Psychological Analysis of the Main Characters in the Novel In the Land of Pepper by Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie Analisis Psikologis Karakter Utama dalam Novel Di Negeri Lada Karya Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie Hamid Siti Nur Cholisa sitinur@gmail.com Muis Lidya Shery lidyasherymuis@umsida.ac.id Indonesia Indonesia 25 10 2024 <bold id="_bold-8">Introduction</bold>

Literature is a reflection of human life, serving not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a medium that captures the psychological realities experienced by individuals. Through literary works, readers are invited to explore the inner conflicts, values, and emotional struggles of characters, making literature a valuable source for understanding human behavior and psychological complexity. One relevant approach in examining characters in literature is literary psychology, which analyzes the mental and emotional states of characters based on psychological theories. Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory, particularly the concepts of the Id, Ego, and Superego, offers a foundational framework for understanding internal conflict and the structure of personality.

Di Tanah Lada, a novel by Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie, presents a powerful depiction of a child’s psychological suffering within a household marked by violence and emotional neglect. The protagonist endures deep psychological trauma resulting from domestic abuse and toxic parenting. This narrative offers a critical space for analysis using Freudian theory, as the main character exhibits behaviors and thoughts shaped by internal tensions between instinctual desires, moral constraints, and social reality. These experiences are not only emotionally resonant but also represent pressing social issues that are often underexplored in literary studies.

According to the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), over 5,000 cases of child abuse were reported nationwide between 2020 and 2023, with a substantial portion involving violence within the family. These figures highlight the urgent need to address childhood trauma in both academic and educational discourse. Literature, in this context, becomes a powerful tool to cultivate empathy, raise awareness, and promote emotional literacy through character-driven narratives.

Previous research has examined psychological dimensions in literature. For instance, Erlina Yuli Yanthi et al. (2022) explored the personality development of the protagonist in Negeri 5 Menara, while Nurjam’an et al. (2021) investigated existential struggles in Paradigma by Syahid Muhammad. However, a review of scholarly articles from 2020 to 2024 reveals that only three academic studies explicitly focus on childhood trauma in Indonesian novels using Freud’s psychoanalytic theory—and none of them analyze Di Tanah Lada.

Distinct from previous studies, the present research specifically examines the psychological trauma of a child character within a violent domestic setting, combining Freud’s structural model of the psyche with selected Jungian concepts such as individuation and archetypes. This methodological integration represents a novel contribution to literary psychology, offering a more comprehensive understanding of character development and internal conflict.

Therefore, this study aims to describe and analyze the psychological condition of the main character in Di Tanah Lada through the combined lens of Freud’s Id, Ego, and Superego, along with supplementary insights from Jungian theory. It is hoped that the findings will enrich the field of literary psychology, shed light on the depiction of psychological trauma in contemporary Indonesian literature, and serve as a meaningful reference for educators, students, and researchers interested in the intersection of psychology, literature, and education.

 <bold id="bold-936a3341518fad60f56573c409da0c8f">Method</bold> A. Research Methodology 1.1 Research Method

This study employed a descriptive qualitative method, which is considered appropriate for analyzing literary texts that involve complex psychological dimensions. Qualitative research emphasizes the interpretation of meaning embedded in language, symbols, and actions within the text. In contrast to quantitative approaches, qualitative methods allow for a deep exploration of human experiences and expressions as represented in literature.

This research also adopts elements of hermeneutic interpretation, which focuses on uncovering the underlying meanings, symbolic patterns, and psychological depth in literary works. Hermeneutics enables the researcher to treat the psychological states of fictional characters as reflective of real human behavior, particularly when guided by established psychological frameworks such as Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.

According to Ratna (2020), qualitative methodology follows a systematic intellectual process—starting from identifying the researcher’s area of interest, formulating research questions, selecting theoretical concepts, collecting data, and conducting in-depth textual interpretation. In this study, Freud’s psychoanalytic model—consisting of the Id, Ego, and Superego—is employed as the conceptual lens to analyze the inner life of the main character in Di Tanah Lada. This framework aids in understanding how internal desires, rational negotiations, and moral conflicts are represented through the narrative.

This methodological approach is both analytical and interpretive, positioning the novel as not merely a fictional work but as a psychological case study. Themes such as trauma, emotional suppression, and identity formation are examined to reveal the literary portrayal of psychological realities.

 1.2 Source of Data

The primary source of this research is the novel Di Tanah Lada by Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie, published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama. The 2024 first edition, consisting of 289 pages, was selected for several reasons: (1) it is the most updated printing, indicating current editorial revisions or authorial notes that reflect evolving interpretations of the text; (2) it is widely accessible to Indonesian academic readers; and (3) it contains visual elements (e.g., cover illustration of a boy and a girl) that resonate with the thematic focus on childhood trauma. This edition was chosen to ensure analytical relevance and textual authenticity.

 1.3 Data Collection Technique

The data collection process used the library research technique, following the steps described by Afrizal (2015), which include:

Reading the novel Di Tanah Lada thoroughly.

Writing a narrative synopsis to understand the storyline and plot dynamics.

Identifying segments—words, phrases, and dialogues—relevant to psychological analysis.

Highlighting expressions that indicate elements of the Id, Ego, and Superego.

Categorizing these expressions according to Freud’s theory of personality structure.

The data consisted of textual evidence that reflected the internal thoughts, emotional states, and social interactions of the protagonist. These elements were selected based on their alignment with the Freudian framework and their significance in illustrating the psychological development of the main character.

 1.4 Data Analysis Technique

This study utilized content analysis as the main technique to analyze the textual data. Content analysis in literary research involves systematically classifying, coding, and interpreting data to reveal deeper meanings and thematic structures (Ratna, 2020). This method is particularly effective for identifying psychological constructs and symbolic expressions within narrative texts.

The steps of analysis included:

Identifying textual units that signify psychological behavior or emotional response.

Interpreting those units using Freudian psychoanalytic theory.

Constructing a psychological profile of the character, focusing on the interplay between the Id, Ego, and Superego.

Iteratively refining interpretations through close reading to ensure validity and theoretical alignment.

To enhance the credibility and validity of the findings, the study applied several validation strategies:

Expert validation (peer debriefing): Selected interpretations were reviewed by a literary scholar and a psychology lecturer to ensure theoretical accuracy.

Member checking: Preliminary interpretations were presented to a small focus group of readers familiar with the novel to confirm plausibility.

Data triangulation: Insights were cross-checked with secondary sources, including author interviews, book reviews, and psychological literature, to support textual analysis.

The following analytical framework was used to classify the data:

Analytical Framework Based on Freudian Personality Theory

Aspect Definition (Freud) Example from Text Interpretation
Id Primitive, instinctive part of the psyche seeking pleasure “I want to disappear. If I scream, maybe everything will stop.” Represents raw emotional drive and impulse to escape trauma
Ego Rational aspect, balancing Id’s desires with external reality “I have to pretend everything is fine so people stop asking.” Shows logical compromise and self-regulation under social pressure
Superego Internalized moral conscience based on societal norms and authority “Mother says crying is weak. I shouldn’t cry anymore.” Reflects guilt and internalized moral rules from parental influence

Each quote was examined for how it reflected the protagonist’s internal conflict, especially the tensions between instinctual urges (Id), rational compromises (Ego), and moral guilt (Superego). This process provided a psychological map of the character’s trauma response and coping mechanisms throughout the novel.

 <bold id="bold-005ddebf71a87c88ca2601adbdb66917">Result and Discussion</bold> A. Results

This study aims to analyze the psychological aspects of the main characters in In the Land of Pepper (Di Tanah Lada) by Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie using a literary psychology approach. The analysis focuses on the internal conflicts, emotional development, and psychological traumas experienced by the characters, particularly Salva and those in her immediate environment. The primary theoretical lens is Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, including the concepts of the id, ego, and superego, along with defense mechanisms and trauma responses. Additional insight is drawn from Jungian symbolism and Erikson’s psychosocial stages to contextualize the character’s emotional and developmental struggles.

1.1 Salva’s Psychological State: Trauma and Defense Mechanisms

Salva, the protagonist, is portrayed as a psychologically wounded child due to prolonged parental neglect and emotional abandonment. Her trauma is illustrated through fragmented internal monologues and withdrawn behavior (Data Code: D1, D2). Freud’s defense mechanisms—especially repression and denial—are evident in her refusal to confront painful realities. Instead, Salva constructs elaborate fantasy worlds and imagines conversations with idealized or imagined figures (D3).

Her dissociative tendency can be interpreted as an ego-driven response to internal conflict. The id in Salva seeks comfort and escape, while the superego, shaped by familial and societal norms, instills guilt and restraint. Her ego attempts to mediate between these opposing forces by retreating into fantasy and symbolic constructs, such as the "land of pepper"—a metaphor for safety and psychological refuge (D4).

“If I close my eyes, I can go to the land of pepper. There, no one screams.” (D4)Interpretation: The quote represents a dissociative coping mechanism driven by Id impulses to escape suffering.

To provide a clearer view of recurring defense mechanisms found in the text, the following chart summarizes their frequency:

Frequency of Identified Defense Mechanisms in Salva's Character

Defense Mechanism Frequency Example Code(s) Notes
Repression 9 D1, D3, D5 Salva avoids remembering traumatic events
Denial 6 D4, D7 She refuses to acknowledge emotional pain
Fantasy Projection 11 D4, D8, D9 Imagines safe worlds and ideal companions
Regression 4 D6, D10 Returns to childlike behavior in distress

Note: Full data excerpts and analytical coding can be accessed in Supplementary File A.

 1.2 Parental Figures and the Development of Anxiety

Psychological tension is also derived from Salva’s relationship with her parents. Her father, emotionally absent and indifferent, functions as a suppressive force (D11), while her mother oscillates between neglect and confusion, providing no consistent emotional anchor (D12). These dynamics form the roots of Salva’s chronic anxiety and her fear of abandonment.

From Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory, Salva appears to be trapped between the stages of initiative vs. guilt and industry vs. inferiority. Her inability to receive validation or support causes her to internalize feelings of unworthiness and self-blame, as seen in:

“If I were better, maybe they would love me.” (D13)Interpretation: An internalized superego judgment stemming from failed familial attachment.

 1.3 Imagination as a Coping Strategy

Imagination plays a central role in Salva’s emotional survival. Rather than confronting painful realities, she constructs metaphorical narratives and internal “safe zones.” This aligns with Carl Jung’s notion of individuation, where the psyche uses symbols and archetypes to seek integration.

The recurring pepper motif becomes a symbolic object that reflects her longing for stability and innocence. It surfaces during her most vulnerable moments, providing a psychological anchor (D14, D15). This symbolic coping is both a defense mechanism and a gradual journey toward psychic resilience.

 1.4 Psychological Symbolism and Narrative Structure

Ziggy’s narrative technique—non-linear structure, poetic surrealism, and blending of fantasy and reality—mirrors Salva’s psychological fragmentation. The disruption of time and logic in the novel can be interpreted as an externalization of her internal disorder (D16–D19).

The novel’s unresolved ending further emphasizes the enduring nature of childhood trauma. Rather than closure, it offers a realistic depiction of how trauma is carried into adulthood—often latent, but always present.

“Some wounds aren’t meant to close. They become the way we walk.” (D20)

This ending challenges the conventional narrative arc and instead foregrounds the subtle permanency of emotional scars—a theme that reflects both clinical truth and literary poignancy.

B. Discussion

The psychological depiction of Salva in In the Land of Pepper demonstrates the profound and enduring impact of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and internalized guilt. Salva’s psychological journey is not presented in a straightforward manner; rather, it is intricately woven through symbolic language, fragmented storytelling, and surreal imagery that reflect the instability of her inner world. Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie carefully constructs Salva as a child navigating emotional survival in an environment that lacks consistent affection, emotional safety, and empathetic communication. Her pain is not always explicitly stated but emerges in subtle moments of silence, introspection, and emotional withdrawal. This indirect narrative technique itself mirrors the psychological defense mechanisms that traumatized children often adopt—repression, denial, dissociation, and sublimation.

Through a psychoanalytic lens, Salva's character can be interpreted as a manifestation of the internal struggle between the id, ego, and superego. Her id is represented through her instinctual longing for love, protection, and belonging—needs that are consistently unmet in her real life. Her ego attempts to negotiate these desires with the constraints of her reality, often resorting to imagination and escapism to survive emotionally. Meanwhile, the superego, shaped by societal and familial expectations, induces guilt, shame, and a sense of inferiority whenever Salva attempts to assert herself emotionally. These conflicting psychological forces result in a fragile self-concept, in which Salva blames herself for the lack of affection she receives, internalizing feelings of unworthiness and emotional isolation.

Furthermore, the motif of “pepper” serves as a psychological symbol throughout the narrative. It represents both the harshness and the warmth of memory, acting as a sensory bridge between pain and safety. The land of pepper, whether real or imagined, becomes a sanctuary in Salva’s mind—a space where she can reclaim agency, relive tenderness, and escape the emotional harshness of her present world. This aligns with Carl Jung’s theory of the collective unconscious, where recurring symbols serve as personal and universal signifiers of internal struggle. Pepper, in this context, becomes a protective metaphor for both resilience and longing.

Salva’s fragmented perception of reality, shaped by unresolved trauma, also parallels the novel’s nonlinear structure and poetic style. Ziggy's deliberate use of disjointed scenes, dream-like sequences, and abstract imagery reinforces the psychological disorientation that Salva experiences. Her sense of time, identity, and relational stability is fluid, often blending past and present, real and imagined. This literary approach not only reflects the cognitive effects of trauma but also positions literature as a therapeutic space where psychological pain can be explored, expressed, and symbolically processed.

Ultimately, the novel positions literature as more than a tool for storytelling—it becomes a psychological mirror, reflecting the depth of human suffering and the complexity of emotional survival. Salva's journey is a powerful representation of how children internalize pain, construct imaginary refuges, and negotiate emotional wounds that are often invisible to the adult world. Her story invites readers to examine how trauma shapes not only individual identity but also one's capacity to connect, trust, and heal.

 <bold id="bold-69de637fa85f0f8c47d8a2285d579458">Conclusion</bold>

The analysis of the main character, Salva, in In the Land of Pepper reveals that childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and internalized guilt play a crucial role in shaping her psychological development. Through the application of psychoanalytic theory—particularly Freud’s structural concepts of the id, ego, and superego, along with Jung’s theory of symbolism—this study finds that Salva's psychological struggle is articulated through her fragmented thoughts, imaginative escapes, and symbolic interpretation of her surroundings.

The novel effectively portrays the emotional survival mechanisms of a child deeply affected by dysfunctional family dynamics. Salva’s coping strategies, such as dissociation and fantasy projection, illustrate the mind’s effort to manage unresolved psychological wounds. Symbolic motifs, especially the recurring image of “pepper,” serve both as literary and psychological markers of her internal state and longing for safety.

Ultimately, In the Land of Pepper demonstrates how literature can function as a psychological mirror, providing readers with insight into the inner lives of its characters while inviting reflection on the often invisible dimensions of trauma and resilience. Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie’s narrative contributes significantly to the discourse on literary psychology by illustrating the intricate interplay between the human psyche and narrative form.

Thus, the research objective—to explore and analyze the psychological condition of the main character through Freudian and symbolic perspectives—has been successfully achieved.

For future research, a comparative analysis involving other contemporary Indonesian novels with similar themes of childhood trauma or emotional suppression is recommended. Such studies could further enrich the understanding of trauma representation in literary contexts and expand the theoretical dialogue between psychology and literature.

 Acknowledgments

The writer would like to express sincere gratitude to all parties who supported the completion of this study. Special appreciation is extended to the lecturers and academic advisors at STKIP Muhammadiyah Pagar Alam for their valuable guidance, input, and encouragement throughout the research process.

The writer is also grateful to fellow students and readers who shared insights and discussions about the novel In the Land of Pepper, which enriched the analysis and interpretation of the characters’ psychological aspects. Lastly, heartfelt thanks are given to the writer’s family and close friends for their unwavering moral support and understanding during the writing of this journal.