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Through the Buttonholes: The Psychological Horrors and Macabre Aesthetic of Coraline

Victoria Olugbile ENG 1020 November 28, 2023

Index

Macabre Aesthetic

Introduction

Identity

Counterargument and Realism

Thesis

Counterargument on Aesthetic

Triumph Over False Identity

Conclusion

Exploration of Desire

Work Cited

Introduction

In the portal between dreams and nightmares, where thriller and adventure collide. We venture through the buttonholes of Coraline not as mere viewers but as explorers navigating the labyrinth of human psychology. Beneath its eerie and otherworldly aesthetic, we unravel a tale with profound insights regarding courage, identity, and desire. Within Coraline the ‘Other Mother’ symbolizes the convolution of human desires, representing a seductive yet deceitful figure, while the film's macabre aesthetic most distinctly are eerie button eyes, which manifest as a visual representation of Coraline’s internal journey.

Thesis

In Coraline, Neil Gaiman uses a cautionary message about the consequences of desire and the complications of defining one’s identity, all within the macabre aesthetic to make a persuasive perspective for the story’s profound psychological meanings.

Exploration Of Desire

In Coraline ‘ The Other Mother’ symbolizes the seductive nature of desire, luring Coraline into her grasp by promising to fulfill her deepest wishes. The ‘Other Mother’ appears to fulfill her deepest wishes offering affection, attention in a world that caters to all of Coraline's needs that her parents in the real world do not give her.

Exploration of Desire PT.2

Identity

Counterargument & Realism

1. "However, it is important to consider a counterargument. Some may argue that the narrative is filled with fantasy and supernatrual elements and does not provide a realistic examination of human identity. In response to this, it can be noted that even within this disentangled theory, the story provides and raises meanigful questions that can serve as a target for in-depth discussions about identity" (Olugbile, 2).
2. While, Coraline highlights the fantastical world with supernatrual elements, its realism lies in the tapestry of questions it creates surronding human identity. Rather, than being obsturcted by its fantasy, Coraline's narratives creates a landscape of exploration of real-world themes

Triumph Over False Identity

Macabre Aesthetic

• The Macabre Aesthetic of Coraline is Illustrated by the eerie button eyes, which serve as a powerful reminder for the psychological depth of Coraline. Sigmund Freud's notion of the uncanny finds resonance as familiar elements, like a mother's care, are twisted into something unsettling. Coraline highlights the boundary between the known and unkown, with the 'Other Mother' initally appearing as nuturing but gradually revealing a more evil nature.
• The button eyes, highlight a visual cue symbolizing the lurking danager beneath the facade of desire. In essence, the macabre aesthetic adds layers to the narrative, exploring the intersectionality between human desires and the dual nature of reality.

Counterargument on Aesthetic

1. While some may argue that the eerie elements, such as button eyes, serve to enhance the film's tension, it's crucial to dig deeper. Rather than visual unease, these elements help play a significant role in conveying the psychological depth of Coraline's narrative.
2. While some may argue that the macabre aesthetic is dismissed by conventional horror tropess, it goes beyond surface level tension adding layers to the story emphasizing the intersection between human desires and dual nature of reality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Coraline serves as a testament to the power of storytlling. It seamlessy, blends into childhood horror and psychological exploration, it creates a masterpiece in the minds of not only adolescents but adults. Coraline invites us to revisit our childhood fears and triumphs, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Moreover, Coraline reminds us of the magaic found in macabre

Work Cited Page

Branje, Susan, et al. “Dynamics of Identity Development in Adolescence: A Decade in Review.” Journal of Research on Adolescence, vol. 31, no. 4, Wiley-Blackwell, Nov. 2021, pp. 908–27, doi:10.1111/jora.12678. Gaiman, Neil. Coraline 10th Anniversary Enhanced Edition. Harper Collins, 2012. Greene, Robert. The Art of Seduction. Profile Books, 2010. Locke, John. Book 2 Essay (“Of Identity and Diversity”). 2nd ed., 1689. Nimbalkar, Namita. “John Locke on Personal identityFNx08.” Mens Sana Monographs, vol. 9, no. 1, Medknow, Jan. 2011, p. 268, doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77443. Olugbile, Victoria."Through the Buttonholes: Unveiling the Psychological Horror of the ‘Other Mother’ in ‘Coraline’ and Exploring the Macabre Aesthetic". Ruers, Jamie. “The Uncanny - Freud Museum London.” Freud Museum London, 22 Mar. 2022, www.freud.org.uk/2019/09/18/the-uncanny. Selick, Henry, director. “Coraline.” Laika, 2009. Svenaeus, Fredrik. “Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy.” Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, vol. 3, no. 1, Springer Science+Business Media, Jan. 2000, pp. 3–16, doi:10.1023/a:1009943524301.

Exploration of Desire

In the context of ‘Coraline’, Robert Greene’s words from his book The Art of Seduction resonates profoundly. Greene states, “The more you aim for the heart, the more the object of your seduction will struggle to escape. Seduction is a game of psychology, not beauty and it is within the grasp of any person to become a master at the game” (Green 150). This quote encapsulates the psychological game ‘The Other Mother' plays, aiming for Coraline’s heart by promising to fulfill her deepest desires, thereby making it challenging to escape from the illusion. This quote, encapsulates the psychological game the ‘Other Mother’ plays, targeting Coraline’s heart therefore making it challenging to escape from the illusion.She symbolizes the essence of desire itself. Desire often makes people unaware of the consequences of their actions.

Essentially, attaining one’s deepest wishes and needs shouldn’t be seen as a negative or seductive force. This aspect of the novel represents the multifaceted coin of human nature and desire.Though, the attainment of one’s desires shouldn't be negative it could lead to the downfall of an individual. Coraline’s journey is a metaphor for the pandora's box that can eventually lead to someone's downfall.

One of the crucial arcs within Coraline's narrative is her realization over false identity. In the hands of the 'Other Mother' Coraline Navigates a labrythnth of illusions, highlighting the power of choice of shaping one's identity.

Identity

Identity is a central theme in Coraline, with the protagonist navigating a world where she encountered different versions of the people she knows. The concept of duality illustrates the concept of the ‘Other Mother’ who is an alternate existence of Coraline’s real mother. This duality makes viewers question the nature of identity and the choices it shapes. Philosopher John Locke has shaped and explored the concept of personal identity and states in Book 2, Chapter 27 of the Essay (“Of Identity and Diversity”), “in this alone consists personal Identity, i.e. the sameness of rational Being: And as far as this consciousness can be extended backwards to any past Action or Thought, so far reaches the Identity of that Person; it is the same self now it was then; and ‘tis by the same self with this present one that now reflects on it, that that Action was done” (Locke , 27).

Coraline’s memories, experiences, and decisions help play a pivotal role in shaping her identity much like a spider crafts its web, thread by thread to create a structure that supports its existence. Coraline’s journey represents the internal struggle, where she must decide what she desires and wishes for the truth. Coraline’s subsequent triumph is the ability for her to deny this false identity, which symbolizes that a person’s true self is not determined by circumstances but a result of actions and choices.