The Platform: An Analysis for Psychological Aspect

Abstract

In literature, people think that the plot is based on how a series of events develop the characters. However, from a psychological lens, each character is embodied by the mind, which significantly influences them. This study looks into how the characters, conflict, and setting affect the main character of Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia’s the Platform and its psychological aspect. The study interprets the data using a qualitative method of Discourse analysis and anchored by the theories of Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality Development and Formalism Theory. Based on the findings, the supporting characters are archetypes of Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory; the id, ego, and superego. In addition, moral dilemma, guilt and conscience, atonement, selfishness, rapaciousness, superiority and inferiority, despair, and adaptive mindset are the psychological aspects of the conflict analysis. Moreover, the setting reveals survival, fear, greed, emotional support, suppression, and redemption as the psychological aspects of the film. Hence, the film has a psychological aspect that influences the main character. This study recommends that the supporting characters may be extracted through the Behaviorist theory, the conflict can be deciphered through man vs. society and man vs. technology, and lastly, symbolism and theme may be integrated to dissect the setting of the film.