In "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine," the protagonist, Eleanor, exhibits a unique and meticulous personality that is reflected in her habits. One particular instance highlights her need for order and control: she organizes the tins in her cupboard so that all the labels face forward and are arranged in alphabetical order. This behavior illustrates her desire for structure in her life, revealing her struggle with chaos and uncertainty.
This meticulous arrangement of items serves as a metaphor for Eleanor's broader challenges in navigating her emotional world and social interactions. It emphasizes her loneliness and the comfort she finds in routines, as well as her yearning for a sense of normalcy in a life that often feels unpredictable and disordered.