A Trauma Theory and Perspective in the Stressful Mind: “Self-harm” and Maternal Shock in “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn

Abstract

Gillian Flynn’s 2006 novel, Sharp Objects, is a psychological thriller that examines trauma, self-harm, and abuse across generations through the lens of the protagonist, Camille Preaker. The author exposes Camille’s conflicts with self-harm, abuse perpetuated by mothers, and unresolved childhood trauma through flashbacks, revealing the deep-rooted scars of a women’s lifetime struggle. This analysis draws upon trauma theory, as posited by Cathy Caruth and psychoanalytic approaches of Sigmund Freud, regarding the psychological effects of such experiences. Using trauma theory and feminist analysis, Sharp Objects is a critique of the social structures which facilitate the violence and suffering women endure and the silence which envelops them. In this case study, we focus on how Flynn constructs narrative fragmentation alongside psychological characterization to illustrate the impact of trauma spanning multiple generations, accentuating the call for societal recognition and action. The analysis also emphasizes Flynn’s depiction of self-injury and maternal aggression in the context of gender, mental health, and emotional abuse, drawing attention to the discourse on the impact of trauma and the rights of women.