“Making Sense in a Senseless World”: Disco Elysium’s Absurd Hero
“Making Sense in a Senseless World”: Disco Elysium’s Absurd Hero
Author(s): Thomas SpiesSubject(s): Visual Arts, Contemporary Philosophy, Personality Psychology, Psychology of Self, Health and medicine and law, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Tallinna Ülikooli Balti Filmi- ja Meediakool
Keywords: Disco Elysium; Mental health issues; Harry DuBois; Trauma; Video game and its story;
Summary/Abstract: This article examines the representation of mental health issues in the computer role-playing game Disco Elysium by using Albert Camus’ theory of the absurd as a basis. Through his daily work routine as a detective, the protagonist Harry DuBois’ trauma unfolds through the course of the game while simultaneously revealing the psychosocial aspects of trauma. Interpreting Harry’s existential struggles as those of an absurd hero supports the idea that finding (greater) meaning is not a necessity when coping with trauma.
Journal: Baltic Screen Media Review
- Issue Year: 2021
- Issue No: 9
- Page Range: 80-89
- Page Count: 10
- Language: English