Statement of the Problem and Objective: The novel Al-Nabithah by Inaam Kachachi portrays the psychological and social dimensions of its characters. The novel narrates the multilayered and complex life of Taj al-Muluk, an elderly Iraqi woman who experiences diverse identity transformations within the context of historical and social upheavals. This work provides an appropriate ground for analyzing how individuals confront challenging environments. Karen Horney, a prominent psychologist, focuses on individuals’ actions and interactions within society and asserts that the loss of psychological and emotional security leads to the emergence of neurotic tendencies as self-protective mechanisms. Horney’s theory posits “basic anxiety” as the central factor in personality formation. This anxiety—stemming from adverse childhood experiences and a threatening or hostile environment—drives individuals toward the development and expansion of neurotic defensive strategies. These strategies include three primary tendencies: “moving toward people” (compliance), “moving against people” (aggression), and “moving away from people” (detachment). Concepts such as the “ideal self” (an unrealistic self-image), the “real self” (the authentic core of the individual), and the “tyranny of the shoulds” also contribute to explaining neurotic behaviors. This study investigates the question of how characters of the novel Al-Nabithah utilize and develop psychological defensive strategies in order to survive in a “hostile world”, and what impact these strategies have on their real self. The selection of this novel is particularly significant because its depiction of a hostile world directly corresponds with Horney’s fundamental premise that basic anxiety arises from a threatening and “hostile environment”. The importance of this research lies in the fact that analyzing the characters through the lens of Horney’s theory provides a deeper understanding of their motivations and conflicts, while also offering an opportunity for a more profound exploration of the human psyche and to clarify how individuals shift among the three neurotic tendencies.
Methodology: The study adopts a descriptive–analytical methodology. First, the narrative and characters in the novel Al‑Nabithah are examined closely. Then, their meaningful behaviors are analyzed based on Horney’s theory. Special attention is given to identify basic anxiety, manifestations of the three neurotic tendencies, formation of the ideal self, the suppression of the real self, and the influence of the tyranny of the shoulds on the characters’ behaviors and motivations. The analysis also considers the multiple lives and experiences of Taj al‑Muluk and other influential characters within the context of historical and social transformations
Discussion and Analysis: Analyzing the characters in Al‑Nabithah through Horney’s theory reveals profound layers of their psychological dynamics. In this novel, Horney’s key concepts—including basic anxiety (a feeling of isolation and helplessness in a hostile world), the three neurotic tendencies (moving toward people to gain affection, moving against people to seek power, and moving away from people to achieve independence), the ideal self (an unrealistic self-image), the real self (the individual’s authentic core), and the tyranny of the shoulds (internal pressures)—are clearly observable. In response to traumatic childhood experiences and difficult socio-political environments, the characters discover complex defensive strategies for survival. These strategies often consist of a fluid combination of neurotic tendencies, allowing the characters to endure unstable conditions. However, these adaptations usually come at the cost of concealing deep basic anxiety and distancing themselves from their real self, trapping them in a cycle of seeking external validation and internal pressures. The novel portrays a wide spectrum of such behaviors—from overt aggression and attempts at domination to seeking support from powerful figures and maintaining emotional distance. In contrast to these defensive patterns, some relationships in the story symbolize authentic connection and the possibility of accessing the real self, thereby suggesting a path toward liberation from neurotic cycles.
Findings: The analysis of the characters in Al-Nabithah from Horney’s perspective indicates that basic anxiety—rooted in painful childhood experiences and tense environment of upbringing—is the primary factor shaping and directing their neurotic tendencies. This study reveals how the characters develop complex adaptions to cope with this anxiety, often involving a fluid combination of the tendencies of moving against people, moving toward people, and moving away from people. Although this flexibility enables the characters to survive and even succeed in unstable environments, it ultimately prevents the full integration of their real self and traps them in a cycle of the tyranny of the shoulds and the need for external validation. The present study also demonstrates that surrounding environments and interpersonal relationships play a significant role in the formation and expansion of these neurotic tendencies among the characters. At the same time, the presence of authentic relationships in the narrative creates a contrast with neurotic patterns and offers a potential path toward liberation and self-actualization. Overall, viewed through Horney’s theoretical framework, Al-Nabithah represents a valuable case study illustrating the interaction between cultural and social conditions—such as war and authoritarianism—and interpersonal dynamics in shaping personality and the manifestation of neurosis. This analysis shows that although the characters develop and expand complex defensive strategies in order to survive in a hostile world, these defenses often lead to alienation and the suppression of the real self. Nevertheless, the study also conveys a subtle yet powerful message of hope, reaffirming Horney’s belief in the inherent human capacity for growth and self-realization even after deep psychological wounds.