Mahsa Hashemi

Fantasy is often considered as manifestation of our dreams, aspirations, and fears, fueled by the unconscious and flourishing in narratives. The crossing over from the real world to that of fantasy via thresholds resembles the act of dreaming, where one's fears or suppressed desires manifest themselves. Acknowledging the role of fantasy in dealing with the unconscious and benefitting from Freudian theories of dream interpretation and the uncanny, the present thesis analyzes the depiction and function of Other world in Neil Gaiman’s dark fantasy novel, Coraline. The study traces the patterns of Coraline’s confrontations with her innermost desires and fears within the Other world as she struggles to deal with her trauma and reach a better sense of self. It is suggested that it is through the experience of living in the Other world that the protagonist acquires the ability to cope with all that has unsettled her life, face her fears and uncertainties and eventually develop a more meaningful relationship with others as well as a better understanding of her individuality.