<![CDATA[Abstract. Literature often portrays complex human feelings and struggles, offering insights into universal experiences of loss and coping. Patrick Ness’ A Monster Calls tells a story of Conor O’Malley, a 13-year-old boy confronting the painful reality of his mother’s terminal illness. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to reveal how Conor’s emotional reactions to the monster’s tales reflect the stages of grief, and (2) to explore how fantasy functions as a coping mechanism for grief. This qualitative research employs a psychological approach, using close textual analysis as its primary method. The analysis is grounded in Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief theory (1997) and Freud’s repression theory (1915) as further developed by Akhtar (2020). Findings indicate that Conor’s emotional responses align with the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. First, he denies the reality of his mother’s approaching death. Second, he expresses his anger and frustration by destroying things, followed with the third stage when he negotiates by believing that the monster can heal his mother. Fourth, Conor falls into a deep sadness, shown through his recurring nightmare. Finally, he acknowledges his real feelings and accepts the loss. His reliance on fantasy-embodied in the monster, its tales, and recurring nightmares- emerges as a mechanism for processing grief and ultimately achieving acceptance. These research results offer a global implication of how narratives, including fantasy literature, may help young readers confront loss and develop coping strategies. In conclusion, the study underlines the therapeutic potential of literature in addressing universal human struggles with grief and mortality. Keywords: Fantasy, Five Stages Of Grief, Repression, Coping With Grief, A Monster Calls.]]>
