Self-construction of The Box Man from the Perspective of Lacan’s Mirror Stage Theory

Abstract

As one of the series of novels with the theme of human existence in the city, The Box Man, written by Kobo Abe, reflects the thinking of human self-consciousness in the unrealistic situation of transformation. In the novel, Character A’s closeness to the man he imitates reflects his self-identity. The box man’s jealousy of the doctor who impersonates him demonstrates a loss of “ego”. Finally, the revenge of the box man on the impostor demonstrates the determination to regain himself. By analyzing the process of the box man’s self-construction, it can be found that the box man’s outrageous behaviors reflect the crisis of his self-consciousness and his resistance to survival in society. From the perspective of Lacan’s mirror stage theory, the self-construction of the protagonists in The Box Man has particular significance for a deeper understanding of the spiritual connotation of Abe’s novels with the theme of urban disappearance.