The Image of Mother in Sharp Objects

Abstract

This study examines the mother's role in the family-social-network as a central axis with the father's role in the family-building process. The study hypothesizes that the psychological transformation of the mother's personality as an image is due to a past horrific experience passed through, which brings about her wickedness in terms of mistreating her children. Gillian Flynn's Novel (Sharp Objects) is the selected data, analyzed under the analytical framework of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] theory. This theory is a wide field of research that copes with the psychological and physiological influences of traumatic experiences on individuals. Due to specific traumatic events, trauma refers to an understanding that impacts a person's ability to manage, such as wars, accidents, sexual abuse, violence, disasters, and any event that affects a person's life. One of the various effects of such traumatic events is the significant and long-lasting psychological and physical effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The image can be seen in terms of the division of labour as a gendered-stereotypes that each family member plays. The father's responsibility is stereotypically equal to providing for family needs through work. Otherwise, the mother's role is similar to that of the family care provider. Three novels by Gillian Flynn are Sharp Objects, Dark Places, and Gone Girl. The three novels focus on psychological illness and feature women as the main characters. The three novels share a similar propensity for mood-setting and plot twists. Additionally, Flynn's three novels share a similar writing style in that they all focus on family issues.