Breaking Down Barriers

  Address in a well-developed and thoroughly supported essay of 1800-2200 words: Breaking Down Barriers: From a psychoanalytic perspective, compare and contrast the ways in which two characters (or speakers) from different works overcome (or strive to overcome) an internal barrier such as trauma, grief, immaturity, or a suppressed or previously unrealized aspect of their identity. What roles do secondary characters, the setting, and/or social expectations play in the characters’ journeys? Which conscious and/or unconscious decisions help and/or hinder the characters as they work toward a freer way of life? Which symbols reveal the characters’ struggles, successes, and/or motivation to change?