Loneliness, Self-destruction, and Sometimes Rebirth: The Psyche Through the Lens of Ottessa Moshfegh

Abstract

This thesis explores the psychological effects of loneliness in the characters of Ottessa Moshfegh’s fiction, focusing on Eileen, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, and select short stories in Homesick For Another World. Moshfegh’s protagonists are frequently isolated individuals whose detachment from society manifests in self-destructive behaviors, existential malaise, and distorted perceptions of reality. By examining the psychological dimensions of their loneliness through the lenses of communication theory and contemporary discussions on alienation, this study highlights how Moshfegh crafts deeply introspective and often unsettling portraits of solitude and unmet relationship standards. The thesis argues that her characters’ isolation functions as both a source of suffering and a space for self-exploration, challenging conventional notions of social belonging and emotional fulfillment. Ultimately, Moshfegh’s work reveals loneliness as a condition that is not merely circumstantial but embedded in the quality of human experience, offering a dark yet compelling meditation on the modern psyche which has led her to fame as a young author.

Start Time

16-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 10:00 AM

Room Number

272

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

Research-in-Progress

Presentation Category

Art and Humanities

Faculty Mentor

Shawna Lichtenwalner

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 10:00 AM

Loneliness, Self-destruction, and Sometimes Rebirth: The Psyche Through the Lens of Ottessa Moshfegh

272

This thesis explores the psychological effects of loneliness in the characters of Ottessa Moshfegh’s fiction, focusing on Eileen, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, and select short stories in Homesick For Another World. Moshfegh’s protagonists are frequently isolated individuals whose detachment from society manifests in self-destructive behaviors, existential malaise, and distorted perceptions of reality. By examining the psychological dimensions of their loneliness through the lenses of communication theory and contemporary discussions on alienation, this study highlights how Moshfegh crafts deeply introspective and often unsettling portraits of solitude and unmet relationship standards. The thesis argues that her characters’ isolation functions as both a source of suffering and a space for self-exploration, challenging conventional notions of social belonging and emotional fulfillment. Ultimately, Moshfegh’s work reveals loneliness as a condition that is not merely circumstantial but embedded in the quality of human experience, offering a dark yet compelling meditation on the modern psyche which has led her to fame as a young author.