The Search for Meaning in Paulo Coelho’s Brida: A Logotherapeutic Study

Abstract

Paulo Coelho’s Brida portrays the spiritual and psychological journey of a young woman seeking wisdom, love, and self-understanding. This paper examines the novel through the lens of Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy, a psychological approach that identifies the search for meaning as the primary motivation of human existence. The study explores how Brida’s quest for spiritual knowledge reflects Frankl’s concepts of meaning-making, freedom of choice, responsibility, and self-transcendence. Through her encounters with the Magus and Wicca, Brida is introduced to diverse spiritual traditions that challenge her understanding of reality and encourage profound self-exploration. The analysis reveals that her journey is not merely a pursuit of mystical experiences but a process of discovering purpose, identity, and personal fulfilment. As she confronts uncertainty, fear, and inner conflicts, she gradually develops a deeper awareness of her potential and her place in the world. Her experiences illustrate Frankl’s belief that meaning can be discovered through love, purposeful action, and commitment to values greater than oneself. The novel further emphasises the significance of personal choice and responsibility in shaping an authentic existence. By integrating psychological insight with spiritual exploration, Coelho presents meaning as a transformative force that enables individuals to transcend limitations and attain self-realisation. The study argues that Brida serves as a literary representation of logotherapeutic principles, highlighting the universal human desire for purpose and existential fulfilment. Through a logotherapeutic reading, the novel emerges as a profound narrative of self-discovery and spiritual growth, demonstrating the continuing relevance of Frankl’s meaning-centred psychology in contemporary literary criticism and interdisciplinary studies.