Manifestations of Alfred Adler's Inferiority Complex in 'Lailo' novel by Hassan Ibrahim

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The theory of individual psychology is a theory in sociology and psychology, and it is seen as one of the methods for psychological cure. Even nowadays, Adler’s ideas and explanations can be used in our lives and can serve as a cure for individual issues. This theory comprises two pillars: the complex of inferiority feelings and the inferiority complex. The complex of inferiority feelings represents a positive motivation, as individuals strive to compensate for their sense of inferiority. This happens in a holistic way, in contrast to the complex of inferiority that gives negative and bad feelings. It is a psychological complex where an individual uses negative methods to compensate for their sense of inferiority, as manifested in the novel “Lailo”. Lailo, like any other girl, had hopes, but she became the victim of the traditions and norms of the place she lived in. Exploiting her vulnerability and using her perceived insanity, she tragically experienced sexual assault and lost her virginity. She became epileptic, and the villagers always labeled her as invulnerable and crazy. Despite her efforts to dispel that image by staying awake some nights, the combination of her wicked father and cunning stepmother hindered her success. Additionally, the inferiority complex in Lailo's father is evident, and beneath the guise of honor, this psychological complexity led him to consider killing his daughter as a means of purifying his honor. Consequently, he made his daughter a victim of his traditions and norms.