Hidden Fears and Defense Mechanisms of Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley in William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair

This study examines the hidden fears and defense mechanisms of Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley in William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair. The objective of this study is to identify the hidden fears experienced by the two main characters, analyze the defense mechanism that employ, and explain how these psychological factors influence their relationship and life decisions. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method and applies Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, particularly the concepts of anxiety and defense mechanisms. The data were collected from the novel Vanity Fair and analyzed through textual interpretation of the characters’ thoughts, actions, and interactions. The findings reveal that Becky Sharp’s Hidden fears remain associated with poverty, social rejection, loss of status, and emotional vulnerability. To cope with these fears, she employs defense mechanisms such as rationalization, denial, projection, repression, and reaction formation. Meanwhile, Amelia Sedley’s hidden fears are related to abandonment, emotional loss, insecurity, and fear of disappointment. Her defense mechanisms include repression, denial, idealization, and displacement. These defense mechanisms influence the characters’ behavior, relationship important life decisions throughout the novel. The study concludes that hidden fears play a significant role in shaping the psychological development of both characters and contribute to the progression of the narrative.