Guest Post by Justice, INFJ, Justice and Writeousness

Salt to the Sea, Ruta Sepetys

Dominant Introverted Sensing (Si): Emilia constantly relives the details of happier times to calm herself, from the smell of fresh pencils to her parents’ words, and names her baby after her mother’s nickname. When nervous, she sings her childhood duckie’s song. Encouraged by her mother, Emilia pays attention to her loved ones’ little preferences, like what part of a rabbit they prefer. She views Florian as one of Poland’s knights woken to defend her- Si detached from reality.

Auxiliary Extroverted Feeling (Fe): Emilia notices people’s feelings and the group dynamics, describing others’ emotions and recognizing Joana as the leader. She places Florian’s arms around Joana when he was too scared to, showing an understanding of both of their feelings. She hides her own emotions for others’ sakes, acting happy so her father wouldn’t worry and not protesting over leaving for the farm. She admits she sometimes fools even herself over what she feels.

Tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti): Emilia notices the inconsistencies in what people say and what she observes, pointing out to Florian that, if he didn’t need protection, he would take the road. She’s one of the only people who react logically when the ship starts to sink, urging people to beat the crowds and grab their coats. Normally, though, she reacts emotionally, like shooting the soldier to save Florian.

Inferior Extroverted Intuition (Ne): Emilia makes up stories and lies to herself and others to cope with tragedies like pretending her boyfriend was August. She plays out scenarios in her head, like how her mother would greet August. She sees ‘mother’ as meaning anchor, comfort, and home: archetypical abstractions. She was convinced she’d die in childbirth because of ‘a sign’: her wreath caught on fire six years ago- inferior Ne paired with a strong Si.