The Development of Leila’s Selfhood in Shafak’s Ten Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World: A Psychoanalytical Perspective

Abstract

This research aims to trace the impact of Istanbul’s societal and cultural norms in shaping the self-identity of Leila in Ten Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World by employing Harry Stack Sullivan’s Interpersonal Theory. This study focuses on the development of Leila’s selfhood as an outcome of her interpersonal relations when it comes in conflict with social standards of Istanbul. Research paradigm is qualitative and thematic analysis of the selected text is done in order to examine the energy transformations of Leila’s personality depicted in the novel through Sullivan’s psychoanalytical paradigm. The concepts of self-system, “me” personifications and interpersonal dynamism along with security operations are employed to analyze the underlying tensions and energy transformations in the personality of Leila in Ten Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World. The analysis unveils the intricacies of complex interpersonal, cultural, and societal constraints that bring a tragic end to protagonists’ rebellious soul.