Abstract

The parallel between chess and human relationships has inspired profound explorations of solitude and the human experience across centuries and cultures. This comparative study examines the dual impact of intense chess engagement on personal identity and mental well-being through an analysis of Beth Harmon in Walter Tevis’ The Queen’s Gambit (1983) and Aleksandr Luzhin in Vladimir Nabokov’s The Defense (1964). Drawing on Robert J. Vallerand’s “Dualistic Model of Passion” (2015), the research explores how harmonious passion fosters psychological resilience and empowerment, while obsessive passion leads to isolation and mental health challenges. Using qualitative methods, including close reading, comparative analysis, and thematic coding, the study reveals the complex interplay between passion, identity, and psychological outcomes. By bridging literary analysis with psychological model, the findings emphasize the importance of balanced engagement and structured support systems in mitigating risks associated with intense pursuits like chess. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the nuanced relationship between passion and well-being, offering insights relevant to both literary scholarship and mental health practices.