The Quest of the Self and the Individuation Process in Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert Novel (2006) and Film Adaptation by Ryan Murphy (2010)

Abstract

This dissertation attempts to explore the issue of the Heroine’s journey and the individuation process through the female protagonist Elizabeth Gilbert, in the 2006 novel Eat Pray Love and its 2010 adaptation, of the same title. The motion picture is produced by Columbia Pictures and directed by Ryan Murphy. Both Elizabeth Gilbert and Ryan Murphy depict Liz as a fragile, lost and depressed person, who embarks in a trip of self-exploration to ultimately uncover her genuine self. This study sheds light on the spiritual journey of the heroine Liz that accompanies the physical one from New York to Bali. Starting up from detachment and ending up with the healing. It is an attempt to investigate Liz’s path towards wholeness, following, mainly, Maureen Murdock’s The Heroine’s Journey: Women’s Quest for Wholeness(1990). The first chapter focuses on the rejection from the feminine as the protagonist separates herself from the feminine and her familiar surroundings. Liz, then, displays a conflict with her inner dark side, shadow that manifests in different instances through the novel and the movie causing an imbalance between her Anima and Animus. The second chapter tackles the Liz’s stay in Italy and India renewing her relationship with herself and with the masculine around her through the bodily experiences and the masculine encounters. Bali marks the acceptance of the shadow and healing. This research displays Liz’s trip toward happiness, getting rid of the feeling of loss, depression and instability and embracing a new lifestyle centered on a balance between pleasure, inner peace and love.