The Hours, the as if personality and the problems of love

The characters in the novel « The Hours » (and the film made from the book) embody to varying degrees the nature and effects of the « as if » personality (insofar as it differs from the « false self »). This state originates in early childhood and is characterized by vacuity, a lack of relational authenticity, and an inability to give or receive love. Those who suffer from the affliction resort to illusory withdrawals. As patients in analysis, they present specific difficulties.