Loss of childhood, Deprivation of love: A Psychoanalytic study of The God Of Small Things
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Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Background of study: This paper explores the psychological impact of the childhood trauma and loss of love in Arundhati Roy in The God of Small Things (1997). Using the psychoanalytic paradigm by Sigmund Freud (1923), it is observed that the fragmented childhood of the twins Estha and Rahel where they endure neglect, abuse, and repression greatly influence their developmental trajectories and their adult identity.
Aims and scope of paper: The deep silence of Estha, caused by molestation and the feeling of guilt when Velutha died, is an example of the hidden defense mechanism and repression, but the indifference of the emotions of Rahel is an example of the permanent scarring of loss. The study also indicates that violence, parental apathy, and discrimination by society trigger depression, neurosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder and leaves the characters in a time loop. Although the context of literature has explored the class struggle, cultural feminism, sexism and gender discrimination, this exploration prefigures the psychoanalytic aspects of repressed trauma and the ensuing psychoanalytic sequela.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used, and a close textual analysis of the novel to explain the psychological torments of the characters.
Result: The research shows that the loss of the naivety of childhood, supported by patriarchal ideals and cultural limitations, has long lasting effects on identity development, emotional health, and patterns of relationships in the adult stage.
Conclusion: To sum up, The God of Small Things is not just a socio-political commentary but a substantive psychological analysis of the development of humans blocked by the effects of trauma, guilt, and repression. The research highlights the need to be more aware and cautiously interacted to limit childhood trauma and forestall the psychological sequela throughout life.
Keywords: Childhood trauma, Loss of innocence, Psychoanalysis, Repression, Sigmund Freud
Copyright (c) 2025 Salvia Islam, Sara Sethi, Nasir Muhammad
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
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