Globish: An English-Indonesian Journal for English, Education, and Culture
Vol 14, No 1 (2025): Globish: English-Indonesia Journal for English Education and Culture

Analyzing Coping Mechanisms in “The Whale”: Charlie and Ellie’s Psychological Realism

Sumitro, Yosephine Flowrina (Unknown)
Mulatsih, Maria Vincentia Eka (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study examines real-life mental health which is coping mechanism in “The Whale” film. It addresses two issues, namely: coping mechanisms Charlie and Ellie employ and the differences of their coping mechanisms which impact their individual quests for a better life. This study employs document analysis and a psychological approach to coping mechanisms based on Lazarus and Folkman's model. Stuart and Sundeen further categorize as adaptive and maladaptive. The researchers find that maladaptive coping dominates both characters, leading to Charlie's health problems and Ellie's academic failure. The film ends with Charlie dying due to health issues, so the positive connection with Ellie comes too late. Meanwhile, Ellie, who dislikes school, still aspires to graduate but fails. Their quest for a better life hinges on being able to confront them in healthier ways. The study concludes that relying on unhealthy coping methods hinders a better life.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

globish

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Globish journal published twice a year by English Education Study Program, Faculty of Teachers Training and Education Muhammadiyah University of Tangerang present articles on English Language, Education, Teaching Skill, Linguistic, Literature, Teaching Issues and related research ...