Film: "The Notebook"

Film > Analysis, Criticism, Etc.
Psychology > Theory

This paper analyzes Erik Erikson's life stage theory by using the 2004 film "The Notebook", as a test of the validity of this theory.

1,380 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Erik Erikson's life-long model states that the individual does not reach his or her ultimate integration of personality and the final target of maturity and wisdom until the final life stage. The author then argues that this model is lacking in applicability within the modern culture as presented in the 2004 film "The Notebook". The paper states that the film depicts the lives of a couple at two stages in their relationship. The author relates that one stage of their adult life, shown through flashbacks, is when they are younger adults building their relationship, their courtship and the setbacks they faced before finally getting married and that their final stage, in present time, is now their relationship living in an old-age care facility. The paper contends that the two main characters in this film, even at the end of their lives, have remained at Erikson's life stage of young adulthood and will never complete all of the stages in Erikson's model.

From the Paper:

"It is possible that Noah is engaged upon a journey that would be similar to Erikson's model of the late adulthood stage, but the film certainly does not present us with any such knowledge about him. Instead, he focuses completely on Allie, lives in an old-age care facility when he does not need to and ignores his children's pleas for his return home. The fact that they say that they miss him, and that he is absent from his children and grandchildren, seems to matter less to him than being with Allie, even though she no longer recognizes him."

Sample of Sources Used:

Aronoff, Nina. Adolescence and Old Age in Twelve Communities. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare. Dec 1, 2001.
Harder, Arlene F. (2002). The Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson. Retrieved April 17, 2007, from http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm
Johnson, M. (Producer) & Cassavetes, N. (Director). (2004). The Notebook [DVD]. New Line Cinema.