Trauma and Treatment in Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects through Judith Herman’s Theories

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. in English Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar Iran.

3 Assistant Professor of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract

As an important event in the life of a person, childhood trauma demonstrates its aftermath through post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, besides shaping a person’s self-perception and identity. The three main characters in Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn suffer from multiple categories of trauma, including generational emotional abuse by female abusers. Therefore, it enables the possibility of having a psychoanalytical study of the novel concentrated on childhood trauma in three generations, with the help of trauma studies as elaborated by Judith Herman. This study aims at applying her trauma theory to Flynn’s work in order to unfold the traumatic childhood of its protagonist, Camille Preaker, and two other characters. The study illustrates that Preaker's relationship with her family is affected by memories of emotional neglect and self-harm, and how her identity and relationships have been influenced by trauma. Examining the initial traumatic events can aid in comprehending the characters' conduct, as it is the trauma that influences their social interactions and reactions to circumstances. The research indicates that childhood trauma, particularly emotional abuse from female abusers across generations, has enduring effects on mental health, such as changes in personality and loss of identity.

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References

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Critical Literary Studies
Volume 6, Issue 1 - Serial Number 11
October 2023
Pages 85-100

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 January 2023
  • Revise Date: 17 July 2023
  • Accept Date: 01 September 2023

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