Silence as Coping Mechanism: Understanding Psychological Trauma in Alex Michaelides’ The Silent Patient
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Date
2024-10-14
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جامعة محمد بوضياف المسيلة
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study examines the use of silence as a coping mechanism for psychological trauma in Alex Michaelides' novel, The Silent Patient. The narrative centers on Alicia Berenson, a painter who becomes mute after allegedly murdering her husband, Gabriel. This research explores the psychological underpinnings of Alicia's silence, analyzing how it serves as both a manifestation and a shield for her trauma through the lens of Freudian concepts. By applying Freud's theories of repression, the unconscious mind, and the defense mechanisms, the study investigates the symbolic significance of Alicia's muteness, drawing connections between her silence and her internal psychological turmoil. Furthermore, it examines the responses of other characters to Alicia's silence, revealing their own psychological complexities and perceptions of trauma. By delving into the interplay between silence and psychological distress, this study aims to uncover the intricate ways in which trauma can shape and silence the human psyche, offering a deeper understanding of the protagonist's silent suffering and the broader implications for trauma victims. The incorporation of Freudian analysis provides a comprehensive framework to interpret the protagonist's behavior and the dynamics of trauma, repression, and recovery in the narrative.
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Keywords
Keywords: Alicia, Trauma, Sigmund Freud, Repression, Silence, Unconscious Mind .