Phobias are powerful vehicles for aggressive feelings. They condense anxiety. Intrusive phobias aren't part of general personalities, they just kick in at key moments. They're a defence against intense trauma, fear of intimacy, stuff like that.
Phobias serve as intense expressions of underlying aggressive emotions, acting as a means to channel anxiety. These fears do not define an individual's personality but rather emerge in critical situations where they provide a protective mechanism. They can serve as a defense against deeper issues such as trauma or an aversion to intimacy.
In the context of Christopher Fowler's "Full Dark House," phobias highlight the way people cope with profound inner turmoil. They can manifest unexpectedly, often leading individuals to confront their vulnerabilities in the face of fear and discomfort.
