiago Pranata Cahyadi, Al Ihsan Gunanta Putra ,Khofifah Yuliawati ,Andre

vi
Priyono and others. For being really nice from the first semester until the last
semester. Thank you for support!
11. All teacher’s in Tarsisius Vireta Junior High School and Senior High School
who supported and praying to the writer for being really nice. Success for all.
12. All member in “KK FAM” and Ko Kevin & Ci Karyn Susanto who have
supported each other from the beginning of doing research until finished it. Thank
you for spending the awesome college life through happiness and sadness together.
13. Many other people whom the researcher cannot mention all here, for always
praying and being there for me and my friend during those 5 years of campus life.

Tangerang, September 1st 2023

The Writer,

Ester Natalia Finnolius

20180600025

vii
 TABLE OF CONTENT

FINAL PROJECT APPROVAL ....................................................................... ii

RECOMMENDATION FOR THE ELELIGIBILITY OF FINAL PROJECT
EXAMINATION ............................................................................................... iii
THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS ..................................................................... iv
STATEMENT OF AUTHENTICITY .............................................................. iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................ vi
ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................... x
LIST OF FIGURES ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the Study ............................................................................. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................ 2
1.3 Research Question ...................................................................................... 3
1.4 Goal and Function ....................................................................................... 3
1.5 Scope and Limitation .................................................................................. 4
1.6 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework ...................................................... 4
CHAPTER II THEORETICAL BACKGROUND ........................................... 6
2.1 Previous Study ............................................................................................ 6
2.2 Character .................................................................................................... 8
2.3 Characterization .......................................................................................... 8
2.4 Freud Psychoanalysis Theory ...................................................................... 9
2.5 Sigmund Freud’s Personality ...................................................................... 9
2.5.1 Id........................................................................................................ 10
2.5.2 Ego ..................................................................................................... 10
2.5.3 Super Ego .......................................................................................... 11
2.6 Defence Mechanism Theory ..................................................................... 11
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ........................................... 16
3.1 Subject Matter .......................................................................................... 16
3.2 Material .................................................................................................... 17
3.3 Approach .................................................................................................. 17
3.4 Procedure.................................................................................................. 17
CHAPTER IV DATA ANALYSIS .................................................................. 19
4.1 The analysis of Akeelah’s character using theory of Defence. ................... 19

viii
 4.1.1 Denial................................................................................................. 19
4.1.2 Repression ......................................................................................... 21
4.1.3 Displacement ..................................................................................... 22
4.1.4 Sublimation ....................................................................................... 23
4.1.5 Rationalization .................................................................................. 24
4.1.6 Regression ......................................................................................... 26
4.1.7 Reaction- Formation ......................................................................... 27
4.1.8 Turning against One Self .................................................................. 29
4.1.9 Passive Aggression ............................................................................ 31
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION ..................................... 34
5.1 Conclusion ................................................................................................ 34
5.2 Suggestion ................................................................................................ 42
CAST FROM AKEELAH AND THE BEE .................................................... 47
CURRICULUM VITAE .................................................................................. 48
APPENDICES
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX II

ix
 LIST OF FIGURES

Graphic 1. 1 Conceptual Framework .................................................................... 6

x
 ABSTRACT

This research discussed about The Analysis of Defense Mechanism Theory

found In Akeelah’s characteristic In the Movie of Akeelah and the Bee. The writer
uses Defense mechanism theory to find the power and strength of women in this
movie. Based on the statement above, the writer conducted research specifically are
Personality and Extraversion in main character “Akeelah”. Also, explain the
emancipation of Akeelah through all of this without her father and her friends. The
writer applies the qualitative method of research. According to Fraenkel and Wallen
(1993), qualitative is referred to research studies that investigate the quality of a
relationship, situation, activity, or material. After analyzing the main character of
the story, Akeelah Anderson (Akeelah), it can be concluded that Akeelah felt upset,
sad, and happy throughout the story. She is isolated from society because of her
appearance. Akeelah calls herself brainiac and a freak that she wants to change if it
is possible. The truth is, her condition is permanent. Incurable is what the scientists
say about her insecurity.
Keywords: Akeelah, Characteristic, Defense Mechanism theory.

xi
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Literature is a form of artistic expression that uses words as a medium to

describe various aspects of human life. Literature can be the work of humans

both orally and in writing that uses language as an introductory medium and

has the value of the beauty of words, style of language , and an interesting story

style. One of the cultures that wants to present literary works that might spread

like commonplace beliefs in society is popular literature. Works of literature

include plays, novels, films, songs, and poems. Thus, Taum (1997:13) defined

literature as "the use of beautiful and useful language to signify other things"

or "a work of creation or fiction that is imaginative." Literature is writings

activities that express related to human expression through characteristics.

These can be Example drama, novel, movie and song ([Link]).

According to Effendi (1986:239) movie is a manifest of culture and it present

an artistic expression. A movie is classify as a sequence of moving pictures that

contain an audio-visual as communication way convey a message to others and

it usually describe about a story which exposed in theatre or on television.

Boeree (2009) classify characteristics of a person in believing, acting or

feeling. Various theories of thought of characteristics grew to explain various

key human characteristic.

1
 Akeelah and the Bee movie released in 2006 American drama movie written

and directed by Doug Atchison. This movie story about Akeelah Anderson, an

11-year-old spelling enthusiast, attends Crenshaw Middle School, a

predominantly black school in South Los Angeles. Akeelah lives with her

mother Tanya, her three older brother, sisters and also her infant niece. Her

mother parenting style make her grow into insecure girl who always doubt

about herself. So, this movie is talking about a teenager life, bullies, relation

between parent and children and social issues that different from others movie.

Besides, there is not found any related topic which discuss about these in

Buddhi Dharma University and The selection of topic and titles that are

currently popular in the community can be a reason and a separate power for

the researcher. So, that is the reason for writer to analyze this topic.

This thesis is using defense mechanism. Defense mechanisms are

psychological strategies that we unconsciously employ to protect us from fear

that arises from unacceptable thoughts and feelings. According to Freud’s

theory, defense mechanisms somehow distort reality so that we can better deal

with the situation. This defense mechanism theory is relevant to use as the tools

to analyze the characteristic of the main character, Akeelah. The writer want to

analyze the defense of the character to develop her and change her life through

the movie.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The object of this research is Akeelah on “Akeelah and the Bee” movie.

This movie released in 2006 written and directed by Doug Atchison. This

2
 movie story about Akeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old spelling enthusiast, who

attends Crenshaw Middle School, a predominantly black school in South Los

Angeles. Akeelah is strong woman, very smart in her class but she is very

nervous on the spelling contest stage. She has only a few friends, mother, her

three older brother and sisters and also her infant niece. Her mother is doctor

and very disciplined, she was the head of the family since her husband died

being shot from a stranger from the direction he wanted to go home. This thesis

want to analyze about she main character, who is Akeelah’s personality

through defense mechanism theory proposed by Sigmund Freud.

1.3 Research Question

Based on a statement of the problem above, the research question will be

formulated as below: How do Akeelah characteristic in the movie of Akeelah

and The bee found through defense mechanism theory?

1.4 Goal and Function

The objective of this analysis study is to learn more about psychoanalytic

theory in the movie "Akeelah and the Bee" as well as actual Akeelah traits.

Akeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old spelling aficionado, attends the largely

black Crenshaw Middle School in South Los Angeles. She resides with Tanya,

her mother, a widow, her three elder siblings, Kiana, Devon, and Terrence, as

well as her unidentified newborn niece. She first rejects Mr. Welch's suggestion

that she participate in the Crenshaw School wide Spelling Bee. Additionally,

to give readers a general understanding of defense mechanism theory and to

talk about the importance of the next research.

3
1.5 Scope and Limitation

The scope of this research is a character in the movie Akeelah and the Bee.

The writer chooses a movie by Doug Atchison. This movie was released in

2006 and got many awards including Black Movie Award for Best Leading

Actress. In this study, we've dissected the film "Akeelah and the Bee" in order

to better understand the character of Akeelah. The author employs concepts

from defensive mechanism theory to demonstrate his point and to symbolize

the defense mechanism ideals presented in the film.

The scope of this study is limited to learning more about the robust and

perceptive Akeelah female population. To show readers that there is another

side to Akeelah's story, one in which strong women are not alone, and one from

which they may draw inspiration. As a kind of defense, the author makes use

of the type theory.

1.6 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

The author would now want to elaborate on the methodology she used

throughout this investigation. Using insights from Defense Mechanism Theory,

the author identifies the agency and resilience of the film's female characters.

Also, please elaborate on how Akeelah was able to become independent of her

father and her peers in the face of such adversity.

From the beginning to the end of this study, the authors want to provide a

clear explanation of this framework. The authors want to clarify the purpose of

this Akeelah and any more information on the issue stated within. The author

may also discuss the theoretical frameworks under which they work.

4
 The following step is a discussion of the limitations of the study, after which

the writer explains how they arrived at the research topic and set out to answer

it. The analysis will be explained graphically by the author.

THE ANALYSIS OF DEFENSE MECHANISM

THEORY FOUND IN AKEELAH’S
CHARACTERISTIC IN THE MOVIE OF AKEELAH

AKEELAH’S PSYCHOANALYTIC
CHARACTERISTIC THEORY; ID,EGO AND
SUPER EGO

AKEELAH ANDERSON’S DEFENSE MECHANISM

CHARACTER THEORY BY SIGMUND FREUD

ANALYSIS AKEELAH’S CHARACTERISTIC

Graphic 1. 1 Conceptual Framework

The aforementioned conceptual framework may be broken down into the following:

1. The Writer found the movie Akeelah and the Bee by Doug Atchison.

2. In this part, the writer uses the Psychoanalytic theory in this thesis.

3. The writer explains Akeelah characteristic that the writer is using for this

research and Akeelah Anderson character the writer uses for the research.

4. This section of the thesis is dedicated to explaining the writer's proposed

defense mechanism theory.

5
 5. The writer will draw a conclusion after doing all the necessary analysis.

CHAPTER II

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 Previous Study

The author did not rely just on secondary sources for his knowledge; he also

sought out studies that drew on psychoanalytic theory. In 2013, Niken

Krismaninggar sent in a thesis she had written to complete some of the

requirements for her degree. She analyzed the main character's attitude shift in

Ahmad Tohari's "Bekisar Merah" through the lens of psychoanalysis. She shed

light on the novel's protagonist's drive, allowing the author to better understand

the psychoanalytic study at the novel's core. She explained the motivation for

the main character so that the writer could learn about the psychoanalytic study

in Ahmad Tohari's ‘Bekisar Merah’

The Second Previous of Study, A Psychoanalysis on Main Character in

Paulo Coelho’s“The Zahir” by Recksha Ferdha Herditya.S.S English Literature

Bachelor (2017). She wrote about a psychoanalysis of the main character in

Paulo Coelho's "The Zahir" novel. This study is aimed to describe how id, ego

and super ego of main character in the story. She told the writer about the main

6
character in Paulo Coelho's "The Zahir" so that the writer could learn about the

psychoanalytic study.

The third is Fitrah Abdul Kahar's dissertation (2017), He wrote about

"Amba's Defense Mechanism Reflected in Laksmi Pamuntjak's The Questions

of Red Novel (2014): He told the writer about Amba's Defense Mechanism as

reflected in Laksmi Pamuntjak's, so the writer could learn about the

Psychoanalytic Approach from The Questions of Red Novel.

The fourth is Diyah Aslami Yamani (2007) , She wrote about Anxiety and.

Defense Mechanism of Charlie Gordon in Flowers For Algernon By Daniel

Keyes. She told the writer about anxiety happens when the ego cannot deal

with the demands of people desires, the constraints of reality and their own

moral standards. Anxiety acts as a signal to the ego that things are not going

right. As the result, some actions also occur to defense the pain and punishment

that will be received and is known as defense mechanisms. So the writer could

learn about Defense Mechanism from Anxiety and Defense Mechanism of

Charlie Gordon.

That four previous research studies are different with this research because this

movie is describe about a young teenager who struggling and try to survive in

her life. Even she is smart, in fact it is not enough to get acceptance from others.

There are many issues bring here, like bullying, family relation and friendships.

Also, there is no research found yet which use defense theory to analyze kind

of this movie. So, the writer choose this theme as her thesis.

7
2.2 Character

Character is a person, animal, being, creature, or thing in a story. Character

is the qualities that distinguish something from others. According to Kamisa,

character is a person's psychological traits, morals, and character that

distinguishes them from others. Character is a property of narrative and

discursive textuality, even as it is also a moral and ethical category referring to

individual and collective norms of behavior and motive. Characters come in a

variety of shapes and sizes to help us understand the type of character in the

film. Every story has a protagonist, who is the main character.

2.3 Characterization

Characterization is a method by which the writer reveals the

personality of a character. According to Griffith, in order to develop the

characterization, there are two ways which are done by the author: directly and

indirectly. Direct characterization is clearly informative, and often uses the

narrator, the protagonist, or the character themselves. The narration, “Akeelah

grow up without self-confidence shy and introverted.” is a form of direct or

explicit characterization. Meanwhile, indirect or implicit characterization uses

behavior, speech, and appearance, as well as the opinions of other characters.

From those understanding, we can conclude that characterization makes the

writer know how hard the character makes effort in her life to reach a better

life. Characterization gives the writer explanation that the character have a

strong characterization which can make them reach what they want.

8
2.4 Freud Psychoanalysis Theory

Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) was the founding father of psychoanalysis, a

method for treating mental illness and also a theory which explains human

behavior. Defense mechanisms are discussed in many of Sigmund Freud's

writings, including Inhibition, Symptom, and Anxiety (1926). These defenses,

on the one hand, characterize the kind of mental condition and, on the other,

may be linked to the forming stages of the psychical machinery.

According to contemporary psychiatrist George Valliant, Freud's defense

mechanisms can be compartmentalized into four different levels of

dysfunction. The first level is considered pathological, and denial is one

defense mechanism that falls under this umbrella. The second level is

immature, and projection falls into this category. The third level is neurotic,

with mechanisms like displacement and repression comprising this stage. The

fourth category encompasses mature defenses, which includes sublimation.

2.5 Sigmund Freud’s Personality

The id, ego, and superego are the three components of the mind that Freud

identified in his Tripartite model of personality development proposed in his

1923 book, The Interpretation of Dreams. These are not components of the

brain or the body, but rather systems.

Freud's psychoanalytic theory divides the mind into three parts: the id,

which contains sexual and aggressive drives and hidden memories; the super-

ego, which acts as moral conscience; and the ego, which is the more rational

part that mediates between the id's desires and those of the super-ego.

9
2.5.1 Id

The id is the more primal aspect of the mind that craves instant fulfillment

of innate or biological wants. wants like hunger, thirst, and a desire to have

sexual relations are examples of biological wants, whereas needs like these

that are not learnt are examples of innate needs. The id is the subconscious,

instinctual side of oneself that acts without giving any attention to good and

wrong.

Example: The instant impulse to obtain that ball will push you to seize it

by whatever means, which is unreasonable and may lead to confrontation

between the guys if your id passes through a boy playing with a ball.

Therefore, Id is the wellspring of psychic energy, the driving force behind

every other mental factor.

2.5.2 Ego

The ego is the rational and self-aware aspect of consciousness that is

linked to the concept of reality. This implies that it strikes a reasonable middle

ground between the needs of the ego and those of the super-ego in everyday

life. Ego is self-aware and controls Id by using sound external-world

reasoning.

Example: Your ego will act as a peacemaker between your Id and super-

ego if you see the same kid playing with the ball and decide to go out and get

a new ball for yourself. While your Id would be harmed by this choice, your

Ego would make it since it satisfies your need for a ball without requiring you

to engage in any inappropriate or socially unacceptable activity.

10
2.5.3 Super Ego

A person's Super-Ego is connected to the ethics and principles he comes

to embrace throughout the course of his life. A person's moral compass may

be sharpened by this, and it also serves as a limitation on less-than-ethical

actions. A person's sense of what is good and wrong is shaped by his exposure

to and internalization of the culture in which he lives.

Example: The super-ego wouldn't steal the ball from the youngster if it

saw him playing with it since it knows that doing so is wrong and may cause

a fight. That's why having a strong super ego may help keep you in check and

on the straight and narrow. But if your Id is more powerful than your super-

ego, you will take the ball by whatever means necessary.

2.6 Defence Mechanism Theory

Here are defense mechanisms from Sigmund Freud followed by short

examples: Sigmund Freud was the one who came up with the ideas of the theory

of the theory of consciousness and psychoanalysis. Both are theories behind the

formation of a person’s personality. The theory of psychoanalysis is a theory that

explains the development of human personality. This element includes internal

and external aspects.

2.6.1. Denial

It might be seen as a mental or emotional resistance to anything that has

arisen. This allows some victims of trauma to ignore or downplay their

experiences. Consider the guy who beats his wife but denies doing anything

11
 wrong. Instead of protecting against worry, this strategy is used to pierce the

narcissist's ego.

2.6.2. Repression

Repression is a self-regulating process that prevents the representations of

unconscious needs from accessing the conscious mind and deciding on a course

of action. We term our deliberate efforts in this direction "suppression" or

"condemnation." Psychoanalytic therapy, according to Freud's writings, requires

replacing repression with conviction, or the processing at a conscious level of

the struggle with the unconscious demands. For example, may be found in a case

of hysterical amnesia, in which the victim has performed or witnessed some

disturbing act and then completely forgotten the act itself and the circumstances

surrounding it.

2.6.3. Displacement

This mechanism occurs often and is well-known as a part of the dream-

forming process. When an emotion is displaced, it becomes linked to something

that is spatially close to the original stimulus. For example, if a manager screams

at an employee, the employee doesn’t scream back-but he may yell at his spouse

later that night.

2.6.4. Sublimation

12
 Sublimation is the process through which an undesirable want is turned into

a more socially acceptable one. The aggressive need is sublimated in the spirit

of competition, as seen, for instance, in the world of sports. First, there's

projection, which occurs when one attributes one's own motivations or

personality traits to an external factor. Exaggeratedly criticizing the prejudices

and shortcomings of others is a hallmark of projection. As for the second,

intellectualization, it's easy to see in mental processes that try to reframe a

distressing or unpleasant reality as something philosophical. That's why a bad

grade might make you think about how your life is going or how success is

relative.

2.6.5. Rationalization

It provides rational justifications for some prejudices and unpleasant

behaviors that the individual may exhibit. The narcissist's ego might benefit

from this defense strategy as well. For example, a student who is rejected from

her dream college may explain that she’s happy to be attending a school that’s

less competitive and more welcoming.

2.6.6 Regression

It means regressing to an earlier sexual maturity level or using an older

item. To the oral phase, for instance, when one can experience persistent

hunger or the unwillingness to eat (anorexia).

2.6.7 Reaction – Formation

13
 Simply turning a desire around provides a simple explanation. A desire for

unethical sexual encounters, for instance, might transform into a compulsive

need to clean.

2.6.8 Turning against One Self

One common strategy is for the woman to insist that the husband is innocent

and that the adultery is her fault for not talking to him enough. Start by deviating

into some dramatic play. It's the tendency to act involuntary in response to a

demand that comes to light during analysis, confirming the existence of

something that has been suppressed and denied. Next, we look at the importance

of belonging. It's a reflection of how comfortable one feels asking for and

accepting assistance from others.

As for the third kind of purpose inhibition, this is when a person settles for

a watered-down version of his original goal. Altruism, fourth, is the selfless

commitment to the needs of others at the expense of one's own. Fifth, evasion;

not wanting to have anything to do with troublesome people or circumstances.

Sixth, compensation, the growth of interest and activity in one area to make up

for dissatisfaction in another. 7th, a sense of humor. It's making light of a serious

matter in order to make others laugh.

2.6.9 Passive Aggressive

Is characterized by the expression of negative feelings. Resentment, and

aggression in an unassertive passive way. For example, a person might comment

14
on a topic they know makes another person uncomfortable, such as their dating

life or weight.

15
 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research's topic, materials, methodology, and technique are all covered

in this section.

3.1 Subject Matter

Doug Atchison's Akeelah and the Bee was the subject of this article's

character analysis. The focus of this film was on the main character. However,

Akeelah's personality is the root of the story's issues.

Without Akeelah’s this story is about Akeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old

spelling enthusiast, who attends Crenshaw Middle School, a predominantly

black school in South Los Angeles. She lives with her widowed mother Tanya,

her three older siblings, Kiana, Devon, and Terrence, and her unnamed infant

niece.

Akeelah is a strong woman, very smart in her class but she is very nervous

on the spelling contest stage. She has only a few friends, her mother, her three

older siblings and her unnamed infant niece. Her mother is a doctor and very

disciplined, she was the head of the family since her husband died being shot by

a stranger from the direction he wanted to go home. Since the tale and existential

psychoanalytic theory share common ground, the authors drew on both. This

study is based on Akeelah and the Bee's plot and characters.

16
3.2 Material

In this section, the research material is from Akeelah and the Bee by Doug

Atchison. The writer also used the movie, also some articles from the internet

and movie. The protagonist of this tale deviates from the norm by leaving the

house. other prizes have been given to this film, including the Black Movie

Award (2006) and other Black Entertainment Television (BET) prizes (2007).

The author also studied under Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist and

founder of psychoanalysis, for a more in-depth understanding of the subject. The

author learns more about the background of psychoanalysis and the reasoning

behind it.

3.3 Approach

In this study, the author uses a qualitative approach. Qualitative research, as

defined by Fraenkel and Wallen (1993), is conducted to learn more about some

aspect of a given relationship, situation, activity, or object's quality. In order to

address the research question posed in Chapter I, the author employs a qualitative

analysis of Akeelah's character based on the aforementioned criteria. The writer

also draws on cinematic and online sources for this purpose.

3.4 Procedure

Here below the steps that the writer do in order to analyze the data:

1. Select the movie based on the main character who has a psychology issue.

2. Watch the movie ten times while make a note in order to help understand

about the movie.

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 3. Find out the relevant theory that can analyze the Akeelah’s character based

on the movie. The theory that relevant with the movie is theory from

Sigmund Freud defense mechanisms.

4. While watch the movie, the writer type the script that might identify as a

data of defense mechanisms’ theory.

5. Analyze the data by using the defense mechanisms’ theory.

Find out the conclusion from the character of Akeelah in the movie Akeelah and
the Bee.

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