The Literary Legacy of Child Sexual Abuse: Psychoanalytic Readings of an American Tradition

This book explores the representation of child sexual abuse in five American novels from 1850 to the present, using psychoanalytic concepts and trauma theories to understand the characters and their experiences. It also discusses legal and therapeutic interventions and how literary criticism can provide insights into these responses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the portrayal of child sexual abuse in a selection of five American novels spanning from 1850 to the present. The historical scope of the novels underscores that child sexual abuse is not a modern phenomenon, although it has been referred to by different terms in different eras. The introduction provides an insightful exploration of the role of literature and literary criticism in addressing the enduring concerns that arise when children encounter sexual abuse. Psychoanalytic concepts developed by renowned figures such as Freud, Ferenczi, Kohut, and Lacan serve as guiding frameworks for interpreting the narratives within the novels. Additionally, theories of trauma, shame, psychosis, and perversion offer valuable insights into the complex characters portrayed in these stories.

Each chapter is thoughtfully structured around a challenging question derived from real-life situations involving child sexual abuse. These questions are previewed in the "Personal Preface" and "Introduction," and they are concisely reviewed in the "Afterword," which seamlessly connects the chapters. Legal and therapeutic interventions respond to these questions with their respective disciplinary resources, focusing on the well-being of victims, perpetrators, and witnesses.

Furthermore, literary criticism provides an additional analytic framework that can significantly contribute to our understanding and response to these complex issues. By examining the literary representations of child sexual abuse, scholars and practitioners can gain a deeper appreciation of the nuances and complexities of the topic, fostering more effective interventions and advocacy efforts.

This book is a valuable resource for researchers, educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in exploring the representation of child sexual abuse in literature and its societal implications. It sheds light on the historical context, psychoanalytic frameworks, and legal and therapeutic responses to this issue, while also offering insights from literary criticism. By engaging with this text, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of child sexual abuse and contribute to the ongoing efforts to prevent and address this devastating problem.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032023021