The Dual Existence of Helly and Helena in Severance: A Tale of Betrayal and Inner Conflict
Severance has captivated audiences with its thought-provoking narrative, particularly through the intricate relationship between Helly R. and Helena Eagan, portrayed by the talented Britt Lower. By the midpoint of Season 2, viewers are stunned by a betrayal that shakes the very foundation of their connection: Helena, masquerading as Helly, tricks Mark S. into an intimate encounter under false pretenses. This deceit is all the more striking given that Helly and Helena are, in fact, the same individual, split by the severance procedure—a technological marvel designed to compartmentalize memories, intending to alleviate life’s burdens but ultimately revealing profound ethical dilemmas.
The World of Severance: Understanding the Severed Consciousness
The severance procedure lies at the heart of Severance’s universe, creating a stark dichotomy between the outie and the innie. Helena, the outie, lives a life above ground, fully engaged with the world, whereas Helly, the innie, is confined beneath the earth, trapped in a surreal office environment controlled by the enigmatic Lumon Industries. This division is not merely physical but deeply psychological, reflecting the internal struggles and societal pressures faced by individuals in their daily lives. The severed consciousness layers emerge as a metaphor for the compartmentalization of the human psyche, where aspects of oneself are suppressed to cope with the demands of reality.
A Cycle of Betrayal and Resentment: Helly vs. Helena
Their relationship is marked by mutual disdain and betrayal, with each half of their consciousness acting out against the other in escalating cycles of retribution. Season 1 showcasing Helly’s extreme measures, such as her attempt to commit a murder-suicide via an elevator—a stark symbol of the fragile separation between their worlds. Helly’s frustration stems not only from being trapped but also from the feeling of being controlled by her outie, who treats her as less than human. Helena, in a chilling video message, asserts her dominance, reinforcing a hierarchy where she holds power over Helly’s existence.
Helena’s Struggle with Identity and Control
Helena’s character is a intricate exploration of self-loathing and the pursuit of perfection, typified by her career as a public figure for the severance procedure. Despite her stature, her internal conflict with Helly is unparalleled among the other characters—Male counterparts like Mark S., Irving B., and Dylan G. exhibit respect and curiosity towards their alternate selves, while Helly’s and Helena’s relationship is fraught with envy and resentment. This dynamic underscores a broader societal issue, where women are often conditioned to self-scrutinize and prioritize external validation, leading to internal fragmentation and conflict.
The Broader Implications: Women, Identity, and Society
Helly’s anger and Helena’s seething frustration echo timeless literary themes of female characters trapped by societal expectations, evoking comparisons to figures like Anna Karenina and Emma Bovary. These women, confined by the norms of their time, today have modern counterparts in narratives like The Substance and Lady Gaga’s Mayhem, where the struggle for self-acceptance is central. Helly’s freedom from societal conditioning brews jealousy in Helena, who is tethered to the masks she wears to navigate the world. It highlights the tension between authenticity and the pressures of conformity, a theme that resonates deeply with viewers.
Conclusion: The Turbulent Dance of Self and Shadow
As Season 2 unfolds, Helly’s hatred for Helena reaches a boiling point, expressing a desire for retribution that is as personal as it is profound. Mark’s advice to focus on her own desires rather than her anger toward Helena is met with defiance, illustrating the complexity of their intertwined identities. Severance poignantly portrays the internal war between the self we present to the world and the parts we keep hidden—a struggle that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Each episode continues to unravel the mystery of their relationship, leaving audiences pondering the duality of human consciousness and the consequences of fragmented identity.
