Defense mechanisms of oba yozo in the novel “no longer human” by osamu dazai: a freudian psychoanalysis

This study analyzes the defense mechanisms of Oba Yozo in Osamu Dazai’s novel No Longer Human through a Freudian psychoanalysis approach. The research aims to identify the types of defense mechanisms experienced by the protagonist, examine how these mechanisms are reflected through linguistic expressions and narrative style, and explain the relationship between psychological conflict. This study employs a qualitative descriptive research design. The primary data consist of words, phrases, sentences, dialogues, and narrative passages taken from the novel that indicate psychological conflicts and defense mechanisms. The data are collected through a close reading technique by carefully reading the novel multiple times, identifying relevant textual evidence, and categorizing the data systematically. The analysis is based on Sigmund Freud’s theory of defense mechanisms and psychoanalyss perspectives as a reflection of cognitive and emotional states. The findings reveal that Ōba Yōzō experiences several defense mechanisms, including repression, denial, projection, rationalization, regression, reaction formation, sublimation, and displacement. These psychological defenses are reflected through linguistic features such as confessional tone, self-reference patterns, figurative language, negative diction, fragmented narration, and expressions of anxiety and insecurity. The study also shows that Yōzō’s language functions as a medium for expressing unconscious conflict, emotional instability,and social alienation. Through the integration of psychoanalysis, this research demonstrates that literary complex psychological processes and internal struggles experienced by fictional characters.