Revising Fear: A Transmedial

Fear in its multiple forms is the subject of a great deal of academic works, cinema, literary fiction and popular motivational literature. This chapter proposes to revise fear using transmedia analysis in order to capture its possible unspoken meanings. Analysing several popular series and literary pieces in the broader context of psychological and political theories, the chapter argues that fear is a natural emotion whose function is to indicate problems in the development of individual or collective Self. In other words, fear is the inner recognition of Self. While looking at fear as a weakness and a constraint, one limits one’s knowledge of Self and the other. Any attempts to suppress, dominate or ignore fear produce only more fear and demand self-deception and lies. Facing fear honestly, thankfully and responsibly is an essential condition for the Self-recognition and healthy functioning of the individual Self and the society.