Proceeding of Undergraduate Conference on Literature, Linguistic, and Cultural Studies
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): UNCOLLCS: PROCEEDING RESEARCH ON LITERARY, LINGUISTIC, AND CULTURAL STUDIES

Harriet Kilpatrick Search for Happiness in Emily Henry in the Happy Place

Twissylia Fillarica Nessy (Unknown)
Wahyono, Danu (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study, entitled Harriet Kilpatrick’s Search for Happiness in Emily Henry’s Happy Place, explores the main character’s journeyto personal happiness using a psychological approach, specifically Martin Seligman’s PERMA theory. The objective is to examine the causes and effects behind Harriet Kilpatrick’s search for happiness. As a perfectionist and aspiring surgeon, Harriet’s emotional conflict, shaped by her unresolved relationship with Wyn, plays a central role in her internal struggle. The problem statements of this study are: (1) What causes Harriet Kilpatrick’s search for happiness in Happy Place? and (2) What is the effect of Harriet Kilpatrick's search for happiness? Using a qualitative method, the analysis is presented descriptively to explore Harriet’s emotional conflict. The findings reveal that although Harriet initially avoids vulnerability, her journey eventually leads her to fulfill all five elements of happiness within the PERMA model: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. By confronting her past and rebuilding meaningful relationships, Harriet achieves a more authentic and lasting sense of personal happiness.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

uncollcs

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Proceeding of Undergraduate Conference on Literature, Linguistic, and Cultural Studies is a peer-reviewed proceeding, open access, and annual academic proceeding dedicated to the publications of research in the areas of linguistics, literature, and culture studies that had been disseminated in the ...