International Journal of English Linguistics, Literature, and Education (IJELLE)
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): December

Trauma and the Hero’s Mind: A Freudian Ego Analysis of Bruce Wayne in The Batman

Syarif, Ahmad (Unknown)
Purnomo, Budi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examines Bruce Wayne’s psychological dynamics in The Batman (2022) using Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, with a focus on the ego’s role in mediating trauma and moral conflict. This study analyzes how Wayne’s unresolved childhood trauma and dual identity as a vigilante reflect the interplay between the id, ego, and superego. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, this study analyzes purposively selected scenes and dialogues from The Batman using close textual analysis. Audience reception data further support the interpretation of Wayne’s character as a psychologically complex figure. The findings reveal that Wayne’s ego adapts to internal and external pressures through ethical compromises, illustrating Freud’s theory of ego functioning. This study contributes to contemporary literary and film criticism by offering a psychoanalytic perspective on trauma and identity in modern superhero narratives.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijelle

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of English Linguistics, Literature, and Education (IJELLE) is is a peer-review journal that contains and disseminate the results of research, in-depth study, and the ideas or innovative works in the field of English language published by Teacher Training and Education Faculty ...