Unmasking Mei: A Lacanian psychoanalytic study of identity formation in Turning Red movie

Ersa Dewanti; Rusfandi Rusfandi; Nara Sari

doi:10.22219/celtic.v12i2.41813

Authors

Ersa Dewanti English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Language and Literature, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang, Indonesia
Rusfandi Rusfandi English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Language and Literature, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang, Indonesia
Nara Sari English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Language and Literature, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22219/celtic.v12i2.41813

Abstract

This study applies Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalysis theory to
analyze the identity formation of Mei, the main character in the
movie Turning Red. Using a qualitative method with content
analysis, it explores Mei's identity development throughout the
film. The results show that Lacan’s theories of the Imaginary,
the Symbolic, and the Real significantly shape the main
character's identity. Mei’s transformation into a red panda is
crucial in this process. The Imaginary aspect drives her to
embody the ideal princess, highlighting the influence of
parental expectations and social norms on her self-image. The
Symbolic dimension reveals her internal conflicts and pressures
from family rules related to cultural traditions, while the Real
reflects her rejection of the tradition of sealing the red panda.
This analysis demonstrates that Mei’s identity is shaped by
societal pressures, social norms, and family traditions. The
study contributes to the discourse on animated films and
psychoanalysis by showing how teenage girls navigate internal
psychological conflicts influenced by idealized images.
Ultimately, it emphasizes the exploration of identity formation
within a cultural context, showcasing psychoanalysis as a tool
for understanding individual identity development.

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