LANGUAGE IN INDIA

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Volume 26:5 May 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

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Illusion as Survival: Psychological Defense Mechanisms in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Dr. T. Akila
Dr. A. Shajitha Banu
Dr. R. Malathy
Dr. B. Sumathi
Dr. P. Shanmugam

Abstract

The illusion and reality theme in the play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? appears more important than others. One may assert that the psychological tension in the relationship between George and Martha can be explained only by their illusions and psychological shields protecting them from breaking up. In the current research, the authors attempt to demonstrate how the use of illusions helps people deal with their dissatisfaction and failures in life. Psychoanalytical theories dealing with defense mechanisms will be applied to the analysis of characters' actions and the use of illusions and fictions in the play. It can be stated that the fictional child born by George and Martha represents the main illusion supporting their union but also illustrating the extent of their psychological vulnerability at the same time. Through textual analysis, one will prove that illusions represent a means of protection and destruction. Although George and Martha find some consolation in illusions, they cannot live without facing reality. The study proves that illusion should be destroyed for psychological truthfulness and understanding.

Keywords:Illusion, Defense Mechanisms, Reality, Marriage, Psychological Conflict

Introduction

In modern plays, existential problems of a person feeling uncomfortable emotionally due to certain reasons are often discussed. One of such examples is the play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee. The play premiered in 1962 and depicts an unhappy married couple named George and Martha.

The plot of the play starts at night when George and Martha invite another young couple called Nick and Honey to their place. Thus, what could be expected to become a simple and nice meeting turns out to be a battle of psychological games and emotions.

Illusions play a rather important part in the relationships between George and Martha since they pretend that they have a son. In other words, this illusion serves as the only motivation for living and developing a romantic relationship. When discussing about their imaginary son, George exclaims, "Our son is dead" (Albee 237). It means that illusion was the last thing that supported their marriage.

This essay analyzes the role of illusions as mechanisms of self-protection in the discussed play.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

DR. T. AKILA
Department of Science and Humanities,
Sri Eshwar College of Engineering
Coimbatore
akila.t@sece.ac.in

DR. A. SHAJITHA BANU
Department of Science and Humanities,
Sri Eshwar College of Engineering
Coimbatore
shajithabanu.a@sece.ac.in

DR. R. MALATHY
Department of Science and Humanities,
Sri Eshwar College of Engineering
Coimbatore
malathy.r@sece.ac.in

DR. B. SUMATHI
Department of Science and Humanities,
Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology
Coimbatore
sumathibaluz@gmail.com
&
Dr. P. Shanmugam
Assistant Professor
Department of Science and Humanities
Dhanalakshimi Srinivasan College of Engineering
Coimbatore.Tamil Nadu, India

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