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In The Babadook, the family keeps the book, Mister Babadook, because the film uses it as a metaphor for grief, trauma, and the necessity of acknowledging and managing these difficult emotions rather than trying to destroy or suppress them. The book represents the manifestation of the unresolved pain that Amelia, the mother, and her son Samuel experience after the death of Amelia's husband. While Amelia initially attempts to destroy the book, it mysteriously reappears, signifying that the emotions tied to the trauma cannot simply be eliminated. Instead, they must be faced and integrated into their lives.
The Book as a Manifestation of Grief
The Mister Babadook book is not just a physical object but a symbolic representation of the family's grief and suppressed emotions. Amelia is struggling with the death of her husband, who died in a car accident while driving her to the hospital to give birth to Samuel. This unresolved grief consumes her, manifesting as anger, denial, and emotional detachment. The book appears as an external representation of these feelings, forcing Amelia to confront what she has long tried to ignore. Destroying the book is futile because the emotions it represents are deeply rooted within her.
The reappearance of the book, even after being burned, illustrates the persistence of grief. It cannot be eradicated by simple physical destruction; instead, it demands acknowledgment and understanding. By keeping the book, Amelia symbolically accepts the presence of her grief as something she must live with rather than something she can destroy.
Attempts to Destroy the Book and Their Failure
Amelia’s initial attempts to rid herself of the book reflect her desire to suppress her emotions. Early in the film, she rips it apart and later burns it, but the book inexplicably returns, more ominous than before. This mirrors the way unresolved trauma resurfaces when ignored. The book’s persistence conveys the message that emotional pain and grief, if not addressed, will continue to haunt a person and grow stronger over time.
The inability to destroy the book aligns with the film’s theme: grief is not something that can simply be erased or avoided. Just as Amelia cannot destroy the physical book, she cannot escape the psychological impact of her husband’s death by ignoring her feelings.
The Decision to Keep the Book
By the end of the film, Amelia and Samuel keep the book as a way of accepting and controlling the presence of the Babadook. This decision symbolizes a turning point for Amelia, as she moves from denial to acknowledgment. The Babadook itself, which represents the overwhelming nature of her grief, no longer controls her once she confronts it head-on. She asserts her authority over it, confining it to the basement where it no longer poses a direct threat but remains a part of their lives.
The act of keeping the book signifies a shift in Amelia’s relationship with her trauma. Instead of letting it consume her, she learns to manage it. This reflects a broader psychological truth: grief never truly goes away, but it can be integrated into one’s life in a healthy way. The Babadook, like the book, remains in the house, but it is no longer a source of terror. Instead, it becomes a manageable aspect of Amelia’s life, one that requires regular attention but no longer wields power over her.
The Metaphorical Weight of the Book
The decision to keep the book ties into the film’s exploration of mental health and emotional resilience. The book’s illustrations and ominous phrases grow darker and more threatening as Amelia’s mental state deteriorates, symbolizing how unresolved grief intensifies when suppressed. Keeping the book does not mean that the family welcomes the Babadook; rather, it shows their acceptance of grief as a part of life.
This nuanced portrayal of trauma resonates deeply with audiences because it challenges the idea of "overcoming" grief as a final act. Instead, it frames grief as something that must be tended to and acknowledged over time. By keeping the book, Amelia demonstrates her willingness to face her pain and begin healing.
Why the Book Is Central to the Film’s Themes
The book’s persistence and the decision to keep it are essential to the film’s message about confronting emotional struggles. The Babadook’s presence is terrifying only when ignored or denied. Once acknowledged, its power diminishes, reflecting how addressing grief or trauma can reduce its hold on a person. The family’s decision to keep the book reinforces this theme, showing that healing does not mean erasing pain but learning to live alongside it.
The act of preserving the book is not one of defeat but of acceptance, underscoring the film’s ultimate message: even the darkest emotions can be faced and managed when confronted with honesty and courage.