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?
