Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder-like Behaviors: The Psychological Defense Mechanism in Cranford

Abstract

In Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel Cranford, the behaviors of the residents of Cranford display many characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder-like (OCD-like) behaviors. These behaviors serve as a psychological defense mechanism to help them cope with the uncertainties and anxieties of their social environment. Specifically, these behaviors manifest as contamination fears, characterized by self-imposed mental restraints, such as pursuit of cleanliness and preoccupation with chastity; as ordering OCD-like behaviors, marked by conservatism in actions, like adherence to tea party traditions and strict compliance with the social hierarchy; and as intrusive thoughts, driven by emotional anxiety, including fear of intrusion and fear of social judgment. Through these behaviors, the residents of Cranford attempt to maintain a sense of order and control in their lives. These behaviors are psychological defense strategies in the face of gender oppression and the impact of industrial civilization, reflecting the collective mental predicament during the transition of traditional society.