Abstract

This study explores the concept of communicative distance from a psychological perspective, defined as the psychological and emotional gaps that emerge between individuals due to mental barriers, fears, and past experiences, which significantly influence the quality of human interactions. Communicative distance emerges as a vital tool in shaping narrative structures and developing characters, as it highlights internal conflicts and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. The novel The 99th Floor by Jana Fawaz Elhassan serves as the analytical case study, where the relationships of the main characters are constructed around these communicative distances, forming intricate behavioral patterns that intensify psychological and social tensions. The research aims to analyze and critique these communicative gaps, shedding light on their role in shaping the dramatic and psychological crises of the characters. Employing a psychoanalytic approach, the study focuses on character interactions within critical contexts. The findings reveal that communicative distance in The 99th Floor is vividly manifested in the relationship between Majd and Hilda, both of whom grapple with psychological traumas stemming from the Lebanese Civil War. These traumas create emotional barriers that hinder deep communication. Majd, as a Palestinian, faces identity-related challenges, while Hilda suffers from the loss of her family. These gaps are evident in moments of physical proximity devoid of emotional connection, underscoring psychological contradictions. Such distances exacerbate feelings of isolation, thereby intensifying internal conflicts and contributing to a realistic portrayal of the complexities of human relationships in the context of war. Ultimately, the novel offers a profound insight into the impact of communicative distances on the psyche in the contemporary world.
 
Keywords: Narratology, communicative distance, psychology, The 99th Floor, Hilda, Majd.
 
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Extended summary

Introduction

The intersection of psychology and literature provides a rich framework for understanding human behavior and relationships. Psychology, as an empirical science, examines mental and behavioral phenomena, while literature, as a creative art form, expresses human experiences, emotions, and imaginations through narrative. This study explores the concept of communicative distance—a psychological construct referring to the emotional and mental gaps between individuals caused by cognitive barriers, fears, and past experiences—and its role as a pivotal tool in narrative design and character development. Drawing on Jana Fawaz Elhassan’s novel The 99th Floor, the research investigates how communicative distances shape the psychological and social dynamics of the main characters, Majd and Hilda, within the context of the Lebanese Civil War. By employing a descriptive-analytical approach grounded in psychoanalytic theory, the study aims to analyze how these distances contribute to internal and external conflicts, deepen narrative tension, and reflect the broader impact of war on human connections. The research addresses two key questions: (1) How do communicative distances influence the psychological traits of Majd and Hilda? (2) What narrative techniques does Elhassan employ to highlight these distances and their impact on plot development and psychological conflicts? This analysis underscores the synergy between psychology and literature in illuminating complex human relationships.

Materials & Methods

This study adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology, integrating psychoanalytic theory to examine communicative distance in The 99th Floor. The primary material is the novel itself, with a focus on the interactions between the protagonists, Majd and Hilda. The research employs a qualitative approach, analyzing textual elements such as dialogue, descriptions, and symbolism to identify instances of communicative distance. A quantitative component is included to measure the frequency and intensity of communicative distances (intimate, personal, social, and public) within key scenes, using content analysis to categorize interactions based on their emotional and physical proximity. Data collection involves close reading and coding of narrative passages to identify patterns of psychological and emotional barriers, particularly those influenced by the characters’ war-related traumas. The psychoanalytic framework draws on theories of identity, trauma, and interpersonal dynamics, referencing works such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and studies on emotional detachment. The analysis also considers the socio-cultural context of the Lebanese Civil War, exploring how external factors shape internal conflicts. By combining textual analysis with psychological theory, the study ensures a rigorous examination of how communicative distances function as both a narrative device and a reflection of the characters’ psychological states, providing a comprehensive understanding of their role in the novel.

Research findings

The findings reveal that communicative distance in The 99th Floor significantly shapes the psychological profiles of Majd and Hilda, reflecting their war-induced traumas. Majd, a Palestinian grappling with identity crises due to displacement and conflict, exhibits emotional gaps that prevent deep relational connections, manifesting as reticence and alienation. Hilda, having lost her family in the war, displays emotional closure, driven by grief and fear of vulnerability, which further isolates her. These distances are most evident in scenes of physical proximity lacking emotional intimacy, highlighting psychological contradictions that intensify their internal conflicts. Quantitatively, the analysis identified frequent instances of personal communicative distance (45–90 cm) in their interactions, often juxtaposed with emotional detachment, occurring in approximately 60% of their shared scenes. Narrative techniques, including terse dialogues, vivid descriptions of physical closeness contrasted with emotional distance, and symbolic settings like confined spaces (e.g., elevators), underscore these gaps. Internal monologues and free indirect discourse further reveal the characters’ suppressed emotions, enhancing the portrayal of their psychological struggles. The findings demonstrate that communicative distances not only deepen character complexity but also amplify the narrative’s dramatic tension, offering a realistic depiction of human relationships fractured by war.

Discussion of Results & Conclusion

The study illustrates that communicative distances in The 99th Floor serve as a dual-purpose tool: a psychological mechanism reflecting the characters’ trauma and a narrative device enriching the plot. The emotional and psychological barriers between Majd and Hilda, rooted in their experiences of the Lebanese Civil War, create a dynamic interplay of isolation and conflict, aligning with psychoanalytic theories of trauma and identity. The frequent use of personal communicative distance, coupled with narrative techniques like symbolic settings and internal monologues, underscores the tension between physical proximity and emotional disconnection, effectively portraying the characters’ inner turmoil. These findings highlight Elhassan’s skillful use of communicative distance to craft a realistic and layered narrative, reflecting the broader impact of war on human connections. The study concludes that The 99th Floor offers profound insights into the psychological effects of communicative distances, contributing to a deeper understanding of how literature can illuminate complex human experiences. This research lays the groundwork for future studies exploring the intersection of psychology and literature in crisis contexts, emphasizing the role of communicative distance in character development and narrative progression, and reinforcing the novel’s significance as a study of human resilience and relational complexity.