Navigating the Abyss of Trust and Mistrust: An Analysis of Maternal Relationships in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' through Erik Erikson's Lens

This paper examines the novel "We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver in the context of Erik Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development, known as "Trust vs. Mistrust." Kevin Khatchadourian, the novel's central character, serves as a lens through which to...

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Main Author: Atef Ghalib Mohammad
Format: Article
Language:Arabic
Published: College of Arts / University of Thi Qar 2024-09-01
Series:مجلة اداب ذي قار
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Online Access:https://www.jart.utq.edu.iq/index.php/main/article/view/699
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author Atef Ghalib Mohammad
author_facet Atef Ghalib Mohammad
author_sort Atef Ghalib Mohammad
collection DOAJ
description This paper examines the novel "We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver in the context of Erik Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development, known as "Trust vs. Mistrust." Kevin Khatchadourian, the novel's central character, serves as a lens through which to explore the psychological dynamics of trust and mistrust in infancy and early childhood. The narrative provides a compelling portrayal of maternal ambivalence, strained parent-child relationships, and the consequences of mistrust within the family unit. Through a thorough analysis of the novel's characters and their interactions, this paper delves into how trust vs. mistrust unfolds, highlighting the lasting impact of early experiences on an individual's psychosocial development. By exploring the interplay between Kevin's character and Erikson's developmental theory, this paper offers valuable insights into the complex nature of human relationships and their role in shaping individual identity and behaviour.
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record_format Article
series مجلة اداب ذي قار
spelling doaj-art-44ee19cfe5e04364854d65da40def2f02025-01-03T01:23:52ZaraCollege of Arts / University of Thi Qarمجلة اداب ذي قار2073-65842709-796X2024-09-0184710.32792/tqartj.v8i47.699Navigating the Abyss of Trust and Mistrust: An Analysis of Maternal Relationships in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' through Erik Erikson's LensAtef Ghalib Mohammad0atif.ghalib@gmail.com This paper examines the novel "We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver in the context of Erik Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development, known as "Trust vs. Mistrust." Kevin Khatchadourian, the novel's central character, serves as a lens through which to explore the psychological dynamics of trust and mistrust in infancy and early childhood. The narrative provides a compelling portrayal of maternal ambivalence, strained parent-child relationships, and the consequences of mistrust within the family unit. Through a thorough analysis of the novel's characters and their interactions, this paper delves into how trust vs. mistrust unfolds, highlighting the lasting impact of early experiences on an individual's psychosocial development. By exploring the interplay between Kevin's character and Erikson's developmental theory, this paper offers valuable insights into the complex nature of human relationships and their role in shaping individual identity and behaviour. https://www.jart.utq.edu.iq/index.php/main/article/view/699We Need to Talk About Kevin, Trust, mistrust, Erikson, psychosocial development.
spellingShingle Atef Ghalib Mohammad
Navigating the Abyss of Trust and Mistrust: An Analysis of Maternal Relationships in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' through Erik Erikson's Lens
مجلة اداب ذي قار
We Need to Talk About Kevin, Trust, mistrust, Erikson, psychosocial development.
title Navigating the Abyss of Trust and Mistrust: An Analysis of Maternal Relationships in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' through Erik Erikson's Lens
title_full Navigating the Abyss of Trust and Mistrust: An Analysis of Maternal Relationships in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' through Erik Erikson's Lens
title_fullStr Navigating the Abyss of Trust and Mistrust: An Analysis of Maternal Relationships in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' through Erik Erikson's Lens
title_full_unstemmed Navigating the Abyss of Trust and Mistrust: An Analysis of Maternal Relationships in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' through Erik Erikson's Lens
title_short Navigating the Abyss of Trust and Mistrust: An Analysis of Maternal Relationships in 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' through Erik Erikson's Lens
title_sort navigating the abyss of trust and mistrust an analysis of maternal relationships in we need to talk about kevin through erik erikson s lens
topic We Need to Talk About Kevin, Trust, mistrust, Erikson, psychosocial development.
url https://www.jart.utq.edu.iq/index.php/main/article/view/699
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