The Personality Features of the Female Protagonist in Anita Brookner's Hotel du Lac

This paper investigates the portrayal of avoidant personality traits in Anita Brookner’s Hotel du Lac, focusing on the character of Edith Hope. This paper aims to analyze how Edith’s introspective nature, emotional detachment, and self-devaluation reflect key features of avoidant personality disorder. The analysis reveals that Edith’s submissiveness contrasts with the narcissistic tendencies of Mrs. Pursey, highlighting the stark differences in self-perception and social interaction. Additionally, the paper examines the influence of Edith’s domineering, narcissistic mother, arguing that their complex relationship contributes significantly to the development of Edith’s avoidant traits. The study concludes that Brookner’s depiction of familial and interpersonal dynamics provides a nuanced understanding of the psychological factors shaping Edith’s identity and emotional struggles, offering insight into the impact of external relationships on the formation of avoidant personality characteristics.